Abstract: The present invention relates to modification to permeate channels and permeate materials in a cross-flow filtration system to improve performance in counter current filtration having both retentate channels and permeate channels wherein a solution is pumped through one of the channels and drawn through a membrane to one of the other channels to assist in positive pressure driven filtration by using the osmotic pressure, concentration, or preferential solubility difference between the retentate and permeate flow streams thereby increasing or altering the flux through the membrane separating the flow streams.

Abstract: An espresso coffee machine is described, said machine comprising a pump (1) for pumping water, a dispensing group (25) configured to cooperate with a portafilter (35), wherein said portafilter (35) is configured to support a filter (40) loaded with coffee powder, a coffee boiler (15) in fluid communication with said dispensing group (25), a water dispensing system (16, 28, 29, 30) for supplying hot water from said coffee boiler (15) to said portafilter; and a system (16, 31, 6, 33, 14) for supplying steam to said dispensing group (25) so as to perform cleaning of at least a part of said water dispensing system (16, 28, 29, 30).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air admittance valve (AAV) that operates automatically at low pressures to selectively open and close an air passageway between an inlet and an outlet. The AAV comprises a valve body having a centrally disposed, internal valve chamber in communication with the ambient environment, and having a valve seat. The AAV includes a sealing member having a flexible diaphragm that is fastened to a support ring, the ring defining one or more lugs on an outer periphery thereof. The AAV further includes a cap member within which the sealing member may be disposed, such that the one or more lugs may interact with an interior surface of the cap. The sealing member may selectively seal or unseal from the valve seat in response to pressure differentials between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for detecting a damage of a filter fabric (8) of a disc filter (1) at a disc filter unit comprising disc filters. The arrangement includes a measurement bar (20) that includes two or more microphones (21), a store (45) including stored sound samples, at least one alarming means and a processing arrangement (43) for analyzing online sound or sound samples captured by the microphones (21). The processing arrangement (43) is connected to the microphones (21), the store (45) and the at least one alarming means. A method is also disclosed for detecting a damage of a filter fabric (8) of a disc filter (1) at a disc filter unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide the integration of arbitrary flow directing patterns, deposited or integrated on or into the porous permeate spacer in a spiral-wound membrane separation element.

Abstract: A filtration cell (10) for a biological sample including an upper chamber for receiving the biological sample to be filtered, a lower chamber in fluid communication with the upper chamber, and a filtration membrane (14) positioned between the upper chamber and the lower chamber is disclosed. A surface of the filtration membrane has a contact angle >90°. The flow of the biological sample through the upper chamber may be tangential to the filtration membrane and a filtrate passing through the filtration membrane may be collected in the lower chamber. Also, a method of filtering a biological sample including passing the biological sample through an upper chamber of a filtration cell as described above and collecting a filtrate in the lower chamber is disclosed.

Abstract: A modular support structure comprising multiple chord or arc modules configured to selectively fixedly engage adjacent modules to define a completed annular support structure configured to support a rotary element of a rotary filter. The modular chord or arc segments may fixedly engaged an adjacent chord or arc segment through a fixing mechanism selected from the group consisting of: fasteners, clamps, pins, bolts, locks, locking mechanisms, key and socket mechanisms, spot welding, welding, adhesives, and other fastening mechanisms configured to engage and disengage adjacent chord or arc modules with ease.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to sanitizing the permeate flow path of a reverse osmosis system. A method of sanitizing a filtration system is disclosed that can include injecting a biocide into a permeate compartment of an operating reverse osmosis system. The method can also include maintaining pressure in a concentrate compartment of the reverse osmosis system simultaneously while injecting the biocide.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a processing unit (14) for a dispenser (10) for preparation of foodstuff products, comprising a receiving cavity (17) for receiving a consumable (30), the receiving cavity (17) comprising at least a first receiving portion (18) and at least a first fastening portion (20), a sealing unit (22) arranged to contact, at an inlet side (28), a first end (78) of the consumable (30), a primary inlet engagement unit (46) that is coupled to an inlet conduit (44), wherein the primary inlet engagement unit (46) is operable to engage the inlet portion (140) of the consumable (30) to process a foodstuff product in the consumable (30), an outlet engagement arrangement (48) comprising a primary outlet engagement unit (50) that engages a primary outlet portion (142) of the consumable (30) and an auxiliary outlet engagement unit (52) that engages an auxiliary outlet portion (144) of the consumable (30) at the outlet side (29), and a control unit (58) that is coupled to the auxiliary outlet enga

Abstract: The present application relates to a fuel flow system. In particular, the application relates to a fuel flow system for an aircraft. The fuel flow system has a fuel conduit having a fuel inflow and a fuel outflow along which a fuel/water mix is configured to flow from the fuel inflow to the fuel outflow. The fuel conduit is fluidly communicable with a fuel tank. A peripheral conduit surrounds at least part of the fuel conduit. A water-permeable member is disposed between the fuel conduit and the peripheral conduit. The water-permeable member enables water from the fuel/water mix to flow through the water-permeable member from the fuel conduit into the peripheral conduit, but at least substantially prevents liquid fuel from the fuel/water mix from doing so.

Abstract: Inspection chamber for a pipe structure for drainage or sewerage, the chamber having an inspection entrance at a first side for connecting up with an inspection shaft, the chamber further being provided with a feet-structure at a second side, the first side and the second side being opposite sides of the inspection chamber, the feet-structure comprising at least two feet which are in combination configured for: stabilizing the inspection chamber when positioned on a supporting ground in such a way that the inspection entrance is at an upper position, therewith hindering sideways falling of the inspection chamber; and maintaining the manufactured shape of the inspection entrance of another one of such an inspection chamber when the feet-structure is placed in a mating position with the inspection entrance of that other one of such an inspection chamber, for instance during storage and/or transport thereof; and of which each foot itself is configured for: resisting sinking of the inspection chamber into a sandy

Abstract: A regenerative filter that includes a filter housing having inlet and outlet zones; a fluid path provided between the inlet and outlet zones; a plurality of filter elements each having an outer surface filter media applied thereto and functioning to filter particulate or contaminants from the fluid path; and a tube sheet that is supported across the filter housing, that is disposed just before the outlet zone and that provides the support for the plurality of filter elements. The plurality of filter elements are disposed in an array and includes bridging members or elements that connect between adjacent filter elements, and that forms with the filter elements, a closed interstitial space between adjacent filter elements for liquid flow; a nanoscale barrier on interior surfaces, including that of the regenerative media itself, providing a mechanism to disrupt the cell wall of microscopic viruses and organisms.

Abstract: Self-supporting structure comprising a monobloc for installing cylindrical filtration cartridges therein. In one embodiment a structure provides two side panels on each side of the monobloc used for sealing the numerous passageways, at the same time, provided within the monobloc. Such a structure aims to sharply reduce the number of components required to install cylindrical filtration cartridges in a filtration plant, while keeping the same number of cartridges. Thus the invention contributes to highly reduce the investment and the maintenance costs of a filtration plant, and offers also the opportunity to reduce the operational cost of such a plant.

Abstract: A container for selective transport of samples of biological material or of biological origin suitable for containing at least a fluid or liquid and/or for containing at least a portion of a collecting device, the container having a selective passage portion configured to prevent exit of a fluid or liquid from the container, through the passage portion, at least in at least an operating sealed condition defined at least by a rest state of the container or by a first value of mechanical shaking of the container and/or by a first value of relative centrifugal force to which the container is subjected, and configured selectively to enable exit of the fluid or liquid from the container, across the passage portion, at least in an operating passage condition, defined at least by a corresponding second state of mechanical shaking of the container and/or wherein the container is subjected to a corresponding second relative centrifugal force.

Abstract: An asymmetric membrane having a substantially non-porous surface layer is made by a method including: dissolving a poly(phenylene ether) copolymer in a solvent mixture including a first solvent and a second solvent to provide a membrane-forming composition; and phase-inverting the membrane forming composition in a first non-solvent to form the membrane comprising a substantially non-porous surface layer. The first solvent is a water-miscible polar aprotic solvent, and the second solvent is a polar solvent having two to eight carbon atoms.

Abstract: A pellet dryer is provided having a housing with an inlet and a two separate outlets for discharging dried pellets and fluid, a vertical bladed rotor for centrifugally separating fluid by a screen surrounding the bladed rotor, an outlet duct connected to the outlet opening for the dried pellets, and a curved outlet guidance plate close to the top of the housing. The outlet guidance plate extends from a central position above the screen through the pellet outlet opening into the outlet duct to smooth transitional movement of the pellets between the upper end of the screen and the outlet duct.

Abstract: In a spiral type acidic-gas separation module which is obtained by winding a laminate including an acidic gas separation layer that includes a facilitated transport film, a permeating gas channel member which includes a channel regulation member regulating an acidic gas channel that is a channel of an acidic gas having permeated through the facilitated transport film allows a difference in high-pressure deformation amount between a region where the channel regulation member is formed and a region other than the region to be set to 100 ?m or less. In this manner, an acidic-gas separation module which prevents damage to the facilitated transport film and exhibits a predetermined performance for a long period of time is provided.

Abstract: A gas separation module comprising gas separation elements, said elements comprising at least two membrane sheets and a permeate carrier sandwiched between the membrane sheets, wherein the permeate carrier comprises at least two macroporous layers and a gas-impermeable sheet located between the macroporous layers.

Abstract: A gas separation module comprising one or more gas separation elements, said elements comprising at least two membrane sheets and a permeate carrier sandwiched between the membrane sheets, wherein the contact area of the membrane sheets with the permeate carrier is less than 50%.

Abstract: A membrane filtration device comprising: a retentate plate, a permeate plate, and a membrane sandwiched between the retentate plate and the permeate plate, wherein the retentate plate comprises at least one feed channel extending from a distribution manifold, and at least one drain channel extending from a collection manifold, wherein a feed channel is fluidly connected to a drain channel via through-holes extending from a first side of the retentate plate, from a feed channel, to an opposing second side of the retentate plate, and through-holes extending from the second side of the retentate plate to the first side of the retentate plate, into a drain channel, wherein ridges extend from the retentate plate and/or the permeate plate for supporting the membrane.

Abstract: A separation membrane element includes a water collecting pipe, a separation membrane main body having a feed-side face and a permeate-side face, a feed-side channel material and permeate-side channel materials. The separation membrane main body, the feed-side channel material and the permeate-side channel materials are spirally wound around the water collecting tube. A plurality of the permeate-side channel materials are discontinuously provided on the permeate-side face of the separation membrane main body, along a first direction that is a longitudinal direction of the water collecting pipe. The feed-side channel material has a thickness of from 0.15 to 0.5 mm.

Abstract: A method and device treats cancer where blood from a cancer patient passes through an array of passageways within an interior of a chamber. The passageways include wells having porous membrane wall portions that enable a molecular-sized activating agent in a carrier fluid that enhances an immune response to pass through these porous wall portions. Pore size is such to allow the molecular-sized activating agent in the interior of the chamber to enter the wells yet prevents immune cells and cancer cells in the wells to pass through the porous wall portions into the interior of the chamber. Blood is retained in the wells so that it remains in contact with the immune cells and cancer cells for a predetermined period sufficient to enhance an immune response. Then the cells with an enhanced immune response are return to the patient.

Abstract: Multivesicular liposomes are prepared at commercial scales by combining a first w/o emulsion with a second aqueous solution to form a w/o/w emulsion using a static mixer. Solvent is removed from the resulting emulsion to form multivesicular liposome-containing compositions. Further optional process steps include primary filtration and secondary cross-flow filtration. The products produced according to the processes of the invention can be produced through a series of aseptic steps.

Abstract: Process for producing an injection water for an oil reservoir by pressurizing water having a total dissolved solids content of 20,000 to 45,000 ppm and a sulfate concentration of 1,000 to 4,000 ppm to 350 to 1250 psi absolute; and dividing the water into first and second feeds for reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) units respectively. The units are operated in single-pass, single-stage mode or single-pass, two-stage mode, the NF permeate has a pressure at least 5 psi higher than the RO permeate, and the recoveries of the RO and NF permeates are 35 to 75% and 35 to 60% by volume respectively. RO permeate and NF permeate are mixed in a ratio of 2:1 to 40:1 to provide injection water having a TDS content of 500 to 5,000 ppm, and a sulfate concentration of less than 7.5 ppm.

Abstract: A modular design for a floor sink frame and grate assembly. The standard floor grate sizes are whole, one half, and three-quarter. Instead of stocking each of these sizes, the present invention provides a modular system where individual pieces can be stocked and combined to form all of the above configurations.

Abstract: An independent blood filter device depends on flow geometry to deliver blood serum or plasma free of detrimental levels of hemoglobin. It depends critically on an upstream flow rate or pressure differential limiting control element or device that limits the rate of change of pressure differential across the filter element. Pre-evacuated versions can be used to simultaneously draw blood from a living being and provide pressure differential across the filter element between an evacuated collector and a supply end open to atmosphere. A unit pressurized by hand motion employs the external shape of a partially filled blood collection tube as a piston to produce pressure in advance of the control element or device to create the pressure differential across the filter element to a collector vented to atmosphere. The control element or device is disclosed in numerous forms, including specially sized flow constrictions and compliant arrangements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to portable filtration units including filter components mated with retentate and permeate flow channels wherein particle containing solutions are introduced into the portable filtration units and contacted with the filter components for filtration thereby producing a retentate outflow and a permeate outflow for capture of desired end product.

Abstract: An oil filter reservoir includes a reservoir housing having a filter, which divides the housing into an oil inlet chamber and an oil outlet chamber. A housing inlet and a housing outlet circulate oil in and out of the reservoir housing. The filter includes a permeable wall and a bypass valve, which releases the increased oil pressure and volume in the inlet chamber during cold temperature operation. A baffle in the outlet chamber is spaced apart from the bypass valve and permits limited oil flow through the baffle. The baffle separates the outlet chamber into a reserve chamber and a bypass chamber.

Abstract: The supply device for dialysis apparatuses, comprising a permeate line and at least one concentrate line for supplying permeate and dialysis concentrate(s) to a dialysis apparatus to be mixed so as to obtain dialysis liquid, and comprising a waste water line for discharging waste water out of the dialysis apparatus, is characterized in that the waste water line is in communication with a substantially funnel-shaped outlet container into which the waste water falls in a free fall, thereby impinging on an inclined wall section of the outlet container. Virtually no noise is created that would be noticed by a patient, and a pivotable door is preferably arranged at the outlet container for permitting the taking of samples in an easy way from the outlet container by means of small test rods.

Abstract: An oil reservoir having an oil inlet fitting and at least one oil outlet fitting for connecting to a hydraulic system. The reservoir comprising a housing having a lower housing part and a reservoir cover which is connected to the lower housing part and includes an integrated oil filter. An oil filler neck, which can be closed by a cap, is configured on the housing cover. The reservoir housing is equipped with at least one guide element which is attached to at least one inside wall of the reservoir housing and forms a circular guidance track for the oil. This guidance track forces the oil flow in a circular manner, after entering the reservoir and passing through the oil filter but before exiting the oil reservoir, such that any air which may be present is separated from the oil and can exit the oil reservoir via an air outlet.

Abstract: In a humidifying membrane module, a humidifying membrane having plural hollow fiber membranes bundled together is housed in a humidifying membrane chassis having a cylindrical outer periphery, and the humidifying membrane chassis is housed in an assembly chassis having a cylindrical inner periphery. The assembly chassis has an inlet port for taking air that is made to flow into hollow parts of the humidifying membrane, an outlet port for discharging the air, an inlet port for taking an off-gas that is made to flow in gaps in the humidifying membrane, and an outlet port for discharging the off-gas. The air and the off-gas flow in flow paths formed by utilizing the humidifying membrane chassis and the assembly chassis, but are not mixed with each other at positions other than the humidifying membrane owing to annular sealing members provided between the humidifying chassis and the assembly chassis.

Abstract: A water/wastewater filtration tank includes a fluid deflector coupled to the inner surface of the water/wastewater filtration tank to divert fluid traveling along the inner surface of the tank into filter media within the tank. The fluid deflector includes a back plate coupled to a tank wall and a flange extending outwardly from the back plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerating a liquid, particularly for aerating water in a wastewater treatment process, by: introducing the liquid into a primary pressurizable aeration tank; pumping liquid from the primary pressurizable aeration tank into a secondary pressurizable aeration chamber via a feed path; aerating the liquid in the secondary pressurizable aeration chamber; and recirculating aerated liquid from the secondary pressurizable aeration chamber back to the primary pressurizable aeration tank via a return path.

Abstract: A fluid processing system comprising a housing (12) and at least one of a first type and at least one of a second type module, (25-28), The first and second modules having different fluid processing characteristics each module comprising a body of wound layers of a sheet material, said body having an inner and an outer peripheral surface, a first and a second end face, a passage (42, 44) extending along the winding axis of said body and in fluid communication with said inner peripheral surface, the passage of one of the first type and one of the second type modules being closed at one end thereof, said sheet material having a plurality of openings formed therein, said openings forming a first and a second type of channels within the wound layers of sheet material of said body, extending in a direction from the inner peripheral surface to the outer peripheral surface, the first type of channels being open at one end at said outer peripheral surface of the body and closed at the other end located adjacent to sa

Abstract: The contact between, for example, ascending liquid droplets of lighter liquid, as the dispersed phase, and heavier liquid, as the continuous phase, flowing across perforated trays in a flooded liquid/liquid contacting column, is enhanced by providing upstanding baffles on lower trays, interspersed with depending baffles from the trays above. The baffles cause the heavy liquid to flow along an undulating path. Flow distributing partitions extend along the undulating flow path, between the baffles, to distribute liquid flow across the trays. The roles of the lighter liquid and the heavier liquid may be reversed as phases.

Abstract: A pipe separator for separation of a fluid, in particular separation of fluids with non-mixable fluid components such as oil, gas and water, comprising an extended tubular separator body with a diameter that is principally the same as or slightly larger than the diameter of the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe(s) for the separated components from the separator. The separator body, from the inlet to the outlet(s), has a curved path or course in one or more parts of its longitudinal design.

Abstract: The disclosed modular filter may include a filter medium and an external frame structure. The filter medium may form a chamber having a front side, a back side, and a periphery. The filter medium may also have a plurality of fibers. The external frame structure has at least one aperture mounted on at least one of the front side and back side of the chamber in which the external frame structure has a thickness greater than the lengths of the plurality of fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to purification and separation of a fluid flow stream, and more particularly, to a separation system including a device for dispersing the fluid flow and separating pollutants there from. The device includes a vertical screen and baffle wall positioned in a fluid flow stream between the inlet and outlet openings of a chamber. The chamber can include a sump for collecting and storing sediment that is separated from the fluid. The present invention also relates to a method of purifying and separating a fluid flow stream.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to convert the dynamic of residential wastewater treatment processing bacteria from anaerobic to aerobic bacteria in existing single or multiple compartment septic tanks. The apparatus consists of a small self-standing weighted diffuser assembly designed with a center tube having a specific series of vertically lined orifices and a deflector plate that can be lowered through an 8-inch diameter opening by means of the attached flexible airline into an existing septic tank and sit directly on the bottom of the septic tank. A flexible airline attaches the diffuser assembly to a small air pump located outside of the septic tank. When the air pump is activated, air will enter the diffuser assembly and discharge through the orifices a combination of fine and coarse air bubbles. This action causes the wastewater to be forced against the deflector plate and creates a rolling action starting at the bottom of the septic tank and rolling upwards toward the outside of the tank.

Abstract: An oil filter assembly has a bypass valve and a cover formed with an orifice. In order to provide a simple contamination indicator for the oil filter, there is provided a deflection device that deflects an oil jet emerging through the orifice when the bypass valve is open on the outside of the cover. The oil jet can thus be deflected into a region observable through a filling orifice. A contaminated oil filter can therefore be reliably detected on occasion of a quick visual check, by observing the deflected oil jet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for providing a self-cleaning water circulation system which may be utilized for a fish pond, fountain, or the like. Means for automatically cleaning the pump intake to avoid pump failure due to leaves and debris is provided. The circulation system also comprises a self-cleaning filter for cleaning the circulated water whereby maintenance requirements are substantially reduced.

Abstract: A filter cartridge end-of-life mechanism and a filter cartridge assembly for a water treatment device. The end-of-life mechanism comprises a float which is moved along an escapement path each time the device is filled. A counting mechanism connected to the float provides a continuous visual indication of the amount of useful life remaining in the filter cartridge. The cartridge assembly includes a tray detachably connected to a filter cartridge. The tray is positioned beneath the outlet end of the cartridge to remove water treatment particles from the treated water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid-filtration receptacle well-suited for use in centrifugal sample concentration protocols, and particularly, wherein specifiable degrees of sample concentration are sought. Toward this end, the fluid-filtration receptacle is provided with an integral semi-permeable drain capable of being either completely or variably unsealed by a user to allow selective draining of a predetermined corresponding volume of said liquid from said receptacle. The fluid-filtration receptacle is preferably used in combination with a filtrate collection vial. The receptacle fits at least partially within the vial such that liquid (i.e., filtrate) drained from said receptacle collects within said vial.

Abstract: A multi-well assembly according to one embodiment comprises a multi-well block and a guide plate. The multi-well block defines a plurality of wells, with each well having a fluid-impermeable bottom surface. The guide plate defines a plurality of fluid passageways corresponding to the wells of the multi-well block. The guide plate is configured such that, whenever the guide plate is registered with the multi-well block, fluid communication is established between each well and an associated fluid passageway.

Abstract: A filter cartridge end-of-life mechanism and a filter cartridge assembly for a water treatment device. The end-of-life mechanism comprises a float which is moved along an escapement path each time the device is filled. A counting mechanism connected to the float provides a continuous visual indication of the amount of useful life remaining in the filter cartridge. The cartridge assembly includes a tray detachably connected to a filter cartridge. The tray is positioned beneath the outlet end of the cartridge to remove water treatment particles from the treated water.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus for cooking oil includes an open top reservoir 11 mounted to a portable stand 17 having wheels. The reservoir includes a bridge portion 14 supporting a filter housing 30 therein. A pump 31 is mounted to the stand below the reservoir. A flexible conduit 39 is provided for extracting cooking oil from a deep fryer and for discharging cooking oil from the reservoir back to the fryer. The flexible conduit is in fluid communication with the pump 31 via a first rigid conduit 37 and the pump is in fluid communication with the filter housing via a second rigid conduit 42. Advantageously, the rigid conduits are located within the reservoir so that there is little danger of an operator making contact with the conduits and being burned in the normal course of operation. Furthermore any leaks which develop in the conduits will discharge directly into the reservoir. Preferably, a deflector plate 49 is provided above the oil outlet 45 in order to deflect blow-back oil downwardly.

Abstract: A sub-soil wastewater treatment vessel, especially for wastewater produced by single family residences and small businesses and the like. The vessel is divided into at least three contiguous chambers by at least two transverse walls, forming at least two contiguous aeration chambers and a clarifier chamber. Wastewater flows into the first aeration chamber via an influent line, thence through an opening in the first transverse wall into the second aeration chamber. From there, wastewater flows through passages at the bottom of the second transverse wall into the clarifier chamber. Air is supplied to the first and second aeration chambers via low pressure diffuser lines. Three inclined surfaces within the clarifier chamber direct solids through passages in the second transverse wall back into the second aeration chamber for further processing. An effluent line connected to the clarifier chamber permits wastewater outflow.

Abstract: A separator includes a barrier 53 for retaining solid material thereon and an automatic mechanism for alternately preventing and allowing the flow of liquid to the separator outlet. When the flow is prevented, the liquid backs up through the barrier and washes the solids to a solids collection region 55. In one embodiment, the automatic mechanism includes a pivoted flap 101 and, in another embodiment, a siphon.

Abstract: An arrangement (2) for cleansing polluted water that enters into a catch basin includes a container (4), which is intended to be arranged in the catch basin and which has an upper, substantially horizontal intake opening (30) for receiving the downward moving polluted water, and a pollution-absorbing material (6) that is arranged in the container for cleansing polluted water that flows from the intake opening. The arrangement further includes a particle separator (8) which in arranged above the container (4) and which forms an outer surface (18) with a shape such that solid particles in the incoming, polluted water are diverted by the outer surface so that the particles fall outside of the intake opening (30) of the container, whereas water is led in under the particle separator (8) by surface wetting to the outer surface and falls down into the container via its intake opening.

Abstract: A water conditioner includes a tank, and an apparatus for backflushing a bed of particulate material in the tank, which includes a tubular casing, a vertical tube in the casing, a cap on the top end of the casing, suitable valves for causing the flow of particulate material upwardly between the casing and tube, and then through a gap between the casing and cap during a backflush operation, and distributor device including a flexible, collapsible, umbrella-shaped body which is mounted on the casing immediately below the cap, and springs for biasing the body to the open position. Inlet tubes extend outwardly from the bottom of the casing approximately the same distance as the distributor for ensuring even distribution of liquid at the bottom of the bed.