Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating the heavy hydrogen isotope content of the contaminated water by contacting the contaminated water with a molecular separation material including a support medium carrying a plurality of hydration sites having associated waters of hydration, whereby a portion of the waters of hydration are replaced with heavy hydrogen isotope water molecules from the contaminated water. The hydrogen isotope water molecule content of the contaminated water is thus decreased. The molecular separation material is preferably a polymer, such as a polystyrene/divinyl benzene cross-linked polymer, having hydration sites with associated waters of hydration. Preferred hydration sites are obtained by reacting the polymer, which has been sulfonated or phosphonated to create reactive sites, with a salt of, for example, aluminum, sodium, magnesium, copper, zinc, cobalt, iron, nickel, manganese, potassium and chromium.

Abstract: A modular filtering system is provided including modular filter cartridges which can be arranged into filter assemblies of various configurations by interconnecting the filter cartridges in a desired configuration. In one embodiment of the invention, the modular filtering system includes a first filter cartridge, a second filter cartridge and a connector clip that mechanically secures the first filter cartridge to the second filter cartridge. The first filter cartridge includes an outlet port which is hydraulically connected to an input port on the second filter cartridge. Each filter cartridge includes a filter tube, a first end cap attached to one end of the filter tube and a second end cap that is attached to an opposite end of the filter tube. The connector clip can be connected between the first end caps of the filter cartridges, the second end caps of the filter cartridges, or both the first and second end caps of the filter cartridges.

Abstract: Provided are cartridges, apparatuses and methods for purifying a liquid chemical. The cartridges include a conduit connected to receive a flow of a chemical to be purified. A packed section in the conduit comprises a purification material. The ratio of the length of the packed section to the inside diameter of the conduit is from about 8:1 to about 200:1. The flow of the chemical to be purified contacts the purification material, thereby producing a flow of a purified chemical. This invention has particular applicability to the semiconductor manufacturing industry.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system capable of purifying water to a laboratory grade level that uses redox media, high energy catalytic activated carbon, ultraviolet radiation and high purity ion exchange media in series filtration. The system produces purified water having a specific resistance of at least 18.2 megohm·cm at 25° C. with low organic carbon content. The system is designed to be fabricated on a sufficiently small scale to fit on a lab bench top.

Abstract: A filtering device includes a container having an inlet for introducing liquid to be treated, an annular multi-layered prepacked screen assembly provided in the container and having an outlet for treated liquid. The screen assembly includes three or more cylindrical screens having different diameters and being coexially disposed in the container with their axes extending vertically in the container. An annulus is formed between the respective cylindrical screens. Two or more different filter materials performing different filtering functions are filled one in each of the annuluses between the cylindrical screens.

Abstract: A low profile pipe connection improves process performance or substantially reduces reload time for partitioned beds of particulate material separated by distribution/collection grids. This invention is a multi-sectored grid arrangement that connects piping from an intermediate point on each grid sector with a central or peripheral fluid distribution point through the use of a low profile connection. The reduction in diameter of the low profile connection over the usual flanged connection is substantial.

Abstract: A water pollution remediation system includes a plurality of decontamination modules that are self supporting and interconnectable for sequentially removing a plurality of different contaminants. The modules are designed to be independently transportable to a ship for decontaminating bilge water, in particular, after a fire when a foaming fire suppressant composition has been introduced into the bilge water. The modules may be placed on the deck of the ship, connected together and powered by the ship's hydraulic, electric and bilge pumping systems to provide comprehensive decontamination.

Abstract: Device (DME) or panel for collecting, distributing, mixing or drawing off several fluids, at least one main fluid and at least two secondary fluids, that comprises at least: means for collecting a main fluid (3, 9), at least two injection and/or draw-off rails (6, 7) that allow the passage of secondary fluids, at least two mixing chambers (11, 11b) that communicate with injection and/or draw-off rails (6, 7) with orifices or passages (6i, 7i), means (12, 4) for redistributing the fluid that is obtained from said mixing chambers, means (5a, 5b) for separating collecting and redistributing means and draw-off rails (6, 7) are arranged one above the other, and mixing chambers (11a, 11b) are arranged on both sides of the rails and symmetrically relative to the orifices that have an injection function.

Abstract: Regeneration of water treatment media is disclosed which includes a water treatment unit having one or more media therein, and which upon initiation of flow of the water, imparts turbulence and abrasion to the treatment medium to automatically cleanse the medium of light solid contaminants, as well as contaminant coatings on the media. This greatly improves the operation of the media and extends its life. In addition, the water treatment unit disclosed may simply be rotated through any one of a number of positions between service, backwash, flush, off, and/or bypass operational modes for further regeneration of the treatment media.

Abstract: A method for desalination of water or of aqueous solutions derived from industrial process that use two columns: the first treatment column containing a mixed bed of ion exchange resins, in which the cation exchange resins are regenerated, and a second column, into which the anion exchange resins are transferred and regenerated, to be then reintroduced from the bottom into the above mentioned first column, where they rise through the cation exchange resins.

Abstract: A coagulator for receiving water bearing suspended solids and a coagulant and for coagulating the suspended solids includes a coagulation and sedimentation part and an upstream coagulation part. The coagulation and sedimentation part includes a second packing medium accumulation layer with accumulated packing media having a void volume, and a sludge accumulation zone positioned below the second packing medium accumulation layer and configured to receive solids that coagulate from the water and also having a sludge removal opening by which the received coagulated solids may be discharged. The water bearing the coagulant is allowed to flow upward through the second packing medium accumulation layer to coagulate and settle the suspended solids from the water in the sludge accumulation zone.

Abstract: To provide a water purifying cartridge capable of simply attaching to an empty pet bottle which is on sale and is distributed by a large number and even to an empty bottle of a type integrally formed with a seat member without cutting the seat member, the water purifying cartridge includes a flange member having a diameter substantially the same as an outer shape of a spout of an empty bottle and having a thickness portion screwed to fit, in water tight, to an inner portion of a screw cap when the screw cap inherently provided to the empty pet bottle is fitted to a thread portion of the empty pet bottle, a water charging and discharging mouth portion opened to a substantially central portion of the flange member, a hollow neck portion inserted to inside of the spout of the pet bottle successive to the flange member and having projected portions in a shape of a cross or a shape of a line brought into close contact with an inner diameter of the spout by a predetermined length, a filter portion arranged right un

Abstract: A fluid distributing-collecting process using a device for bringing fluids and solids into contact comprises several distributor plates and several panels for mixing, distributing or extracting fluids. The system for practicing the method includes at least one level one chamber in connection with the outside of said device with at least one hose and, at least one level two chamber that is linked with the level one chamber and that comprises one or more connecting hoses of a selected length that are arranged in at least one zone. The zone is identified relative to an angle &agr; relative to a radius of a plate and corresponds to a given angle sector, whereby hose lengths, angle &agr; and the angle sector are selected in accordance with the process so that injected fluid arrives approximately at the same time on all of the panels of the same plate. This process is used for separation of paraxylene in a simulated moving bed.

Abstract: A multimedia fluid treatment unit and rotatable valve are disclosed in which a plurality of discreet containers are removably stacked upon each other and contain various different and distinct water treating media. The rotatable valve is rotatable between either of three positions one of which is a service position for routing the water to be treated through the unit for treatment, a second of which is a rinse position for rinsing the media in the unit, and a third of which is a backwash position for backwashing and/or regenerating the media.

Abstract: An internally plumbed housing for containing fluid purification media especially suitable for the production of ultrapure water. The device may be installed in a system for the production of laboratory grade water or may be used with pressurized feed for the delivery of purified water or other fluids in multiple applications.

Abstract: A filter comprises a main tank and at least two separate beds of particulate filter media contained in respective conical recipients integrated within the main tank so as to minimize the overall height and weight of the filter. A transport pipe is provided for each conical recipient in order to transport dirty filter media therefrom to a washing device in which the dirty filter media is washed as it flows downwardly in counter-current with a wash liquid. A filter media return pipe is provided for each conical recipient in order to return the cleaned filter media therein. The provision of multiple transport pipes and return pipes ensures efficient distribution of the filter media within the filter.

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

Abstract: A simulated moving bed separation system is provided, in which a fluid circulation flow path can be washed for a short time. This system is provided with a circulation flow path having two or more packed beds connected in series and endlessly to each other, with desorbing-charging inlet, extract draw-out port, feedstock introducing port and raffinate draw-out port arranged in this order in the direction of flow of a circulation liquid, which are allowed to intermittently shift in the direction while being kept in this order, and with packed bed-washing pipes, valves and pumps. A desorbing liquid is introduced through the desorbing liquid introducing port into the circulation flow path. An extract rich in a strongly adsorptive constituent to be separated is drawn out through the extract draw-out port.

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

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, fully integrated water purification device which includes a receptacle modified to accommodate a filtration assembly for purifying water, and to store water following purification. The receptacle provides separate openings for water intake, and water outflow. The filtration assembly includes a pump and a multistage filter cartridge. Pump action draws water into the water purification device and forces the water through the multistage filter and into the receptacle. Purified water may be stored in the receptacle until consumption.

Abstract: A water filtering system includes a first filtering device connected between an inlet pipe and a fluid volume meter. A second filtering device is connected to the fluid volume meter and has a ceramic tube received therein. A third filtering device is connected to the second filtering device and has activated carbon particles received therein. The third filtering device is connected to a fourth filtering device which has a plurality of units received therein. Each unit has three partitions and two of which receive two magnetic members.

Abstract: A column apparatus containing a shallow bed of material between fluid transporting fractals of large active surface area results in highly efficient processing with small equipment size.

Abstract: An improved water softening process is provided which also reduces anion content. A first stream of water is passed through an anion-exchange unit to remove undesirable anions and raise the pH. The first stream of water is then provided to reactor/clarifier water softening equipment, where it acts as a source of hydroxyl ions. Preferably a second stream of water which did not pass through an anion-exchange unit is also provided to the water softening equipment. The streams of water are combined and processed through the softening equipment, where hardness ions are precipitated out, yielding softened water with reduced anion content. The anion-exchange system utilized preferably has a counter-current continuous resin train and a counter-current continuous resin regeneration unit.

Abstract: A front packing medium accumulation layer (90) and a downstream packing medium accumulation layer (44) which are separated by a lower outflow prevention plate (40) are arranged within a coagulation tank (80). The superficial water passage velocity within the front packing medium accumulation layer (90) is so set as to be larger than the downstream packing medium accumulation layer (44). A floc drawoff pipe (98) is provided for drawoff flocs over the lower outflow prevention plate (40). The interface between a floc blanket which may be formed between the lower outflow preventing plate (40) and the upper packing medium accumulation layer (44) and water thereabove is detected by an interface meter (100) so that a flow regulating valve (102) is correspondingly controlled to regulate the flow rate of the flocs. This prevents any grown floc blanket from reaching the downstream packing medium accumulation layer (44). Thereby extending the cleaning interval.

Abstract: A two-chambered water softener tank with a bi-directional valve for controlling the flow of water between the chamber for use with a water softener is disclosed. The tank includes an outer shell, an upper chamber located within the outer shell containing a redox medium, a lower chamber located within the outer shell and beneath the upper chamber that contains an ion exchange resin, a first port allowing water to flow into the upper chamber, a second port allowing water to flow into the lower chamber, and a third port for allowing water to flow between the upper chamber and lower chamber. The water softener tank also includes a bi-directional valve engageable with the third port for regulating flow of water through the third port from the upper chamber to the lower chamber during service of the water softener and from the lower chamber to the upper chamber during regeneration of the water softener. The bi-directional valve remains open as water flows from the upper chamber to the lower chamber.

Abstract: A fluid sanitizer includes a substantially cylindrical cartridge for containing sanitizing media such as a silver bactericide. The sanitizer inserts into an existing filter in the normal filter flow path and permits filtering and backwashing. The cartridge is a full flow design and may either be packed bed or loosely packed to become fluidized under filtering conditions. Sand filters with either top-mounted or side-mounted valves may be retrofitted with the sanitizer with no or minimal modifications.

Abstract: Adsorptive separation is performed on liquid media by directing the media containing a target substance through an adsorber stage A whereby the target substance is adsorbed; in the last phase of loading stage A and prior to breakthrough of the target substance in the stage A permeate, the stage A permeate is directed to a second adsorber stage B. Upon completion of the stage A loading, the target substance from stage A is eluted with buffer solution, which buffer solution is introduced to stage B, and liquid medium is directed to the preloaded stage A, while stage A is eluted so as both recover the target substance and regenerate the adsorptive capacity of stage A.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and filter apparatus (10) for filtering and/or treating water are shown and described, each embodiment being for multiple-stage processing of water or other liquid, with storage intermediate between the stages. Preferably, water is passed through a first zone (28) of a filter housing cavity and conducted through an intermediate port (16) to storage (24). When water is demanded by a usage device (22), water flows in reverse from storage back into the filter (10), to flow through the second zone (42) for a second stage of filtering/treatment, and then preferably out an outlet port (18) to the usage device. Water may also flow from the water source directly through the first and second zones (28, 42) and to the usage device (22), without intermediate storage. Preferably, both first and second zones are contained and axially arranged within a single filter housing (12).

Abstract: The invention describes a filter container, system and method for filtering sewage effluent from a septic tank. The filter container includes a body having a lower end and an upper end, having walls forming a floor positioned at the lower end and sides connected to the floor and positioned to define an inner cavity extending from the lower end to the upper end. The body of the container has a mouth opening positioned at the upper end to provide access to the inner cavity. A lid is positioned on the upper end of the body so as to cover the mouth cavity to thereby close the container. A plurality of pipes connect the container in fluid communication with the septic tank or with another container, the plurality of pipes including at least one inlet pipe for delivering sewage effluent to the inner cavity and at least one outlet pipe for discharging filtered sewage effluent from the inner cavity.

Abstract: Regeneration of water treatment media is disclosed which includes a water treatment unit having one or more media therein, and which upon initiation of flow of the water, imparts turbulence and abrasion to the treatment medium to automatically cleanse the medium of light solid contaminants as well as contaminant coatings on the media. This greatly improves the operation of the media and extends its life. In addition, the water treatment unit disclosed may simply be rotated through any one of a number of positions between service, backwash, flush, off, and/or bypass operational modes for further regeneration of the treatment media.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods for purifying water are provided.

Abstract: A filtration system that is coupled to a fluid flow for creating a uniform horizontal fluid flow through the filtration system to remove impurities from the fluid flow. The filtration system includes a filter having an inlet region, an outlet region, and a filter housing fluidly coupled between the inlet region and the outlet region. The inlet region includes an inlet pipe and a mixing chamber for creating a uniform horizontal fluid flow through the filter. The filter housing includes a removable filter element that receives the uniform horizontal fluid flow and removes impurities from flow, and the outlet region discharges the flow from the filter. In one embodiment, the inlet pipe includes a planar discharge end that is angled with respect to the horizontal axis of the fluid, and the mixing chamber includes a closed end, which the fluid flow strikes as it exits the inlet pipe to create a uniform horizontal flow through the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A filtration system for filtering particulate matter from a liquid, the filtration system comprises a pre-filtration apparatus and a main filtration apparatus. The pre-filtration apparatus comprises a vessel having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a back-washing outlet, and a filtering medium disposed in the vessel and capable of filtering large particulate matter from the liquid and passing fine particulate matter. The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are positioned such that liquid flowing therebetween is passed through the filtering medium. The fluid outlet and back-washing outlet are positioned such that liquid flowing therebetween is passed through the filtering medium. The main filtration apparatus comprises a vessel having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a filtering medium disposed in the vessel and capable of filtering fine particulate matter from the liquid. The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are positioned such that liquid flowing therebetween is passed through the filtering medium.

Abstract: Regeneration of water treatment media is disclosed which includes a water treatment unit having one or more media therein, and which upon initiation of flow of the water, imparts turbulence and abrasion to the treatment medium to automatically cleanse the medium of light solid contaminants, as well as contaminant coatings on the media. This greatly improves the operation of the media and extends its life. In addition, the water treatment unit disclosed may simply be rotated through any one of a number of positions between service, backwash, flush, off and/or bypass operational modes for further regeneration of the treatment media.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for contacting solids and fluids are provided, where the fluids are allowed to traverse a downward path through a plurality of vertically arranged chambers in which said solids are located. The solids may be transferred upwardly through the chambers to assure optimal contact between the solids and the fluids. The transfer of the solids may be accomplished by fluidizing the solids and transporting them in a carrier fluid in a fluid flow loop. At the desired transfer location, the solids are prevented from completing passage through the fluid loop.

Abstract: Provided is a process for the preparation of an ultrapure hydrogen peroxide solution. The process comprises at least one sequence which includes successively passing a solution to be purified through at least two beds of cation-exchange adsorbents (CEA) and two beds of anion-exchange adsorbents (AEA) according to the sequence: AEA→CEA→AEA→CEA Also provided is a plant for the implementation of the inventive process.

Abstract: Provided is a process for the preparation of an ultrapure hydrogen peroxide solution. The process comprises at least one sequence which includes passing a solution to be purified successively through at least one bed of anion-exchange adsorbents (AEA) and at least one bed of cation-exchange adsorbents (CEA). A non-zero proportion of the solution exiting from one of the beds is recycled to a point upstream of the one bed or upstream of a preceding bed or upstream of the first bed of the first of the at least one sequence. Also provided is a plant for the implementation of the inventive process.

Abstract: Equipment and procedures for regenerating ion exchange resin mixed beds, used for the desalination of water or of aqueous solutions from industrial processes (process solutions), that use two columns: the first treatment column (C1), containing a mixed bed of ion exchange resins, in which the cation exchange resins are regenerated, and a second column (C2) into which the anion exchange resins are transferred and regenerated, to be then reintroduced from the bottom into the above mentioned first column (C1), where they rise through the cation exchange resins and intimately mix with the anionic exchange resins.

Abstract: Provided is a process for the preparation of an ultrapure hydrogen peroxide solution. The process includes at least one sequence which includes successively passing a solution to be purified through at least one bed of cation-exchange adsorbents (CEA) and at least one bed of anion-exchange adsorbents (AEA). The beds of adsorbents each exhibit a height to diameter ratio of greater than 3. Also provided is a plant for the implementation of the inventive process.

Abstract: A household wastewater purification system includes a first treatment tank having a household wastewater inlet in an upper part thereof, a photocatalytic decomposition treatment device having a photocatalytic material at least a part of which lies above the water surface, and an anaerobic treatment device. A second treatment tank is adjacent to the first treatment tank and isolated therefrom by a partition wall except a lower part thereof that is communicated with a lower part of the first treatment tank. The second treatment tank has an aerobic treatment device therein and a purified water outlet in an upper part thereof. A light-introducing part is provided above the first treatment tank.

Abstract: A fluid distributing-collecting system for a device for bringing fluids and solids into contact comprising several distributor plates and several panels for mixing, distributing or extracting fluids. The system comprises at least one level 1 chamber in connection with the outside of said device with at least one hose and, at least one level 2 chamber that is linked with the level 1 chamber and that comprises one or more connecting hoses of a selected length that are arranged in at least one zone. The zone is identified relative to an angle .alpha. relative to a radius of a plate and corresponds to a given angle sector, whereby said hose lengths, angle .alpha. and the angle sector are selected so that the injected fluid arrives approximately at the same time on all of the panels of the same plate. This system is used for separation of paraxylene in a simulated moving bed.

Abstract: An endotoxin adsorption system of the present invention comprises a combination of a cation exchange resin having sodium as a counter ion and a cation exchange resin having sodium and one or more metal ions other than sodium as a counter ion, and adsorbs an endotoxin without decreasing of the concentration of cations.

Abstract: A liquid deionizing twin bed apparatus of the type used in conjunction with a pressure vessel having an inlet for receiving untreated ionized liquid and an outlet through which the treated deionized liquid exits the vessel. The apparatus is comprised of at least one liquid permeable container having an anionic exchanger bed containing materials adapted to absorb one type of charged particle from the fluid and also having a cationic exchanger bed containing materials to absorb oppositely charged particles from the liquid flowing therethrough. The anionic and cationic beds are positioned in series in the liquid permeable container relative to fluid flow therethrough and the liquid permeable container is adapted to be removably housed within the vessel for removing spent anionic and cationic materials and replacing spent anionic and cationic materials by inserting a new liquid permeable container having unspent anionic and cationic materials into the vessel.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment unit (10) includes a recirculation chamber (32), a dosing chamber (34) having no direct fluid connection to the recirculation chamber, and at least two filter layers (28,30) in a single tank (12). Each filter layer contains filter media (56) and is located atop the recirculation and dosing chambers. The wastewater treatment unit also includes an influent pipe (50) connected to the recirculation chamber, a recirculation pump (72), a recirculation valve (74), and an effluent discharge pipe (88) connected to the dosing chamber. In operation, the influent pipe directs wastewater entering the unit into the recirculation chamber. The recirculation pump feeds wastewater from the recirculation chamber onto the filter layers. The recirculation valve then directs the filtrate back to the recirculation and dosing chambers. The filtrate is then discharged from the unit via the effluent discharge pipe.

Abstract: This multi-phase extraction apparatus has at least two chambers 1, 2, which are connected at their upper and lower parts by connection channels 4, which are equipped with dispersing devices 3, and which have nozzles 12, 13, 15, 16 for the feeding and discharge of a first and a second disperse phase. Separation zones 7, which are equipped with coalescence-promoting packings 8, are situated in the region of the mouths of the connection channels 4 leading into the chambers 1, 2. In addition, the connection channels 4 can also be equipped with coalescence-promoting packings 9.

Abstract: A filler casing houses a plurality of filter cartridges. Each cartridge has a permeable top and bottom surface and impermeable sides. Water is forced under pressure through the cartridges to accomplish filtering. Each cartridge may have a different filtering material and are removable from the casing. In this manner, the filter cartridges can be selected according to the types of impurities to be removed.

Abstract: Described are preferred processes and apparatuses for thermally desorbing desired chemical products from resins to which they are adsorbed. The processes and apparatuses provide highly efficient use of applied heat throughout resin preheat, desorption and cooling phases.

Abstract: A tank top pretreatment unit and assembly comprises a treatment unit installed inside a water treatment tank, such as a water softener tank, and in the top of the tank for treating the water either prior to its treatment with the primary treating medium in the tank or following such treatment. The treatment unit includes a plurality of chambers which are configured to contain a finely divided water treatment medium of a different kind than the primary treatment medium. Some of the elements may be arranged in series, but many or all are arranged in parallel flow which reduces the pressure drop of the water across the treatment unit, and the inlet openings to the chambers and outlet openings from the chambers are elevationally spaced from each other and the area of the outlet openings is less than the area of the inlet openings to maximize contact and dwell time in the chambers.

Abstract: A modular water treatment and purification system, suitable for home use, is connected to a water supply and contains a closed fluid treatment circuit extending to a water outlet. The closed fluid circuit flows through a plurality of replaceable water treatment modules each having a specific water treatment function, such as the removal of a particular material from the water by the use of filtration, carbon adsorption, ion exchange or the addition of a chemical to balance the desired water conditions. Preferably the circuit also includes traversing a radiation device, for example an ultra violet light, for the purpose of sanitizing the water.

Abstract: A device for the desalination and conditioning of water, in particular used water from electrical erosion machines, in which two ion exchange columns (2, 3) are connected one behind the other, one of which (2) is filled w cationic exchange resin and the other (3) is filled with anionic exchange resin, the two ion exchange columns (2, 3) being arranged in a common, tightly sealed casing (1), and the connections for the feed line (5) and the discharge line (6) of each column (2, 3) being led out of the casing (1) in a leakproof manner.