Abstract: A rotary diaphragm press comprises a revolving drum on the periphery of which a tubular diaphragm is mounted, an endless belt assembly which consists of a cover cloth, a filter cloth, and a back-up belt separately extended and arranged one above the other over said revolving drum, and a series of receiving rollers disposed in parallel with a spindle for said revolving drum so as to press the endless belt assembly against the drum in a contact zone of the assembly. The rotary diaphragm press is further designed so that sludge successively fed to the filter cloth is held between the filter cloth and the cover cloth and is passed through the contact zone.

Abstract: A separation drum for suction recovery at high concentration of fine particles, such as algae, removed from dilute liquid medium by a belt filter has a thin, perforated wall rotatably mounted on a substantially horizontal, cantilevered beam fixed on a base. A pair of rings or hubs engage the separation drum at opposite ends. One ring is rotatably supported on rollers mounted on the beam, and the other ring is rotatably supported on a bearing mounted on a shaft extending from the beam to a removable end pedestal on the base. A number of interior rollers, also supported from the beam, engage the interior surface of the drum. A conduction or suction box is disposed on the beam or built into the beam in juxtaposition with the upper, interior portion of the separation drum to receive and carry away material passing through the perforated drum wall. A main belt extends around the exterior of the separation drum wall and around a filtration drum within a liquid medium containing algae.

Abstract: A device and method for separating particulate material from earth drilling fluids is disclosed, wherein the earth drilling fluids containing such particulate material is introduced into a container. A major portion of the particulate material separates out of the earth drilling fluid, and the fluid then passes over a baffle and through a screen, with the movement past the screen being such, combined with the screen orientation, to provide a screen which is somewhat self-cleaning in nature. The screen is periodically scraped by carrying members, and is urged against the carrying members so that the initial contact of the carrying members with the screen causes vibrations which improve the self-cleaning characteristics of the screen.The particulate material which settles out of the drilling fluid, and the particulate material which is screened out of the drilling fluid, is collected in the bottom of the container and is removed therefrom by the carrying members up an inclined wall to a discharge point.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing suspended matter from suspensions by filtering through foams, in which the suspended matter retained in the foam (polyurethane foam produced by foaming with water vapor being preferred) is substantially flushed out by expressing the liquid held in the foam, and is removed as a concentrate. This for the the first time permits the removal of suspended matter from continuously flowing suspensions without the flow of the suspensions having to be interrupted in order to clean the filtering means.

Abstract: A process for producing substantially clean water and consolidated slugs of fuel from coal slurry having less than about 30 percent by volume of ash and other impurities on a dry basis is disclosed which comprises (a) placing a quantity of the coal slurry in an enclosed chamber in which means have been provided for drainage of the water from the slurry, and (b) subjecting the slurry to one-dimensional consolidation by the application of compressive stress, thereby producing (i) substantially clean water and (ii) a consolidated, uniformly-shaped slug of fuel having a water content of less than about 10 percent.

Abstract: A press filter for at least partially separating a mixture comprising a liquid phase and a solid phase into a product substantially containing the solid phase and a product substantially containing the liquid phase. The apparatus comprises a plurality of parallel, cylindrical hollow filter rollers with a perforated cylindrical surface, and an endless imperforate pressure belt passed around a circumferential portion of the cylindrical surface of each of the filter rollers. The filter rollers are grouped in two side-by-side rows of rollers located one below the other, the rollers in the two rows having an opposite direction of rotation, and both sides of the pressure belt are used for the exercise of pressure on the cylindrical surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for dewatering sludge comprising a primary dewatering section in which the sludge is supported on a filter means sloped downwardly towards the center, and a secondary dewatering section which follows the primary dewatering section and through which the sludge is carried on a non-filtering support which is sloped downwardly towards the side, and means for applying pressure onto the top side of the sludge layer during passage through the primary and secondary dewatering sections.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for filtration under pressure making use of the combined actions of a looped band, a filter cloth and a distributing drum on a portion of the periphery of said drum which is covered by a compartmented region of said band, with a sealing effect provided by application of an external pressure upon said band. The devices is organized to perform filtration while the drum, a sequence of compartmented elements and filter cloth are stationary, while the filter is caused to open by the placing in rotation and rotary travel of at least said drum and said filter cloth. Each compartment may be provided with a grooved bottom for collection of the filtered liquid, passing through a corresponding filter cloth, with the corresponding drum surface being itself provided with grooves covered by a second filter cloth driven by said drum and traversed by incoming liquid to be filtered. The invention provides an improvement in filtration efficiency and a simplification of filter construction.

Abstract: A device for dewatering sludge or the like, particularly sludge from water purification plants, having a preliminary pressureless pocket dewatering stage A, one or more horizontal dewatering zones B formed by horizontally extending filter belts located below the preliminary stage A, those zones being located serially one below another, a medium pressure drum filter stage C, and thereafter a high-pressure dewatering unit D.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the continuous treatment of sludge, which is made possible through the advantageous combination of at least two independent dewatering steps at consecutively higher pressures and increased dwell time. In a preferred embodiment there is provided a three stage process where there is a first dewatering at the pressure provided by gravity action, the sludge being strained through continuous filter pockets; a second moderate pressure stage with a drum filter press; and a third higher pressure stage.

Abstract: The dewatering system includes a first endless filter belt movable along its length through an upper run, then through an arc about a dewatering drum, and then through a lower return run in a sinuous path about a plurality of rollers. A flowable aqueous material or slurry, such as sludge, is deposited on the upper surface of the belt as it moves along its upper run. A subatmospheric pressure is applied to the lower surface of the upper run of the first belt to induce the liquid to drain from the sludge. A second endless filter belt is movable into sandwiched relationship with the first belt about the sludge and moves with the first belt about the dewatering drum and about the plurality of rollers in the sinuous path of the return run.

Abstract: A novel mobile system for cleaning and processing catch basin and/or lagoon waste products is described wherein the degree of waste product dilution is carefully controlled prior to transmission to a mobile dewatering truck. The truck comprises dewatering apparatus which is uniquely controlled to produce a substantially dry land fill suitable end product and water suitable for recirculation or environmentally acceptable discharge to a process head or sanitary sewer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for drying waste matter such as sludge accumulated in a sewage treatment facility. The sludge is mixed with flocculating chemicals and thoroughly stirred. The mixture is then allowed to drain for a predetermined time in a porous-bottomed basin. A porous web preferably of braided wire which is movable across the basin floor carries the drained sludge to a pressing facility which squeezes the sludge between a pair of linear squeezing plates. As the web leaves the basin it is joined by a second web capturing the sludge therebetween for delivery to the pressing facility. The sludge may be air-blown in the pressing facility to achieve further dryness.The common guiding roll about which the two webs merge also serves as an end wall for the aforementioned basin.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating liquids from soft particulate food solids, especially for cottage cheese. A tensioned belt is partially wrapped around a foraminous drum to compress a layer or bed of food particles advancing on the exterior of the drum wall through a separation zone beneath the belt. The belt run opposite the drum wall is free to flex and yield and to expand and contract the cross-sectional area of the separating zone, depending upon the thickness of the bed of food particles in said zone. Accordingly, delicate such particles will not be damaged or broken up into small particles, as would happen if a thick bed is forced through a zone of fixed cross-sectional area. Moreover, pressure is maintained on the bed when it is thin. A belt tightener is provided which will maintain a desired tension on the belt so that the belt will always exert a predetermined desired pressure on the bed.

Abstract: A machine for separating an oil film from a supporting liquid elevates the oil from its original position with an endless belt, and then transfers the oil from the belt to a rotating disc from which it is wiped into a drainage trough. The belt system is driven from the disc, and is constructed as an attachment to a self-contained disc machine capable of functioning without the belt system when the disc can intersect the surface of the liquid. The unit is thus adaptable to installations where the liquid level is far below the rim of the accumulating tank where the machine is mounted, and where there is substantial variation in the liquid level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the continuous filtration of material impregnated with liquid. This method is characterized in that pressure is exerted discontinuously on successive portions of the material to be filtered travelling continuously such that this pressure is applied to each portion of the material as it moves, over a predetermined distance, after which the pressure is no longer applied to this portion in order to be applied to the following portion of material.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing stock such as used in papermaking and like industries in which an upward moving inclined filter screen is used to separate washed stock from the washing water. A structure is provided carrying in counter flow movement an endless filter screen past an inlet for watered stock and past at least one washing station in which additional washing water is supplied. The washed stock is finally compacted between a drum and the filter screen to remove surplus water and conveyed away from the filter screen.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in a press for dehydrating material in which the material is passed between two endless sieve belts adapted to move in the same direction and to pass over and around pairs of rollers and/or offset upper and lower rollers, the rollers in various sets forming a pre-dehydration zone and a wedging or compression zone,The improvement comprising a compression zone in the form of a frame-like structure, said structure containing individual compression roller means mounted on bearing blocks of varying heights,And means for displacing and/or exchanging said bearing blocks, whereby a path for said material has an ascending slope with line compression, or is wavelike or S-shaped with surface compression.

Abstract: A system for the dehydration of residues such as sludge includes first and second endless filter belts which move at identical speeds in endless paths. A residue to be dehydrated is supplied between the two filter belts which pass together in alteration around a perforated drum and a plurality of rollers. Two of the rollers are positively driven at identical speeds but in opposite directions to thereby drive the two filter belts at identical speeds. Both filter belts are simultaneously and identically tensioned to control the pressure exerted by the filter belts on the residue during passage thereof around the drum and rollers. A supplemental pressing assembly presses the filter belts and residue against the perforated drum at a uniform pressure regardless of the thickness of the residue. The supplemental pressing assembly is simultaneously controlled by the same fluid source which controls the assemblies which tension both of the filter belts.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for dewatering sludge, sewage and other materials containing water and solid particles. The device comprises at least two rotatable and two superimposed power driven filter bands which are successively guided to and about the perforated cylindrical walls of the drums in pressure engagement therewith so as to drive the drums in opposite direction and causing release of water from sludge fed between the two filter bands. After leaving the last drum the bands are guided by rolls along a meandering path along which the sludge is repeatedly stretched and pressed to cause further release of water from the sludge and to discharge the now dewaterized sludge at the end of the path.

Abstract: An apparatus for the recovery of liquid from a liquid medium containing solids includes a rotatable outer drum having a liquid-permeable drum wall and containing liquid-absorbing material, a rotatable inner wall having a liquid impervious drum wall and being mounted for rotation within and eccentrically relative to the outer drum, the drums being rotatable in the same direction into the liquid medium so as to transport the material through a compression zone in which the material is compressed so as to remove absorbed liquid therefrom and subsequently through a pressure-relief zone in which the liquid-absorbing material is allowed to expand and to absorb liquid from the liquid medium, a device or devices contacting the exterior surface of the outer drum to remove solids deposited thereon, such devices being located between the zones, and a device for collecting liquid removed from the liquid-absorbing material in the compression zone.

Abstract: A method of and device for separating a liquid-containing mixture into two phases including a flexible liquid permeable belt moved through a helicoidal path. The mixture to be separated is deposited on the belt and, as the belt moves through the helicoidal path, the liquid passes through the belt while solid material is retained thereon. At the end of the helicoidal path, the solid material is removed from the belt. The belt may be used alone, or together with another overlying belt, or the belt may be a tube slit along its length.

Abstract: Apparatus for dewatering sludge comprising a primary dewatering section in which the sludge is supported on a filter means sloped downwardly towards the center, and a secondary dewatering section which follows the primary dewatering section and through which the sludge is carried on a non-filtering support which is sloped downwardly towards the side, and means for applying pressure onto the top side of the sludge layer during passage through the primary and secondary dewatering sections.

Abstract: A press for removing liquid continuously from aqueous pulp comprises a cylindrical housing divided into an upper annular press chamber and a lower working chamber which are separated by a perforated de-watering disk. The press chamber is enclosed on its upper end by a varying height squeeze plate for varying the cross sectional area of the press chamber. The de-watering disk is carried on a rotatably driven shaft which is mounted centrally in the housing. The de-watering disk is configured for passing extensible blades, having a width equal to the width of the press chamber and slidably carried in holders which are joined to the de-watering disk and shaft. A cam which engages the blades is configured for varying the amount of extension of the blades continuously in a manner such that they extend into the press chamber into adjacency with the squeeze plate, substantially filling the press chamber at all times.

Abstract: Process for dewatering thickened sludge comprising the steps of depositing thickened sludge onto a porous support, partially dewatering the thickened sludge by establishing a vacuum within said porous support, compressing the partially dewatered sludge on said porous support at a pressure of from 1 to 10 kp/cm.sup.2 to further dewater the sludge and to form a sludge cake, compressing the sludge cake on the porous support at a pressure of from 10 to 300 kp/cm.sup.2 to further dewater the sludge cake and discharging the dewatered sludge cake from the porous support.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuous removal of liquids from sludges. The apparatus includes an endless driven lower pervious belt and an endless driven upper impervious belt. The impervious belt is supported by an upper frame positioned above a fixed lower frame member by spring-loaded, adjustable hydraulic cylinders. The two belts are driven at different speeds to provide continuous shear on sludge pressed between the belts. Each belt is supported on a plurality of horizontally spaced rollers with the rollers for the upper belt and the rollers for the lower belt being longitudinally offset from each other. The horizontal roller spacing from the point of contact of the upper belt to the sludge as it is fed in between the belts is of a diminishing progression which may be arithmetic, geometric, or a combination thereof from the point of contact of the upper belt on the sludge to the discharge end.

Abstract: An apparatus for thickening and extracting the liquid from a sludge comprises a sludge-thickening assembly wherein solid matters in the sludge are coagulated to form coagulated flocs and the floc sludge is separated and thickened, and an assembly for extracting liquid from said floc sludge under pressure to obtain a dehydrated cake. The sludge-thickening assembly comprises coagulation means for the sludge, a first and a second screen rolls having a reticulate material covering the outer surface; and the assembly for extracting the liquid comprises an endless moving flocked filter belt, means for supporting the belt, a cylinder forced to closely contact with an upper portion of said endless moving flocked filter belt, and at least one press roll urging said endless moving flocked filter belt against said cylinder.

Abstract: An improved water removal in a filter press used in sludge treatment processes, typically in a sewage plant, is provided through the addition of a pretreatment stage where water is removed to an appreciable extent. The filter press pretreatment system is based upon continuously circulating filter pockets into which flocculant-treated sludge has been added, a significant amount of the water from the thus clarified sludge being removed through the combination of the use of this pretreatment and in this pretreatment using filter pockets of variable volume.

Abstract: An endless belt gravity filtration apparatus which includes a vacuum system for removing filter cake and for cleaning and keeping filter belt porous through reverse air flow on the endless belt filter. The belt filter has extensions along each of its continuous edges, these extensions having chains which mate with sprockets on the filter chamber to assist in driving the filter belt and to keep it aligned and from being stretched or wrinkled during the filtration process. The apparatus may be used for filtering fluids such as sugar cane juice.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a band filter press for separating liquid and solid matter comprising a continuous filter band adapted to receive a mixture of liquid and solid matter and convey it through successive loading, pressing and unloading zones. The filter band is in the form of a hose having a bottom center strip and two cover strips fixedly connected to the edges of the bottom strip and partially covering the same. The cover strips, which may be either integrally formed with the center strip or provided in the form of separate strips which are connected to the center strip at its lateral edges, enclose acute angles with the center strip. The lateral extremities of the connection points between the cover strips and the center strip define finite longitudinally-extending edges by means of which lateral movement of the filter band may be determined and controlled.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating or classifying the contents of a flowing slurry comprising a descending flow surface having a low profile and associated therewith a relatively low head box, the latter of which is distinguished by a relatively restricted cross sectional area adjacent its top. The flow surface is characterized by screen sections successive of which differ in orientation and profile whereby to produce a compact structure having a high capacity for separation of liquid from a flowing slurry. The design of the head box is such to enable a fast and effective delivery of slurry in spite of the low head provided.

Abstract: A sewage sludge-irradiation device for irradiating sewage sludge with radiation having a sterilizing effect. A conveyor system embodies at least two conveyor devices, at least one of which conveyor device is supplied with a layer of sewage sludge. The conveyor devices are arranged in a manner to form therebetween a passageway defining a mixing gap for the through-passing sewage sludge. A relative movement exists between the two conveyor devices, and radiation means cooperates with the conveyor system for irradiating the sewage sludge at a location prior to intermixing thereof in the mixing gap. The conveyor devices can be driven to possess respectively different speeds of movement, and it is also possible for one of the conveyor devices to be driven and the other to be stationary so as to define a stationary boundary means or surface for the mixing gap.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of dewatering sludge such as residuals in sewage discharge processing installations. The method provides that cakes are formed of the sludge. These cakes have initially a high water content and are of inhomogenous, loose consistency. They are guided between filter bands through a preliminary filtering zone in which some of the water contained in the cakes is extracted by straining and pressure action applied thereto. The filter bands with the cakes therebetween are then successively guided over a first dewatering drum and a subsequent second dewatering drum. Pressure is applied to the filter band while being guided about the drums, thereby extracting further water from the cakes. Additionally, the cakes while traveling from the feed-in point toward and through pressure zones are deformed and also turned over thereby compacting the cakes as water is extracted therefrom. Finally, the cakes after being sufficiently dewatered and compressed are discharged.

Abstract: A dewatering machine comprises an integral and cooperative combination of a vacuum filter of the rotary drum type and an expression device of the diaphragm type. An intermittently-indexed endless filter medium belt carries a sheet of filter cake to the expression device after the cake is formed on the vacuum filter. The belt indexing action is coordinated with pressurization of the expression device so that the filter drum is indexed only when the diaphragm is relaxed and the pressurization is effected only at such times as the drum is not being indexed.

Abstract: A liquid filter immersed in a contaminated liquid, defines an open space therein receiving filtered liquid in a bottom portion thereof through a filter medium disposed thereabout, with power operated means for removing spent filter medium while fresh filter medium is supplied, and an outlet communicating with the filtered liquid maintaining a liquid level outside the frame higher than a liquid level within the frame for producing the filtering action.

Abstract: Dry and liquid feed supplements are recovered from treating animal wastes collected from a confinement feeding area for livestock and the like by a closed loop type of collection system including a primary liquid storage tank. Solids and liquids are separated from the collected wastes by dynamic liquid filtering apparatus including a unique compression filter. Liquid is withdrawn near the surface of the primary tank, passed through a second solid/liquid separating filter and transferred to a secondary tank. Preferably rarified oxygen is forced into both tanks so as to aerate the liquids. After appropriate aerobic digestion or oxidation, the secondary tank liquids are used to supplement feed water and the solids are used to supplement dry feed ration.

Abstract: A filter consisting of two endless belts of filter material having runs pressed together, of means pressing a run of one belt against the adjacent run of the other, and of a feed device for introducing the slurry between the runs.

Abstract: An improved system for dewatering dilute slurries is disclosed. The system includes a spring-loaded sludge feed tray incorporating an adjustable flow splitter plug, along with spring-loaded sludge side guides. The sludge-cake compression section provides for a compression roller which is adjustable between two positions as a component in the backflushing of the sludge carrier screen using cake effluent. Also, a particular screen sludge solids loading range is employed which results in a significant improvement in performance and capacity of the dewatering system.

Abstract: From a water medium, a harvester recovers algae useful as animal feed. The harvester has a preferably endless, movable belt screen. A coating device puts a first coating of long fibers (such as glass fiber or asbestos mixed with paper fiber) onto one side of the belt screen. A container of algae in water discharges onto the first coating permitting much of the water to pass through it and the belt screen but holding back the algae largely as a second coating on the fibers. A second screen having finer openings than the first screen is disposed against the second coating. This second screen has openings large enough to pass the algae but small enough to hold back the fibers. A suction is applied to the second screen causing the algae and entrained water to move therethrough. Concurrently, a washer directs a stream through the first screen and through the first coating and so washes off the second coating of algae, the fine screen holding the fibers behind.

Abstract: A web filter press for the removal of liquid from sludge having an upright converging filtering space into which sludge is received from above, a dandy roll at the bottom end thereof, and a horizontal roller train, in which the webs are progressively more deflected and compressed. A horizontal prefiltering run may be arranged ahead of the upright filter space, and suction boxes may be arranged in both of these runs to enhance their filtering efficiency.

Abstract: The upper flight of an endless filter belt is supported by a backing sheet as it passes through a feeding and initial partial dewatering zone. The upper flight of the filter belt then passes through a main dewatering zone while being subjected to pressure in a direction to force liquid therethrough. Drainage slots in the upper surface of the backing sheet extend at an angle to the direction of travel of the upper flight and leave narrow strips between adjacent slots which engage the under surface of the upper flight.