Abstract: A reactor for treating a liquid containing evolvable and entrained gas has a vessel for containing a bed of particulate media, and a liquid flow distributor mounted in the vessel that includes a manifold connected to receive liquid and introduce it into the bed. The manifold includes a liquid conveying passage having an upper region where any gas that evolves from the liquid can collect and at least one discharging nozzle having an inlet in open communication with the upper region for receiving the liquid, evolved gas or a mixture thereof, and an outlet for uniformly discharging the liquid, gas or mixture thereof into the bed.

Abstract: A trickling filter for treating and purifying wastewater, including a bed of filter media adapted to receive and support aerobic bacteria for reacting with the wastewater, and rotating radial areas for distributing the wastewater over the surface face area of the bed of filter media. Drainage blocks for collecting treated wastewater and reacted air are disposed below the bed of filter media collection channels for collecting air and treated wastewater from the drainage blocks. Air-discharge ducts are connected to the collection channels for discharging the reacted air to a scrubber, and water-discharge ducts are connected to the collection channels for discharging the treated wastewater from the filter. Fans create a negative air-pressure flow through the filter media collection channels, vent pipes, and the air-discharge ducts to draw the reacted air to a scrubber for filtering the reacted air.

Abstract: A filtering device for the clarification of liquids, such as industrial or waste waters, comprising an open tank provided with a floor possessing nozzles and supporting the filtering bed, side channels for arrival of the untreated water, a removal conduit for the filtered water, means for washing the material of the filter and an axial channel for removal of the washing waters, wherein the bottom of the filter, below the floor, is separated along its longitudinal axis by a watertight partition defining two independent cells in the filter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for gas backwashing a granular media supported upon a lateral underdrain is disclosed. The lateral underdrain includes a plurality of dispersion apertures therethrough and at least one liquid return conduit extending to a discharge at a level below the dispersion apertures. The present invention provides for equal distribution of backwash gas across the entire lateral underdrain by directing backwash gas through the dispersion apertures into the granular media and directing liquid from the granular media through the liquid return conduit without obstructing backwash gas flow through said apertures from a gas pocket formed underneath said apertures.

Abstract: A rapid gravity downflow filtration system applicable to a bank of several filters in which filtered water for backwashing is stored at a relatively high level in a common washwater storage compartment serving all filters and in which the filtered water for backwashing is delivered to it's storage by gravity using the surplus operating head available at the beginning of the filter operating cycle for the purpose thereby entirely eliminating the necessity for powered motivation of backwash water flow during backwashing, or, in alternative filter systems in which the backwash water flow is motivated by displacement with compressed air, reducing the power requirement.

Abstract: A filter underdrain module for an underdrain system for a granular media filter. The module is an elongated, integrally constructed, self-contained unit having an enclosed interior and having a substantially flat, substantially rectangular exterior top wall. The water and air for simultaneous backwashing and scouring the filter media are separately conveyed by conduits within the module, and separately discharged into the filter support bed or directly into the filter media, as the case may be. The discharge openings for the water and air are located in the top exterior wall of the module. The discharge openings for water are all substantially the same shape and size, and substantially uniformly spaced along the length and breadth of the module. The same is preferably true of the air discharge openings. Various preferred embodiments are disclosed, including dual ducts for one or both of the separate conduits for cleaning water and scouring air. An underdrain system using the module is disclosed.

Abstract: A solid-bed reactor for biological sewage treatment has an intermediate floor which carries floor jets and by means of which the solid bed can be backwashed. The intake for the sewage is above the solid bed. Aeration orifices are integrated into the floor jets, and gas bubbles can be introduced by the orifices in the upper portions of the floor jets without thereby giving rise to instability phenomena. To ensure stable uniform distribution of aeration throughout the reactor, the clear cross-section in the entire intake region of each floor jet must be such that above the aeration orifices the flow of outgoing water does not impede the ascent of the gas bubbles.

Abstract: A module is disclosed for use as a membrane device, comprising, a shell with fluid couplings removably affixed to each of its ends and at least one non-disassemblable cartridge operably held within the shell. The cartridge is constructed from plural wafers sequentially coaxially aligned, each wafer consisting essentially of a generally planar frame and an array of hollow fibers of selectively permeable material adhesively held by their ends in opposed portions of the border of the frame, without initially potting the ends. Each frame has a central through-passage, and multiple frames together define an axial through passage in each cartridge through which a feedstream is typically flowed in "outside-in" flow. Each opposed portion of border is provided with longitudinal, laterally spaced apart grooves in its upper surface and the fibers trained in the grooves, and successive wafers are bonded together. The bores of the fibers are in open fluid communication with the permeate zone in the shell.

Abstract: A self-supporting modular underdrain member for use in a liquid filtration system comprises a main body or housing including a pair of longitudinally extending inclined walls which may have a pair of generally triangular transverse walls connecting the inclined walls to one another, the inclined walls each being provided with a pair of longitudinally extending recesses and a plurality of orifices communicating with each of the recesses. A pair of flanges are connected to the inclined walls for attaching the underdrain body to a floor surface so that the inclined walls, any transverse walls and the floor surface define a cross-sectionally triangular underdrain chamber. Two pairs of elongate cover plates are attached to the inclined walls over the recesses to form in each of the inclined walls a pair of longitudinally extending plenums for the equalization of backwash air and water flow. Each of the cover plates being provided with a plurality of spaced slots.

Abstract: An improvement for a filter system which distributes backwash fluid uniformly throughout a bed of granular media is disclosed. The filter system includes a distributor positioned beneath and supporting the media, with the distributor having a plurality of walls which define a primary horizontal conduit and a secondary horizontal conduit. At least one of the walls which define the conduits contains metering orifices that connect the primary conduit to the secondary conduit. The improvement includes at least one baffle positioned within the primary conduit to facilitate uniform flow of backwash fluid from the primary conduit through the metering orifices into the secondary conduit. The baffle may comprise flanges extending from the walls which define the primary conduit normal to a fluid flow direction in the conduit. Alternatively, the baffle may include posts positioned within the conduit.

Abstract: An improved cap for underdrains in gravity filters has a top surface and a bottom surface with a plurality of tapered screen members defining slots in the top surface. The slots provide communication with the filter bed without passage of fine grain filter media therethrough. The screen members are inclined with respect to horizontal to define a plurality of raised portions in the top surface, each raised portion defining a distribution chamber above the orifices in the distributor. The cap may be included in a capped filter underdrain block having a plurality of ribs and orifices on a top wall of the block. The cap rests on the ribs and cooperates with them to define distribution chambers above the orifices in the top wall of the block. The distribution chambers promote intermixing of air and water prior to introduction to the bed, and the ribs finely meter backwash fluids for even distribution of backwash fluids throughout the entire filter bed.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of water using a granular bed (3) of granular support materials of a volumic mass less than that of the water to be treated. According to this process, each washing cycle comprises interrupting the withdrawal of treated water and stopping the feed of water to be treated in such a manner that the granular bed (3) floats in a given volume VL of water, admitting cleansing air into the reactor for assuring agitation of the floating bed, interrupting the admission of air in order to permit a separation of the granular materials and sediment by their difference in volumic mass, with decantation of said sediment and flotation of said materials, and evacuating the sediments at the base of the reactor as well as the water contained therein for evacuating the granular bed (3).

Abstract: A cap for filter underdrain blocks is provided, wherein the cap has a porous body with a top surface, a bottom surface and downwardly extending flanges. The cap is installed on a filter block having a plurality of orifices in a top wall of the filter block for channelling fluids to and from an overlying filter media. The bottom surface of the cap along with the flanges define a distribution chamber above the orifices, and the cap has a porosity such that a fine grain filter media may be placed directly on the top surface of the cap without media penetrating therethrough and clogging the underdrain blocks. The distribution chamber enhances distribution of backwash fluids throughout the filter media, and the cap eliminates the need for a separate gravel support layer to be installed between the fine grain filter media and the underdrain blocks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a porous filter support plate of the kind used in traveling bridge filters for the support of granular filter media used in the filtration of waste water, industrial liquors or baths, or for filtration of potable water in a water purification system. The support plates are formed of porous, heat-fusible materials, for example, a thermoplastic organic material, joined together by heat-fused butt joints and/or reinforced by vertical zones which extend vertically through the plates in which the material has been brought to a molten state and is pressed together to form a dense, solid, non-porous mass.

Abstract: An underdrain lateral for a liquid purification system is described. The lateral has three chambers, a primary chamber, a compensating chamber, and gas chamber. Turbulence is minimized during cleansing of the purification media by isolating the gas from the liquid and the backwash liquid. This is accomplished by feeding gas into the gas chamber so that the chamber is occupied by gas only during cleansing. Orifices in the wall between the primary and compensating chambers and in the baffle between the compensating and gas chambers provide compensation for even distribution of liquid in the lateral. The design also enables the use of cut outs in the gas chambers to equalize gas pressures and flow among the laterals and throughout the system bed and cut outs in the primary chambers to equalize liquid pressure and flow among the laterals and throughout the system bed.

Abstract: An air duct block for air/water underdrain systems in gravity filters comprising a row of interconnected air duct blocks positioned below the filtering media and extending transversely to the underdrain laterals. Each air duct block is in communication with at least one adjacent individual underdrain filter block to supply backwash gas thereto during backwashing operations, thereby supplying backwash gas to its associated lateral. Each air duct block is in further communication with at least one adjacent air duct block such that backwash gas flows between the interconnected air duct blocks and along the row of air duct blocks. This system supplies backwash gas to the entire underdrain system through a single pipe from a source of supply.

Abstract: An underdrain lateral for a liquid purification system is described. The lateral has three chambers, a primary chamber, a compensating chamber, and gas chamber. Turbulence is minimized during cleansing of the purification media by isolating the gas from the liquid and the backwash liquid. This is accomplished by feeding gas into the gas chamber so that the chamber is occupied by gas only during cleansing. Orifices in the wall between the primary and compensating chambers and in the baffle between the compensating and gas chambers provide compensation for even distribution of liquid in the lateral. The design also enables the use of cut outs in the gas chambers to equalize gas pressures and flow among the laterals and throughout the system bed and cut outs in the primary chambers to equalize liquid pressure and flow among the laterals and throughout the system bed.

Abstract: Underdrain lateral system, which is especially adapted for use in a gravity filter bed, includes, as its preferred embodiment, scallop-shaped laterals having an upper, wrapped wire, slotted screen surface. The screen surface supports and retains the filter media particles directly, without the necessity of an underlying gravel layer, and is itself supported by channel-shaped rod members which are welded to the wires. The web portions of the channel rods perform the function of simultaneously distributing air and water during backwashing, and include small apertures in upper channels and larger apertures in lower channels to cause a plenum to be formed inside the laterals which ensures that the distribution of air and water will be uniform throughout the lateral, even if the lateral is not perfectly level.

Abstract: A cap for filter underdrain blocks is provided, wherein the cap has a porous body with a top surface, a bottom surface and downwardly extending flanges. The cap is installed on a filter block having a plurality of orifices in a top wall of the filter block for channelling fluids to and from an overyling filter media. The bottom surface of the cap along with the flanges define a distribution chamber above the orifices, and the cap has a porosity such that a fine grain filter media may be placed directly on the top surface of the cap without media penetrating therethrough and clogging the underdrain blocks. The distribution chamber enhances distribution of backwash fluids throughout the filter media, and the cap eliminates the need for a separate gravel support layer to be installed between the fine grain filter media and the underdrain blocks.

Abstract: Declining rate filtration systems using influent siphoning for influent flow to a bed of particulate filter media are improved by using at least two influent siphons with each filter bed. In use of such improved systems, influent is siphoned from a flume source or the like to the filter bed after backwashing of the filter media through a first siphon and, thereafter as headloss in the filter bed increases, further influent from the source is siphoned to the filter bed through a second siphon that has an effective minimum cross-sectional area substantially greater than that of the first siphon.

Abstract: An underdrain assembly for a bed of filter media includes a plurality of elongated screen lateral elements which each have a generally flat bottom surface and a convexly curved upper surface which has flow openings therein. The lateral elements each have a width substantially greater than their height and include a means defining a generally tubular-shaped surface positioned internally thereof. The generally tubular-shaped surface includes flow distribution openings which have a total open area less than the total area of the flow openings in the curved upper surfaces of the lateral elements. In various embodiments, the generally tubular-shaped surfaces are shown as comprising a single tube, a plurality of tubes, and a tube defined by the portions of a plurality of adjacent channel-shaped members whose leg portions support the curved upper surface of the screen lateral elements.

Abstract: A method of repurifying water from a public supply, comprising the steps of:taking water to be repurified continuously from the public supply;filtering the water slowly through a volume of particulate material; andaccumulating the filtered water to provide a store of repurified water for later use as and when required.According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for repurifying water from a public supply, comprising:a water inlet adapted for connection to the public supply and operable to take a continuous flow of water from the supply;a filter comprising a volume of particulate filter material and arranged to receive the water from the water inlet;a container arranged to receive filtered water therefrom and to store the filtered water;and a water outlet connected to the container and operable to draw off filtered water as and when required.

Abstract: A filter block having a plurality of exterior and interior walls defining a plurality of interior chambers, said chambers including at least a first and second conduits parallel to the longitudinal axis of said block, one disposed above the other, with a third conduit provided to supply gas under pressure to the upper conduit; a top exterior wall of the block having a plurality of apertures distributed thereover. The interior chambers comprise separate conduits for both gas and liquid backwash flows. The interior walls defining the conduits are disposed to provide even distribution of the backwashing gas and to provide bearing support for the top wall of the block.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for operating a granular medium filter is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an improved underdrain structure made up of a plurality of rectangular compartments which allows the filter bed to be "air pulsed" as well as backwashed for thorough cleaning of the bed. Nozzles are positioned within the rectangular compartments and directed vertically into the filter bed. Fluid from the nozzles helps to break up the bed during backwashing as well as countereact size classification of the medium during this process. The method of operating a filter with the improved underdrain structure is also described.

Abstract: A flume distribution system includes a distributor having a stationary lower portion and a removable upper portion. The lower portion defines a duct which is in fluid communication with a flume and at least one underdrain lateral. The lower portion also includes an apertured end wall which abuts one of the underdrain laterals at a lateral inlet, and a stop is disposed within the duct and spaced from the end wall. The duct receives a removable orifice plate which is adapted to pivot between a slant inactive position abutting the stop and an upright active position restricting the aperture in the end wall. During backwash operations, water is introduced to the flume and enters each duct in the lower portion of the distributor, and the pressure of the incoming water causes the orifice plate to pivot from the slant position to the upright position, reducing the cross-sectional area of the aperture in the end wall and thereby regulating the velocity of backwash flow from the flume into the lateral inlet.

Abstract: Apparatus for setting in position and securing, on the floor of a filter, members providing for fluid to flow through the floor. The apparatus consists of a support arranged so as to receive the member, such as a nozzle or equivalent, introduced inside a housing created in shuttering used for making the filter floor. The housing and the support are configured to removably secure mechanically, for example by a snap-in action, the support in its housing.

Abstract: An underdrain lateral for a liquid purification system is described. The lateral has three chambers, a primary chamber, a compensating chamber, and gas chamber. Turbulence is minimized during cleansing of the purification media by isolating the gas from the liquid and the backwash liquid. This is accomplished by feeding gas into the gas chamber so that the chamber is occupied by gas only during cleansing. Orifices in the wall between the primary and compensating chambers and in the baffle between the compensating and gas chambers provide compensation for even distribution of liquid in the lateral. The design also enables the use of cut out in the gas chambers to equalize gas pressures and flow among the laterals and throughout the system bed and cut outs in the primary chambers to equalize liquid pressure and flow along the laterals and throughout the system bed.

Abstract: An underdrain assembly contained within a swimming pool filter has a plurality of laterals, each of which is pivotable between a non-operating position and an operating position. Each of the laterals is threadedly attached to the underdrain assembly so that they can be replaced individually by unscrewing them from the underdrain assembly without removing the underdrain assembly from the filter. The laterals can be locked in their operating positions by either a reversible locking mechanism or an irreversible locking mechanism. With the laterals in their non-operating positions, the underdrain assembly and the laterals can be inserted into the filter as a unit.

Abstract: A composting plate system can be used to compost cut plants or parts of plants. In order to collect the noxious liquid substances produced during composting and to prevent them from penetrating the ground water, the composting plate system comprises at least one liquid-impermeable lower plate (2) to be placed on the consolidated soil, an upper support plate (3), provided with orifices (14), separating pieces (4, 5) arranged between the lower plate (2) and the support plate (3) so as to create a liquid-collecting space and/or a liquid-conducting system between both plates (2, 3) and at least one liquid outlet from the intermediate space between the plates. This system, which can extend over large surfaces, makes it possible to collect the noxious substances effectively and at the same time to aerate the compost thoroughly from below.

Abstract: A filtration system for filtering out bacteria, Giardia cysts, turbidity and other impurities in raw water supplied to a home or the like including a sealed container divided into an upper and a lower chamber by a support plate, the support plate supporting a quantity of filter material sufficient for filtering out undesired bacteria, turbidity and other impurities from the raw water; the sealed container having a raw water inlet pipe communicating with an inlet area above the filter material for supplying the raw water, and a filtered water outlet pipe communicating with the lower chamber for exhausting filtered water from the container; and further including a geofilter cloth provided on top of the filter material for supporting a biological "schmutzdecke" growth thereon which, along with the filter material, filters out bacteria, turbidity, Giardia cysts and other impurities.

Abstract: A rigid cell-like structure primarily for use under gardens and roads where it is required to provided good drainage; the cell comprising two substantially parallel perforate planar surfaces maintained in a fixed spaced relationship from each other by means of a plurality of spacer members; the perforate nature of both surfaces and the disposition of spacer members being such that gases or liquids may freely pass through the composite structure around the spacer means in any direction.

Abstract: A strainer assembly for use in a filter having a granular media bed supported above a floor. The strainer assembly includes a low profile body member having a two tiered construction, the bottom tier having a larger diameter than the upper tier. Each of the tiers has a series of substantially equally spaced apart, generally vertical, slot openings formed therein. The total area of the openings in the bottom tier is from about 3 to 15 times greater than the total area of the openings in the upper tier. An improved distribution/fastening means is provided for directing fluid through the body member and for retaining the body member in position above the floor.

Abstract: An improved continuous, smooth, porous, rigid surface is supported by an array of shaped, porous, support blocks mounted on an impervious planar foundation and surrounded by bi-functional containment walls to form a gravity filtration and drainage apparatus. The particular shape of the support blocks in contact with the foundation creates a plurality of parallel flumes, the center-lines of which align with the slope, if any, of the plane to facilitate drainage to contiguous drainage ditches. Accessibility of these drainage flumes at both ends of the overall structure provide for inspection, flushing, and purging of the overlying filter surface to assure functionality by simplified maintenance procedures. The drainage apparatus can be attached to an impervious evaporation surface, on which residual solids harvested from the surface of the drainage apparatus are deposited and periodically manipulated for further accelerated dewatering by evaporation.

Abstract: A filter underdrain apparatus comprises plate means forming a plurality of horizontal distributor conduits, the conduits being in juxtaposed, laterally-spaced relationship and constructed and arranged to defined alternating conduits and troughs of a filter underdrain. At least some of the horizontal distributor conduits include interior partitions extending along such conduits and dividing the interior of each such conduit into a liquid passage and a gas passage. Liquid metering orifices communicate the interior of the liquid passage with the exterior of the distributor conduit for substantially evenly distributing backwash liquid flows from the liquid passage and for passing filtered liquid flows into the liquid passage. Gas metering orifices communicate the interior of the gas passage with the exterior of the distributor conduit for substantially evenly distributing gas from the gas passage when connected with a pressurized gas source.

Abstract: A method of repurifying water from a public supply, comprising the steps of:taking water to be repurified continuously from the public supply;filtering the water slowly through a volume of particulate material; andaccumulating the filtered water to provide a store of repurified water for later use as and when required.According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for repurifying water from a public supply, comprising:a water inlet adapted for connection to the public supply and operable to take a continuous flow of water from the supply;a filer comprising a volume of particulate filter material and arranged to receive the water from the water inlet;a container arranged to receive filtered water therefrom and to store the filtered water;and a water outlet connected to the container and operable to draw off filtered water as and when required.

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 method for making floors for filters, particularly for filters including a granular filtrating material, wherein the method includes forming two stages. The first stage is made by casting in concrete or the equivalent, at least one carrier self-supporting element or pre-slab, formed with openings in which are housed elements, such as nozzles, for the introduction of fluids used for washing the filter. Then the second stage is formed, during which, once the carrier self-supporting elements have been put in position on the supports of the filter, concrete is cast in a single operation on this element or elements, in a quantity sufficient for reaching the required total thickness of the floor and thereby providing a slab which will receive the filter granular material.

Abstract: A precast concrete, plastic-jacketed filter underdrain block for downflow or upflow filter units is disclosed. The plastic jacket additionally functions as a mold for the concrete. The plastic molds become an integral part of the finished filter underdrain block. Thus, relatively lightweight, inexpensive plastic molds can be fabricated and shipped to the filter construction site where they are filled with concrete, cured, and then placed in the filter unit to provide an underdrain system. The underdrain blocks may be equipped with handholds to facilitate the handling and placement of the blocks in the filter vessel.

Abstract: A semisubmersible system for collecting a desired material from the sea water includes a submersible collection chamber which is defined by a pair of non-porous, buoyant side walls, a pair of non-porous end walls, a porous top wall and a porous bottom wall. A quantity of collecting agent is contained in the collection chamber. The buoyancy force applied to the present system by the pair of buoyant side walls is so set to keep the collection chamber substantially at a predetermined depth from the sea surface, so that the sea water is permitted to move into and out of the collection chamber due to wave motion while keeping the collection chamber virtually stationary in the vertical direction. There is obtained a large relative motion between the sea water and the collection chamber so that a large quantity of sea water is brought into contact with the collecting agent, thereby allowing a useful material contained in the sea water to be collected by the collecting agent by adsorption or absorption.

Abstract: Disclosed is a porous filter support plate of the kind used in traveling bridge filters for the support of granular filter media used in the filtration of waste water, industrial liquors or baths, or for filtration of potable water in a water purification system. The support plates are formed of porous, heat-fusible materials, for example, a thermoplastic organic material, joined together by heat-fused butt joints and/or reinforced by vertical zones which extend vertically through the plates in which the material has been brought to a molten state and is pressed together to form a dense, solid, non-porous mass.

Abstract: A molded-block arrangement is disclosed for a ground covering for the production of humus by means of composting for producing soil from sewage sludge for the purification of waste-water and waste-gas, and the like. Molded blocks are provided with groove-and-tongue-type longitudinal sides. A longitudinally and transversely extending channel system is formed in the blocks by recesses extending on the longitudinal sides and sloped areas arranged transversely to said recesses, below their surface, grooves leading into the channels and extending at the top side of the blocks are also connected with the space below the products stored on the ground covering. The new molded-block arrangment permits an excellent drainage and/or aerating and is therefore also suitable for the production of soil from sewage sludge in reed basins for floors of optimal stables and for the separation of coarse substances.

Abstract: A screen main body extends in a vessel of desalting-filtration device to section the interior of the vessel into an upper chamber in communication with an inlet through which a liquid to be treated is charged into the vessel and a lower chamber in communication with a liquid outlet. An ion-exchange filtration layer is disposed between the screen main body and the liquid outlet. Ferromagnetic filter elements which form a magnetic filtration layer when magnetized are piled on the screen main body such that the surface of the piled filter elements becomes free. Magnet insertion tubes made of a non-magnetic material vertically extend through the screen main body and a permanent magnet is vertically movably inserted into each magnet insertion tube so that when the permanent magnet is inserted into the magnet insertion tube, the filter elements surrounding the magnet insertion tube are magnetized; but when the permanent magnet is pulled out of the magnet insertion tube, the filter elements are de-magnetized.

Abstract: A device for the collection of water from a granular material bed filter includes means for injecting water and air through the filtration bed as well as an outer chute provided with a weir for the discharge of water, characterized in that it is made of a storage capacity placed between the filter and the discharge chute and defined by a vertical perforated wall such as a grid situated in vertical alignment with the filter vertical wall, and a plane slanting inwardly to the inside of the filter, said slanting plane connecting the weir for the discharge of the water via the chute to the filter wall situated below the vertical perforated wall such as the grid.

Abstract: An installation and apparatus for treating a liquid, in particular for demineralizing water passing through a bed of active granular material which is compacted in a high position and which is periodically regenerated by a reverse flow. The installation comprises a treatment volume (10), an expansion volume (20) for the bed and disposed coaxially above the treatment volume (10); communication and isolation means (20, 32) between said two volumes, and means for periodically causing the liquid to be treated to flow through the bed and for causing regenerator liquids to flow through the bed.

Abstract: An air/water distributor underdrain assembly for providing a uniform distribution and metering of backwash air and/or water through a filter bed. The distributor assembly includes a distributor member which defines a distributor chamber for receipt of backwash air and/or water thereinto. A plurality of first and second spaced apart openings extend through the distributor member. A shroud extends downwardly into the distributor chamber from each of the first openings in fluid communication with an intermediate portion of the distributor chamber for directing backwash water therethrough. Backwash air collected in a gas compartment formed in an upper portion of the distributor chamber is directed through the second openings.

Abstract: A fluidized bed plate has been provided which provides uniform flow of a sodium-gold-cyanide or sodium-silver-cyanide solution in gold and/or silver recovery by means of sorbing or desorbing in a fluidized carbon bed. The bed plate comprises a floor grate which supports a screen mesh which in turn supports one or more layers of shot. Carbon particles are supported by the shot. The flow of the fluid is uniform through the mesh and shot because of the arrangement of the voids created between the shot due to their natural stacking characteristics. This fluid flow is effective in fluidizing the carbon particles uniformly with little abrasion. A unique tank design permits desportion of the carbon particles while the tank is temporarily taken off-line. After the tank is reactivated it can be placed back on-line as required. The fluidized bed plate of this invention can be used in a column where processing of the solution in series is desired.

Abstract: Apparatus for backwashing the filter media of a liquid filtering machine while at the same time enabling the machine to filter liquid. The machine is of the type having a tank and a continuous bed of granular filter media in the tank through which liquid having suspended solids therein for removing the solids. The apparatus comprises a partitioning chamber and a carriage for selectively supporting and conveying the chamber above the media bed, with the chamber being insertable into the bed to isolate a portion thereof from the remainder of the bed. The apparatus further comprises a mechanism to selectively allow insertion of the chamber into the bed and to remove it, and a pump to draw liquid through the isolated portion of the bed to backwash it, while filtration may proceed in the remainder of the bed. Apparatus for removing the media from the chamber and replacing it with new, cleaned or regenerated media is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter block used in the construction of a multi-block filter bottom includes upper and lower lateral sections extending between end walls and being separated from each other by a horizontal petition that includes ports for communicating the upper and lower lateral sections with each other. A removable top wall section includes passages through it for communicating with the upper lateral section, and fastening means are provided for removably securing the top wall section to the remainder of the block.

Abstract: A submerged filter includes filtering matter in the form of a granular material contained in a vat having a floor for supporting the granular material. The liquid to be treated flows from the bottom to top and is brought into contact with a gas serving for the treatment of the liquid and circulating in the same direction. The filtering material is washed with water and air. The liquid to be treated, the treating gas, and the wash fluids are introduced into the filtering mass through the floor by means of nozzles which extend through the floor. Some of the nozzles essentially serve for introducing the treating gas, while others serve for introducing the liquid to be treated and the fluids for washing the filtering material.

Abstract: A filtration column having a bottom with reciprocally arranged peaks and troughs. Branched pipes with uniformly distributed small holes on their lower portions and surrounded by screens or wedge pipes lie in the troughs. The branched pipes lead to gathering pipes, which in turn lead to an outlet.