Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus in the form of a multi-cell installation, and a method for the recovery of metal values from a liquid medium 16 in the form of a pulp or leach solution in which a continuous supply of a liquid medium 16 is continuously brought into reactive contact with a high concentration of a particulate material 17, and in which the particulate material is continuously separated from the liquid medium. The installation comprises a plurality of vessels 10, 12 for the liquid medium independently driven agitation means 34 for maintaining particulate material 17 in suspension; a screen 22 arranged at an angle to the horizontal and located above the liquid level; and an axial flow impeller 26 for causing an upward flow of the liquid medium 16 to the screen 22.

Abstract: A rotary filtering apparatus basically comprises a tank having inner surfaces comprising an upper part which is cylindrical and a lower part which is conical, wherein a diameter thereof decreases toward the lower part of the tank. A sintered metallic filter is centrally disposed in the tank, and a filter rotating mechanism is provided for rotating the sintered metallic filter in one direction. A fluid supply unit supplies polluted water (W1) to the inside of the tank, and a nozzle unit supplies high-pressure water (H) to the tank. A fluid suction unit draws clean water (W2) out of the central portion of the sintered metallic filter. A storage tank is mounted to the lower part of the tank, for storing therein particles separated from the polluted water (W1).

Abstract: The grit conveyance system of a classifier having a wash region above the liquid layer is provided with a vacuum means in the wash region for positive removal of liquids through a metal screen for disposal.

Abstract: A flotation device for the separation of nonmiscible liquids, particularly the separation of water and hydrocarbon pollutants, comprising a cylindrical tank divided by partitions into a feed flow rate homogenization compartment, at least one flotation cell equipped with a cyclone-turbine and a skimming chamber with self-stabilizing chute, and a tranquilization compartment, characterized in that said cyclone-turbine is equipped with a throttling disk and vortex stabilization baffles, and that the skimming chute is equipped with lateral floats and counterweights.

Abstract: A settling tank for settling inorganic matter such as sand, grit and plastic from a fluid stream such as a waste water stream entering a waste water treatment facility. A set of mechanical mixers directing energy into the fluid stream so as to cause spiraling flow parallel to a substantially horizontal axis. The mixer shaft is rotated by a motorized drive, the speed of which is adjustable to account for variations in fluid flow rate so that an optimal balance is achieved between the settling of inorganic solids and continuing suspension and resuspension of organic solids for subsequent treatment.

Abstract: A diffusion cell to facilitate the automated removal of test aliquots of liquid from a receptor chamber of the diffusion cell so as to determine percutaneous absorption through a membrane of a donor media from a donor chamber into the receptor chamber of the diffusion cell. There is utilized a sampling port through which the test aliquot is to be removed, the removal being achieved by means of a sample tube. Within the receptor chamber is located a stirring device in the form of a helical coil which is to be rotated to achieve stirring and homogeneous mixing of the liquid within the receptor chamber. Mounted within the coil is a filter screen to prevent particulate matter over a certain size from entering the sample tube and clogging such.

Abstract: The subject invention relates generally to a novel method of recycling gelatin-based encapsulation waste material and, more specifically, to a process for the recovery and purification of gelatin and softening agents therefrom. In the preferred embodiment, deionized water is added to the waste material thereby forming an aqueous solution of gelatin and glycerine dispersed within the remaining oil and residual active-ingredient components of the waste material. Extraction methods are employed under specific conditions to effect separation of the bottom aqueous phase from the upper oil phase. The lower phase is hot filtered to remove any remaining traces of oil or other contaminants and the filtrate is then charged to a concentration vessel adapted for vacuum distillation. The water solvent is thus removed under specific thermal and atmospheric conditions until the desired concentration of gelatin and glycerine is achieved.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to dredging under harbors and waterways and fabricating building materials and more particularly to an apparatus for dredging that produces no waste and uses the dredged material for useful building products. Furthermore, all off the equipment that is used for the dredging and fabricating building materials from the dredged materials placed upon at least one floating badge.

Abstract: A waste water treatment equipment adapted to treat, with high removal performance at all times, waste water drained from various sources such as sewage containing solid wastes left after crushing garbage sent out from cooking room, home kitchen, etc. The equipment is provided with a pretreatment device in which chemical is supplied to a treatment tank so as to accellerate decomposition of the solid waste left after crushing garbage by fermentation and putrefaction, and digestion of the solid wastes and water pollution materials by anaerobic bacteria. The sewage pretreated in the pretreatment device is introduced in a sewage treatment device in which sewage is caused to flow in a plurality of sewage treament tanks sequentially in order, and the pollution materials such as BOD, COD, etc. in the sewage are subject to oxidation decomposition and removal by activated sludge process beds of specific configuration in which arrangement of activated sludge varies for each tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for composting biological waste material, comprising a screen for separating the waste material into solids and liquids, a sludge outlet for adding sludge to the solids to form a mixture therewith and a compacting section for compacting the mixture. Further sludge is mixed with the compacted mixture to form a further mixture therewith, which is composted in a composter. The liquid separated from the biological waste is screened to remove fine solids and the fine solids are added to the first-mentioned mixture prior to the compacting thereof, the liquid being added to the further mixture in the composting section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing metals from metal-charged waste sludges from industry, clarification plants, or the like, in which the sludges are treated with a solvent for the metals, the resulting solution is separated from the undissolved substances and worked up to yield the metals, and the remaining solids are dumped as safe waste materials or used as fertilizers. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out this working-up method, characterized by a mixing apparatus for mixing the solvent and the sludge which is to be treated, a residence zone, an adjoining apparatus for separating the metal-charged solvent from the insoluble fraction, and optionally an apparatus for drying the insoluble fraction. Metal sludges can be continuously worked up, if desired, in the apparatus according to the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are a process for laminating a functionally gradient material and a laminating apparatus for the same. The process therefor includes a suspending step and a functionally gradient material laminating step. In the functionally gradient material laminating step, solid-liquid separation is carried out to a suspension while varying the mixing rates of the suspension particles contained therein continuously or in a multi-staged stepwise manner. Therefore, the functionally gradient material layer thus laminated offers a composition gradient varying continuously or in a multi-staged stepwise manner in the thicknesswise direction thereof in a superior continuity, and the composition fluctuates less in the planewise direction thereof. In addition, the process and the laminating apparatus have obviated the atomizing and the spraying which adversely affect a working environment.

Abstract: Apparatus for reconditioning water-based, synthetic and semi-synthetic coolants. The apparatus comprises a stainless steel mesh filter for removing larger particulate, a coalescer to agglomerate oil droplets and enable a disk skimmer to remove and transfer the separated oil to an oil reservoir, and an inverted, coolant-driven centrifugal separator to separate the smaller particulate down to one micron or smaller in size. Part of the cleaned coolant is combined with the partially cleaned coolant to enable multiple passes of the coolant to assure removal of the particulate. The coolant is pumped using two double-diaphragm air pumps for best control of flow rate and pressure and for good suction for the size of the pump. A biocide may optionally be added to stabilize the coolant. In addition to being able to separate particulate, the separator has sufficient thrust to partially separate the constituents of the coolant as well.

Abstract: A drive unit for a nutsche filter which includes a drive shaft assembly and an impeller shaft assembly which rotate together but which telescope relative to one another. Moving parts of the overall drive shaft assembly are enclosed for protection from corrosion and wear problems. The drive unit is supported above a filter vessel and enters the vessel through a sealed opening.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for treatment of flowing slurries of particulate material mixed in liquid employ a wide, elongated downwardly-slanted, metal tray with upturned edge flanges, cable-suspended for unrestrained vibratory flexing and undulation. The tray is provided with a plurality of ultrasonic transducers mounted on its underside, and the flowing slurry is delivered to the upper tray end, flowing lengthwise down the tray in a shallow flowing sheet. Ultrasonic vibratory energy coupled through the tray to the flowing slurry has a "microscopic scrubbing" action on all particles and agglomerates, breaking the surface tension on the particle, cleaning particle surfaces, and separating different constituent particles and coatings of gels, slimes, algae, clay or mud. Mixtures of fine particles of coal or other valuable minerals with ash, clay, rock or sand particles are separated with unexpected efficiency by these techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator for two liquids which are not miscible, consisting of a cylindrical casing (1) in which there are active capacities (9, 10) and passive capacities (8, 35), the passive capacities (8, 35) being disposed at each of the ends of the direction of circulation (FF) of the liquid in the cylinder and serving either as a tranquilizing zone or as a decantation zone or as a buffer zone, at least two active capacities (9, 10) being connected by a common skimmer disposed in the center of the cylindrical casing (1), the active capacities (9, 10) being disposed between the passive capacities (8, 35) and being provided with a rotor-stator assembly (13, 14) adapted to carry out separation by induced air.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a method of dehydrating a wet sludge. The wet sludge which is subjected to a preliminary dehydration by gravity dehydration or the like, is pelletized by a pelletizer, and obtained pellets of the sludge are subjected to compression dehydration with a pair of endless filter fabrics.

Abstract: An externally cooled cylindrical vessel has a draft tube centered in the lower half thereof. A continuous circulation seeded with tartars crystals includes a fast downward flow through the draft tube and a slow upward flow outside the draft tube. The circulation induces crystal growth and the removal of tartars from the liquid. A coning zone is defined in the vessel above the draft tube. The slow upward flow moves toward the calming zone, facilitating classification of the crystalline matter which is reintroduced into the fact downward flow. The liquid product from which the tartars has been removed and which is collected in the upper section of the vessel is tapped off by an overflow port located near the top of the vessel.

Abstract: Contaminated oil is reclaimed for uel use by pumping same through an oil filter into one side of a divided tank then through a heater to burn off water and antifreeze and then into the other side of the divided tank where the oil is blended with other clean oil, such as diesel fuel, which is then pumped through a water separator and another oil filter into a fuel supply tank from which it is pumped and used for blending. The divided tank is mounted on wheels and carries the various components such as pumps, heater, valves, piping, filter and so forth.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously separating intermixed solids and liquids from industrial waste. The device includes an elongated conduit having an inlet and outlet and where the interior of the conduit forms a mixing chamber. The industrial waste is pumped into the inlet of the mixing chamber and a polyelectrolyte compound is introduced into the mixing chamber at at least two spaced locations along the conduit. The outlet of the conduit is then passed across both a stationary screen and then into a rotating drum separator, which, together, remove the water from the waste material.

Abstract: A flat plate vessel comprising an extraction device having a sliding frame on the flat plate, the frame being associated at least with one upwardly open channel, which is parallel to the flat plate and is provided with a transport screw, in which the vessel is first of all closed by a cover having an opening communicating with an inlet duct for material to be subjected to anaerobic fermentation and an opening communicating with a discharge duct for gas produced during fermentation; secondly, at least one activating shaft for the sliding frame and the drive shafts for the transport screws are surrounded by sealing gland devices; and finally, the channels provided with transport screws end at at least one discharge channel, the cross-section of which reduces towards the outlet opening, and in which there is located a transport screw extending towards the outlet opening, without however reaching this opening, and this screw forms, in the region of the discharge channel the cross-section of which narrows, a plug

Abstract: A mixer-settler apparatus is disclosed. The outlet tubes from the settler section are made positively adjustable in height so that proper phase separation can be obtained under varying conditions.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the purification of industrial waste water containing solid particles. The apparatus contains at least two treatment sections. The first treatment section is a settling tank containing an agitation means, preferably an inclined deflector plate against which the waste water is directed to form a rolling wave and causing solid particles to coagulate and settle. The partially cleaned waste water overflow from the first stage is conveyed to the lower portions of the second stage into spaces between inclined plates which form an inclined plate pack clarifier. The solid particles are taken off from the bottom of the second treatment section, and clarified water is taken off from the top.

Abstract: Phase separation in a solvent (liquid-liquid) extraction process is effected in a settling tank by passage through one or more coalescer units. The mixed liquid phases to be separated are introduced at a main supply position from which flow is radially outwardly into the settling tank. A polygonal settling tank is described having removable segments arranged around a mixer tank.

Abstract: A split flow water treatment plant includes a settling basin comprising a pair of banks of generally horizontally extending settling tubes and an inlet baffle comprising a plurality of parallel vertical perforated sheets upstream of and adjacent to each of the banks. An inclined diverting plate extends from the downstream end of the lowermost tube in the first of the banks to the upper upstream end of the inlet baffle adjacent the second bank. The distribution of flow between the banks may be regulated by an adjustable weir or by water level control.

Abstract: A liquid cleaner incorporating a driven impeller rotatably mounted in a perforated cage whereby liquid to be purified is introduced into the cage adjacent the center thereof, the impurities suspended in the liquid tending, by the centrifugal action of the impeller acting on the liquid in the cage, to move outwardly through apertures in the circular side wall of the cage, and downwardly into a lower sedimentation trap area outside the influence of the centrifugal action, the purified liquid then leaving the cage area through a suitable orifice at a predetermined distance from the axis of the cage.

Abstract: A continuously operated liquid-solids separator for separating a powdered resin material suspended in water forming a slurry by permitting the resin, which is of a lower specific gravity than the water, to float or be impelled upwardly within a separator vessel or upright tank from which it is withdrawn through an outlet orifice as a thickened slurry.

Abstract: A three phase mixture, of organic liquid, aqueous liquid and solid phases, is separated in a settler vessel equipped with means for imparting local agitation in the region of the aqueous/organic interface.

Abstract: Sludge settling and de-watering apparatus including a heavy solid settling compartment, a lighter than water solid accumulation compartment each including vibrator means, each compartment has a separate outlet for the solids accumulated therein and each outlet includes power operated valve means to control the discharge of solids from the respective compartments. Separate discharge means is provided for the residue water.

Abstract: An apparatus for countercurrent extraction of a dissolved material from a first liquid phase to a second liquid phase is disclosed. The apparatus comprises overflow provision for each of the liquid phases with preferably adjustable overflow for the lower liquid phase whereby desired control of interface level can be obtained.

Abstract: A grit selector having an upper settling chamber and a lower grit storage chamber. The settling chamber communicates with the storage chamber through a relatively small opening in a flat transition surface therebetween. Rotating paddles critically positioned within the settling chamber cause the flow of liquid entering the settling chamber adjacent the outer periphery to rotate about the chamber in a forced vortex having upward spiral flow. Settled grit attaches to the transition surface at the settling chamber perimeter before one revolution. The spiral flow urges the grit across the transition surface towards the opening while the organics are lifted upward and back into the flow. The grit drops through the opening into the grit storage chamber and the organics are carried out of the settling chamber through an outlet passageway.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating mercury from mercury containing material is disclosed. Apparatus comprises a closed horizontal generally barrelshaped vessel having ports for charging the vessel and for discharging the mercury and the treated residue, and agitating means. The vessel has opposed conical sections and a central cylindrical section. The agitating means comprises a rotatable spindle coaxially extending within the vessel and provided with a plurality of spokes varying in length to conform with the shape of the vessel. Preferably the spokes are provided with knife-like tips and they may be arranged in rows, the spokes in each row being off-set from the spokes in the next row except for those in the central cylindrical section.