Abstract: A point of use water purification system including a housing supporting an untreated water container, a removable and disposable filter means and a treated water receiving container all of which are self contained in relation to the housing to enable the housing to be supported from a countertop or other suitable surface at the point of use. The filter means includes multiple compartments with purification media therein with two of the compartments including plate means coated with a photoactivated catalyst, preferrably titanium oxide (TiO.sub.2). An ultraviolet lamp and reflector directs ultraviolet light energy onto the catalyst. Flow control means is provided in the filter means to provide a slow rate of flow thereby providing long time contact between the water being treated and the purification media in the filter means to provide maximum purification efficiency.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing an oil slick from a body of water through the action of gravity employing a platform supporting an accumulator which platform is substantially vertically movable relative to the surface of a body of water and a sluice gate either directly mounted on the accumulator or mounted on a tethered raft that is interconnected with the accumulator by a flexible hose for receiving portions of the oil slick.

Abstract: The apparatus has a column (1) of closed interior. Pipe (7b) leading into its upper part to admit liquid of higher density, and pipe (7a) leading into the lower part to admit liquid of lower density. Pipes (8, 10) emerge from the lower part to discharge liquid of higher density, and from its upper part to discharge liquid of lower density. Level control and propelling force adjusting mechanism (9) is connected with the pipe discharging liquid of higher density. Dispersing-mixing elements surrounding cells are beneath and above each other in the column (1). Pulsator (4) is connected with the lower part of column (1). The dispersing-mixing elements are formed by discs (5) having elastic tongues (13a) in the plane of discs capable for vibration and to move out of the disc's plane during vibration, and gap (14) runs along the periphery of the tongues (13a).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for effecting liquid-liquid contact in a plurality of stages between heavy and light liquid streams is provided wherein said streams are capable of undergoing mass transfer with one another or constituents in either stream are capable of reaction therebetween and where either of said streams can be intercirculated or intracirculated through each stage.

Abstract: A self washing water storage tank has a floor, a cylindrical, generally upright, peripheral concrete wall which sits on the floor and extends around and defines a water storage chamber, and a concrete roof that is mounted atop the wall in substantial covering relationship to the chamber. The roof is essentially flat and has an internal surface which faces the chamber. The tank is arranged such that during the fill cycle the water level rises to a high water level which is above the interior surface of the roof so that such surface is washed during each fill cycle to prevent damage from corrosive gases which may escape from the water and accumulate on the interior surfaces of the tank above the water level.

Abstract: A liquid-liquid contacting apparatus is provided having the capacity to control and contain a fire occurring within a separator vessel. Mixing of two liquid phases such as an organic and an aqueous solution may be advantageously conducted when the two phases are supplied at steady flow rates. Variations in the rates of supply of the phases are compensated for by pumping each liquid at a constant flow rate higher than the maximum flow rate provided by the supply, and permitting recirculation of a disengaged phase in the amount necessary to meet the demand of the system. The organic solution having a lower density than the aqueous solution rises within a separator vessel and may be ignited upon its upper surface. By flooding the vessel with a third nonflammable liquid such as water, the liquid level within the vessel is raised until the organic solution is removed by flowing over a channel weir within the vessel and is drained away through a fluid trap.

Abstract: Contaminated liquid or sludge clarification is accomplished by the use of a basic one or a series of operatively connected and vertically extending units or devices of the invention, each of which employs a hose that is spiraled around a cylindrical container wall whose upper end is open to an overflow weir from which recovery of lower specific gravity clarified liquid is effected and whose lower end is open and connected to a cone or funnel-shaped wall that defines a receiving and delivering chamber for separated-out heavier specific gravity contaminating liquid, sediment, viscous or thickened material. The hose of the basic unit is adapted at its upper end to receive the contaminated liquid, sludge or the like and any suitable chemical flocculant, precipitant, or coagulant, such as a polyelectrolyte, that may be injected or added to the contaminated liquid before it is introduced therein.

Abstract: A water treatment device comprising a slow sand filter in fluid flow combination with a nanofilter for water pretreatment purposes. The nanofilter is surrounded by a housing spacedly arranged thereto which housing is capped at each end and axially aligned with and connected to a T-shaped pipe fitting at each end thereof. A pipe is arranged to extend axially through the T-shaped fittings, the caps and the nanofilter which pipe is apertured along that portion thereof in said nanofilter. Water fed from the slow sand filter into one T-shaped fitting is directed inwardly and laterally through the nanofilter with the purified water flowing through the apertures of the pipe with a discarded portion of the water being conducted through the second T-shaped pipe fittings out of the device for disposal purposes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the simultaneous purification of air and water, using a plurality of compartments arranged in a series extending from a first to a last compartment. Each compartment is partially filled with a biologically active material. Air and water to be purified are introduced into the first compartment into a lower portion thereof. Each said compartment other than the last compartment has outlets for air and water adjacent an upper portion thereof communicating with conduits for conveying air and water to a lower portion of the next compartment in the series. Each compartment other than the last has a closed top such that air can leave only through the conduits and pass to a lower portion of the next compartment. The last compartment has outlets adjacent an upper portion thereof for purified air and water.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for effecting liquid-liquid contact in a plurality of stages between heavy and light liquid streams is provided wherein said streams are capable of undergoing mass transfer with one another or constituents in either stream are capable of reaction therebetween and where either of said streams can be intercirculated or intracirculated through each stage.

Abstract: A vibratory filtering screen assembly comprises an upwardly inclined member (12) on which is mounted the main filtering screen (14). At the exit (16) of the main screen is a secondary screen module (20) comprising a plurality of transverse supports (22) of rectangular section on which is mounted a screen (24) held in position by a silicon beading (26). Surrounding the secondary screen is a perimeter border or dam (28) for containing the discharge which is passed on to the secondary screen. In operation slurry is fed onto the main screen (12) where vibration passes it to exit (16). Wet solids components of the slurry drop into the secondary screen (20) where the vibration continues to dry out the solid particles, waste liquid being diverted away by a plate (30).

Abstract: An installation for collecting oil or fuel spilled on the sea comprising an oil collecting stage, a first tank and a second tank as cascades, a suction pump and a final tank for separation of oil from water all of which are connected with pipes in the set forth order. The oil collecting stage comprises at least one platform holding a funnel in the center to collect mixture of the oil and water on the surface of the sea and to introduce them to the submerged first tank through a first flexible tubular pipe. The platform is provided with plural buoys which are equally spaced around the platform and connected to retractile cables linking with a descending cable at a junction. The descending cable is guided along with the first flexible pipe into the first tank to be mounted on a pulley secured to the bottom of the first tank and to be fixed to the bottom of a first float in the first tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stabilizing sludge such as the sludge produced by municipal waste water treatment plants includes thickening of the sludge to a dry solid content in the range of 3% to 8% before feeding it to at least one comparatively small reactor tank that extends horizontally and has an inlet and outlet adjacent opposite end walls. The system preferably utilizes multiple tanks stacked one above the other and connected in series. The tanks have an in-built mixer that sweeps through the interior of the tank. The mixer is eccentrically mounted so that its mixing members carry the sludge through the uppermost portion of the tank interior and are spaced from the bottom surface of the tank. A sparger is located either in the inlet or in the bottom clearance of the tank to introduce microscopic bubbles of oxygen and ozone into the sludge. A pressure regulating valve controls the flow of the stabilize sludge from the uppermost reactor tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating contaminants from contaminant entrained flows including an inclined longitudinally extending filtering trough with a floating conveyor disposed therein, the trough having a lower inlet and upper outlet and being pivotally mounted intermediate its extremities relative a sump so that the lower portion of the trough extends into the sump with the conveyor driven at its lower extremity from a power source adjacent the pivot area and in spaced relation from the trough outlet.

Abstract: Biological sewage treatment plant comprising at least one treatment or aeration tank (1, 2, 3,) for the biological process, having an inlet (6, 7) for sewage, an outlet (14, 8) for treated water and a conduit (1, 2, 3) for air supply down in each treatment tank. There is also provided a settling tank (4) with a conduit (10) for feeding back sludge from the bottom thereof to a preceeding treatment tank (1), said air supply conduit in each treatment tank (1, 2, 3) being provided with its outlet (1A, 2A, 3A) adjacent to a vertical wall in the treatment tank. A baffle plate (11A, 12A, 13A) extends from a level above the operational water level in the treatment tank at an inclination downwards-inwards towards a vertical wall part in the tank opposite said vertical tank wall, for establishing a clarifier chamber (11, 12, 13) which is separated from the main part of the tank, but communicates with the latter through a lower opening in the clarifier chamber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating immiscible liquids such as water from oil such as lubricating oil or diesel and fuel oil contained in a reservoir, including an outlet adjacent the lowest part of the reservoir, a first conduit having an inlet connected to the outlet of the reservoir, and a first conduit outlet where a selected segment of the conduit between the conduit inlet and outlet is of reduced diameter, and where a segment of the conduit intermediate the inlet and outlet is offset downwardly, a vertically disposed elongate separator having a midsection of selected diameter with an inlet connected to the outlet of the first conduit, a first receiver having a diameter greater than the diameter of the midsection and having an inlet communicating with the midsection where the first receiver is located above the midsection and a second receiver located beneath the receiver having a diameter greater than the midsection, with an inlet communicating with the midsection where the first receiver includes an en

Abstract: A water-filtering apparatus comprising two substantially identical containers each with a water-dispensing valve on the side near the bottom, and a hole in the top. A filter is rested in the hole of the first of the containers. The second container is filled through its hole with water, elevated by some means such as a table or box above the first container, and the water is allowed to flow out of the upper valve, through the filter and into the lower container.

Abstract: An arrangement for operation to reduce organic contaminant concentration in water passing therethrough as provided. The arrangement includes at least one reactor comprising a plurality of treatment chambers oriented in series, each chamber including an upstream downcomer portion and a downstream column portion separated by a wall member. Fluid flow is provided between a downcomer portion and the column portion. Means are provided such that water can flow through any associated chamber by introduction into an upper portion of the downcomer portion of the chamber, with passage downwardly to a feed space and a bottom portion of the column portion of the chamber and upwardly through the column portion. The water then flows outwardly from the chamber, into a next downstream chamber if one is provided.

Abstract: A device for separating the oil from an oil/water mixture collected in the bilge of a marine craft immediately prior to draining water from the craft in order to meet U.S. Coast Guard standards and eliminate or substantially reduce the discharge of pollutants, such as oil, into waterways when the bilge pump of the marine craft is activated in the conventional manner.

Abstract: In apparatus for mixing and then separating different flow streams, such as solvent extraction apparatus, a cascade of contactors and jet pumps are arranged in counter-current flow mode. The same one flow stream is applied to the drive port of each jet pump in the cascade and the other flow stream is applied to the suction port of each jet pump in the cascade. The jet pumps in the cascade increase in size from a high pressure to a low pressure end of the cascade so that the suction pressure required at successive jet pumps is reduced.

Abstract: A water supply station is provided with series connected reservoirs for receiving and storing potable water or the like under different temperature conditions. The station includes a first reservoir for receiving an incoming water flow, and a second reservoir coupled to the first reservoir via an overflow conduit. When the first reservoir reaches a substantially filled condition, additional water flow spills through the overflow conduit for passage into the second reservoir. The water within the two reservoirs is maintained under different conditions, such as at selected cold and hot temperatures, respectively, ready for immediate dispensing through appropriate dispensing valves. The water supply station is particularly adapted for use as a countertop unit wherein the reservoirs respectively store water for immediate dispensing and use, for example, in cold or hot beverages.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying and neutralizing residues from furnaces burning liquid or gaseous fuels comprising a settling tank having an inlet for the liquid containing the residues, at least one oil absorption body in the settling tank, and a clean water tank separated from the settling tank by at least one filter. The pH in the clean water tank is raised, and a filtration unit contains activated carbon between the clean water tank and outlet.

Abstract: A paint waste separating and collecting apparatus comprising a separator tank for receiving cleaning water laden with paint waste and discharged from a cleaning device, and a circulating passage for supplying cleaning water stripped of the paint waste from the separator tank to the cleaning device.

Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating a suspension consisting of a hollow cylinder in which one or more tubes of a constant outward diameter extend in axial direction, in the wall of each tube at least one filter being mounted forming the only direct connection between the interior of the tube and the interior of the cylinder. Two or more of such apparatus can be connected in series in order to form a cascade.

Abstract: A fluidic contactor comprising a vortex stage and a separator stage. The vortex stage is in the form of a vortex chamber whereby fluids of different densities when introduced into the chamber through one or more tangential inlets are caused to swirl through the chamber before passing into the separator stage which is in the form of a column forming an extension of an axial outlet from the vortex chamber. In passing along the column the fluids become separated and emerge through separated outlets at the end of the column remote from the chamber. The fluids can be mixed together before entry into the chamber or separate fluids can be intimately mixed together in swirling through the chamber, in each case to permit mass transfer of constituents between the fluids.

Abstract: A fluid filter apparatus uses an outer container configured to receive a removable columnar-like filter having its largest filter elements located at the bottom and its finest filter elements located at the top, from which a port communicates to a space within the housing, outwardly of the filter, for storing the cleaned fluid. The fluid to be cleaned passes through the columnar filter through a pipe through a space immediately below the filter. A pan-like dish communicates to the upper portion of the pipe to receive the fluid to be cleaned. A valve communicates to the storage area adjacent the inner walls of the housing and is used to draw off the cleaned fluid when required.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for aerating flowing water which includes a plurality of successive aerating chambers having divider baffles therein to direct the flowing water downwardly while introducing a flow of oxygen and water thereto and permit the oxygen level in the flowing water to be maximized.

Abstract: The fluidizing speed of water inside a flocculation basin of a water treatment process plant is adjusted in accordance with the state of flocculation inside the flocculation basin. The state of flocculation is determined by taking a plurality of pictures within a predetermined period by an ITV disposed inside the basin, recognizing a sufficiently large number of flocs from the pictures thus taken, calculating the particle diameters of the flocs and determining the particle diameter distribution from the result of calculation. The judgement signal is used as a signal for adjusting the water fluidizing speed.

Abstract: A waste water control method and means comprising three basic units, a first unit including a flush booth wherein a radiator, or the like, may be exteriorly sprayed and/or interiorly flushed in the usual manner, and a multi-compartmented sump arranged for receiving the fluid draining from the spraying and/or flushing operation; a second unit including a first settling compartment wherein the fluid from the sump is received for a separation of heavy particles or components of the fluid from lighter components thereof, the lighter components of the fluid being directed to a first holding compartment for a chemical bath treatment thereof to substantially eliminate undesirable organic matter from the fluid; and a third unit including a second settling compartment for receiving the fluid from the first holding compartment to provide a final separation of heavier components of the fluid from the lighter components thereof, and a second holding compartment in communication with the second settling compartment for re

Abstract: A device for cleaning livestock dipping solution which includes means for pumping contaminated solution from a livestock dipping vat to a tank with settling compartments, the first of which has a deflector pan into which the entering solution is directed to prevent disturbance of settled materials and the last of which comprises a pair of removable screens for trapping animal hair and removing the hair while one screen remains in place. The solution is constantly cleaned and recycled through the vat resulting in the elimination of the need to manually clean the dipping vat. Cleanout pipes in each compartment, elevating means, gravity flow, and a security cover are also provided.

Abstract: Waste disposal apparatus suitable for the collection of waste from a vacuum sewer system, which comprises a tank (1) having a waste inlet (2) and a waste outlet (10, 12) and means (4) for reducing pressure in the tank such that, in use, the waste inlet is above the level of waste in the tank and reduced pressure is maintained above the waste level and waste can thereby be drawn through the waste inlet, in which the tank further comprises an air inlet (6) through which air can be caused to pass into, and thereby cause aerobic digestion of, waste in the tank.

Abstract: Biological fermentation of organic matter is conducted in a single, unitary, integral vessel with both aerobic and anaerobic processes being conducted within that single vessel. Heat generated in the aerobic process is used to maintain the temperature of the anaerobic process at a desired level, and high molecular weight organic materials are reduced to matter having low molecular weight in that aerobic process. Low molecular weight material is transferred to a chamber in the vessel to be fermented in the anaerobic process.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying BOD-containing water by the action of activated sludge, which includes a vessel for containing activated sludge-containing liquid, and an aerator which is installed in the vessel. The aerator has a bubbler which successively takes out the liquid in the vessel for causing the liquid to absorb oxygen, and a settler which calmly returns the oxygen-rich liquid into the vessel.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the treatment of friable particulate organic matter such as cottage cheese curd or casein with liquids as by separation of the matter from the liquid in which it may be formed (e.g. whey) and further contacting with a liquid (e.g. a wash liquid such as water), the apparatus being designed to minimize break up of particles into "fines". This is achieved by providing an even non-turbulent flow of friable matter through a series of liquid contacting and separation zones. The separation of the friable matter from liquid is effected on perforate concave screens the perforations of which have outlets larger than their inlets, each screen being disposed in a generally downward direction immediately following a contacting zone in the form of a trough, each screen feeding separated matter into the next trough. The first trough may be solely the deceleration of the liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus constructable in situ for filtering pollutants from a flowing creek or stream, comprising one or more adjacent and/or cascaded flume-type boxes supported by the stream bed, each of which boxes comprises parallel sides, top and bottom spacers, at least one upwardly sloping ramp between the sides to form a weir edge, and one or more replaceable porous trays containing a filtering or pollutant-removing medium located directly beneath the weir edge. A slotted cover for the trays uniformly distributes the stream's contaminated water over and onto the filtering medium and a screen bottom for the trays retains the filter medium therein. The apparatus is positioned in the stream so that all the water in the stream will flow into the box or boxes, up the ramp, over the weir edge or edges, and downwardly through the filter trays before resuming its course along the stream bed.

Abstract: The invention is an improved controlled natural purification system for an advanced wastewater treatment and protein conversion and recovery. The system provides for treating municipal wastewater and associated organic industrial discharges anaerobically and aerobically. The system consists of such treatments in a tank complex where the waste organics are reduced to inorganic forms available for microalgae culture in tanks uniquely designed for rapid growth. The system includes a recovery mechanism to recover the algae for food purposes. Utilizing organic wastewater as the renewable resource, the system has the potential to develop from a wastewater treatment process that removes excess nutrients, producing reusable water and a commercially valuable algal by-product, to large scale algae farming cost-effectively producing millions of tons per year of sterile, stable, high protein algal foodstuff.

Abstract: A process for chemical enrichment of uranium with respect to a lighter one of its isotopes. The process consists in contacting uranium of valence state III and uranium of valence state IV, or a compound of uranium of valence state III and a different compound of uranium of valence state III. One of the phases which are contacted or the only phase is liquid. The system should be substantially free of elements which would cause uranium III to oxidize to valence IV.

Abstract: An apparatus for enriching dissolved oxygen in water which comprises a plurality of dissolving devices, each of which comprises: (a) a pair of vertically arranged tubular bodies, the lower end of the first tubular body being provided with an inlet through which raw water is introduced and the lower end of the second tubular body being provided with an outlet for discharging oxygen enriched water; (b) a tube connecting the interior of both tubular bodies at the central portions thereof; (c) a bubbler disposed in the interior of the first tubular body for flowing an oxygen enriched gas into the raw water and for moving the raw water into the second tubular body through the connecting tube; (d) a pipe for connecting the top portions of the tubular bodies which form a chamber for the gas above the liquid level of the raw water in each of the tubular bodies; (e) a means for supplying an oxygen enriched gas into the chamber in the second tubular body; and (f) a means for supplying the gas in the chambers to the bub

Abstract: The invention provides a septic tank system of greatly improved effectiveness in maintaining optimum bacterial action for a maximum length of time by utilizing a plurality of series connected tanks with the water level in each successive tank being lower than that in the first tank so that gravity flow is established between the successive tanks. A unique transfer means is provided between each of the successive tanks comprising one or more horizontal pipes having their inlet ends closed, and each horizontal pipe having one or more horizontal slots formed in the wall thereof at a level above the bottom of the pipe bore to permit the removal of scum through said slots by entrainment and/or suction action of the fluid flowing through the transfer pipe, thereby permitting gases to freely escape through the scum from the effluent surface of each tank and preventing the deleterious effects of trapped gases upon the biodegradation action normally produced in each successive septic tank.

Abstract: Oil and other contaminants are separated from aqueous effluents by a system which includes means for introducing the contaminated aqueous effluents into a separation zone where they are passed through the labyrinth course of a coalescing chamber to separate oil particles. The oil is removed by means of a skimmer and moved into an oil storage area. The aqueous effluents are then passed from the bottom of the separation zone to an extraction zone where they are passed through a bed of a material capable of adsorbing hydrocarbons and other pollutants. The effluent may then be discarded or may be moved through a fail safe system designed to assure that hydrocarbon removal is complete in all instances.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for removing organic waste from a stream of water and for growing Tubifex worms, Chironomidae larvae, infusoria and other like organisms. The apparatus comprises a plurality of pans with each successive pan displaced below the preceding pan so that water is allowed to run therethrough. Dividers are positioned within the pans to entenuate the channel in which the water flows. The organisms are added to collect organic waste, digest it and thereby clear the water. After the organisms multiply to the extent of having a population in excess of the numbers optimal for filtering, the excess is removed from the pans and used as a source of protein for animal feeding.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system of the activated sludge type is disclosed having an aeration basin provided with staggered partitions and of a particular geometrical design and mode of operation whereby more efficient purification of the wastewater may be achieved in a system of a given size.

Abstract: The peripheral surface of a coil of a filter web wound about a hollow shaft is covered by a liquid impervious flexible coating, and the outer periphery of a first end of the coil is secured to a supporting disc so that when liquid to be filtered is caused to pass through the coil in the axial direction thereof, the convolutions of the coil near a second end expand radially outwardly to trap contaminants in the spiral gap. Purified liquid collected at the first end of the coil is discharged through the hollow shaft. The filter unit is constructed such that a number of units can be readily connected in series.

Abstract: A liquid aeration device comprises a receiver chamber having bottom and side walls and arranged to receive liquid to be aerated and including an aerator wall in which orifice means is formed through which water to be aerated flows, a vertically disposed downcomer conduit atop which said receiver chamber is mounted and which is arranged to receive water by free fall flowing through said orifice means and downwardly into said downcomer and a vertically disposed riser conduit concentrically arranged about said downcomer conduit with its lower end in communication with the lower end of said downcomer conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing grit and fiber from waste activated sewage sludge prior to introduction into a centrifuge for further separation. Grit removal is accomplished by hydrocyclones and fiber removal is carried out on a 300.degree. screen. The hydrocyclones and screen, together with connecting conduits, are conveniently mounted on a supporting frame for facilitating transportation of the unit and for maintaining the predetermined structural relationships of the various members.

Abstract: A liquid aeration device includes a head box having a bottom wall, a pair of spaced side walls interconnected with the bottom wall, and a pair of spaced transverse walls interconnected with the side and bottom walls to form a receiver chamber into which liquid to be aerated is fed and from which such liquid passes through orifice means formed in one transverse wall of the head box from whence the liquid by free fall passes through an entry chamber and enters a vertically disposed downcomer conduit interconnected at its bottom with a pressure chamber to which a vertically disposed riser conduit is also connected.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating a liquid with a gas wherein a liquid feed is introduced to the initial stage of a multi-stage device for dissolving the gas in the liquid. Efficient mass transfer is achieved by effecting a gas-liquid counter flow in serial stages of the dissolution device. The effluent from the dissolution device exhibits a relatively high dissolved gas concentration which gas is subsequently consumed by the liquid in a reaction tank. A liquid recycle line is provided for returning and combining treated liquid with the incoming feed thereby enabling further dissolution of the gas in the liquid. In the course of treating wastewater with ozone, a flotation clarifier may be provided with the initial stage of the dissolution device to enable the surface coagulation of impurities in the wastewater feed. The coagulants may be skimmed prior to introducing wastewater into subsequent stages of the dissolution device, thereby substantially reducing the ultimate ozone demand of the wastewater.