Rotatable Patents (Class 210/520)
  • Patent number: 9289700
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for the coalescence-separation of a mixture comprising two fluid phases mutually immiscible other and with a different specific density, characterized in that it comprises a tubular body (2) closed at opposite ends, of which, considering the apparatus in the configuration of use, one is higher than the other, at least one inlet mouth (5) of the mixture to be separated which is defined on the side surface of the tubular body (2), at least one outlet mouth (6) of the fluid phase with a lower specific density separated from the mixture which is defined close to the end of the tubular body at an upper height, at least one outlet mouth (7) of the fluid phase with a greater specific density separated from the mixture which is defined close to the end of the tubular body at a lower height and at least a set of coalescence plates (8) which is housed inside said tubular body (2), wherein each of the coalescence plates (8) has a flow plate (9) of the mixture which is ti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: ENI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Andreussi, Domenico Antonio Direnzo
  • Patent number: 8889012
    Abstract: A feedwell assembly for a thickener/clarifier includes a feedwell body, at least one infeed conduit connected at a downstream end to the body, and at least one spin or rotation inducement element disposed as part of the infeed conduit for imparting rotation or spin to a slurry stream fed to the feedwell body via the infeed conduit. The spin or rotation inducement element may be a fixed and rigid structural member such as a vane or baffle, or include actively operated elements. Multiple such spin or rotation inducement elements may be provided in various locations in or adjacent the infeed conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: FLSmidth A/S
    Inventor: Simon Turner
  • Publication number: 20140326684
    Abstract: A system for separating a heavy fraction from a liquid includes an upper section, an inlet in fluid connection with the upper section to introduce the liquid into the upper section, an impeller within the upper section to induce rotational flow and fluid pressure to the liquid within an upper section, an a flow restrictor positioned below the impeller. The flow restrictor has a diameter less than the inner diameter of a housing of a lower section so that a gap is formed between the flow restrictor and the housing of the lower section. The system further includes a conduit including an inlet positioned radially inward from an interior wall of the housing of the lower section and axially below the flow restrictor. The conduit further includes an outlet outside of the lower section via which the liquid with a reduced concentration of the heavy fraction exits the lower section (and the system).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Gregory S. Antoun
  • Patent number: 8852529
    Abstract: A particle processing device includes a substrate and at least one fluidic path. The substrate is rotatable with respect to the middle region thereof. The fluidic path is provided in the substrate to extend from the middle region to a peripheral region. The fluidic path transfers a fluid having a particle from an input portion to an output portion of the fluidic pather by using a centrifugal force of the rotation of the substrate. A capturing region is formed between the input portion and the output portion of the fluidic path to have a changeable sectional shape for capturing the particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Nexvivo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-Ho Cho
  • Publication number: 20140135199
    Abstract: A floating element for separating components of a physiological fluid comprises two parts that are relatively movable. The two parts define a prescribed volume between them when at their maximum separation, and one of the parts may be moved toward the other to express the fluid contained in the volume between the parts. The parts are made of materials having densities so that they assume a desired position in the fluid to allow selected components to be easily obtained and expressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: HARVEST TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James R. ELLSWORTH, Paul McGovern, Mark L. Kibbe
  • Publication number: 20140091049
    Abstract: Certain examples relate to a new feedwell design for use in a clarifier that may better dissipate the entrance energy of the slurry-liquid combination exiting the feedwell and entering the clarifier. Plates of various shapes may be provided proximate to the bottom of the feedwell. The plates may cause a change in the flow direction of the feed, from mostly horizontal to mostly vertical, to slow the slurry. The provision of plates at the bottom of a feedwell in a clarifier may advantageously reduce the velocity of the materials entering the clarifier, or may increase the uniformity of the flow rate of the materials; while reducing or maintaining the amount of shear force, turbulence, or other forces that may have a detrimental effect on clarification. This may, in turn, permit solids to better “settle out” of the slurry-liquid combination, and thus improve the clarity of the removed liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Andritz Inc.
    Inventor: Lindsay BRANDINO
  • Publication number: 20130200004
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for separating low density particles from feed slurries, a bubbly mixture is formed in a downcomer and issues into a mid region in a chamber. An inverted reflux classifier is formed by parallel inclined plates below the mid region allowing for efficient separation of low density particles which rise up to form a densely packed foam in the top of the chamber, and denser particles which fall downwardly to an outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: NEWCASTLE INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventor: Kevin Patrick Galvin
  • Publication number: 20110297626
    Abstract: An economical fat, oil and grease removal assembly and method includes a container having a bottom, a top, a sidewall, an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is spaced above the bottom and below the top to define a static water level for liquid in the container. The container includes at least one baffle extending downwardly to a level below the static water level. The container further includes a port at an elevation such that F.O.G. floating on water in the container can flow from the container out through the port when the liquid level in the container is raised above the static water level. The assembly further includes an inlet bridge, an outlet bridge and a storage tank arranged to accept F.O.G. that is flowed out of the container. A hub on the storage tank interfaces the container with the storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce W. Kyles, Randolph H. Batten
  • Publication number: 20100012598
    Abstract: A device and method is provided for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container and a composite element in the container. The composite element is a separator comprising at least two components and more particularly an elastic portion and a plug member. A fluid sample is delivered to the container and the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the elastic portion of the separator to deform so that the separator migrates into the fluid sample and stabilizes between the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample. The elastic portion of the separator will resiliently return to its initial configuration upon termination of the centrifugal load such that the elastic portion sealingly engages the container and separates the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul C. DiCesare, Richmond Cohen
  • Patent number: 7520997
    Abstract: A system for separating a heavy fraction from a liquid, including a housing and a mechanism in operative connection with the housing to induce rotational flow within an upper section of the housing. The system further includes a flow restrictor positioned below (that is, at the bottom of or below) the upper section of the housing in which rotational flow is induced by the rotational flow mechanism. The flow restrictor has a diameter less than the inner diameter of the housing so that a gap is formed between the flow restrictor and the housing. The housing further includes an inlet positioned above the flow restrictor and a first outlet positioned below the flow restrictor. The first outlet is positioned radially inward from an interior wall of the housing. The housing can be generally cylindrical from the top of the gap to a baffle positioned below the flow restrictor. The baffle defines a settling section for the heavier fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Gregory S. Antoun
  • Patent number: 7378027
    Abstract: The Multilayer Energy Dissipating Inlet Column (MEDIC) in a center-feed clarifier consists of a plurality of perforated and concentric columns and a circular cover, which closes the bottom of the multilayer column. In the wall of each perforated column many flow inlet ports are mounted. The layout of the flow inlet ports between any two adjacent perforated columns is staggered to create a puzzled flow path and flow impingement among the layers of MEDIC. The strong influent jet due to the small inifluent area in a center-feed clarifier continuously impinges with the multilayer perforated columns one after another one. The resistance created by the multiple perforated columns slows down the influent jet and evenly distributes it among all of the inlet ports in the wall of the most outside column. The ability of MEDIC to confine the turbulence entering into clarifiers effectively lowers the dispersed sludge blanket in clarifiers and increases their capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Siping Zhou
  • Patent number: 6900029
    Abstract: A separation procedure for separating a selected desired or undesired population from a biological sample utilizing relatively heavy, dense particles and gravity sedimentation. The particles have one or more reactants bound thereto which are specific to and will bind with the selected population. The particles preferably are mixed with the sample by repeatedly causing the particles to settle through a substantial portion of the sample to bind to the selected population. The particles with the bound selected population then are allowed to preferentially settle in the sample and the supernatant including an enriched population is separated from the particles with the selected population bound thereto. The enriched populations in the biological sample supernatant can be further enriched by multiple removal steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Miltenyi Biotec GmbH
    Inventors: Wallace H. Coulter, Robert K. Zwerner, Robert J. Schmittling, Thomas R. Russell
  • Publication number: 20040149639
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and dispensing an influent slurry into a tank. The apparatus may include a body having a sidewall and floor which together define a volume for the slurry to pass through. Fixed baffles and rotating paddles may be disposed within the body in an interleaved manner to promote mixing of the slurry with a flocculating reagent. The apparatus may also include scrapers for reducing built-up floc on the walls and/or floor of the apparatus. The floor of the apparatus may define a constricted opening for discharge of the slurry. The constricted opening, which serves to control the flow of the slurry through the body of the apparatus, also helps to increase mixing time of the slurry with the flocculating reagent. The constricted opening may be configured as an annular or ring-shaped port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Vaughn J. Weston, Robert Kent Brown, John Banning Johnson, Donald C. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6660162
    Abstract: There is described a liquid treatment installation including a tank which defines a substantially vertical flow channel of circular cross section. Disposed coaxially in the flow channel there is a spiral separator plate pack 20 which comprises one or more conical helical plates which define at least one helical flow passage between axially facing surfaces of the plate or plates. The conical helical plate or plates of the separator plate pack 20 consist of a plurality of platelets 10, which have dimensions that allow them to pass through an opening 21 which runs axially through the centre of the spiral separator. The invention also relates to a method of constructing the above liquid treatment installation and to a method for assembling the spiral separator plate pack 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Southern Water Services Ltd.
    Inventor: David de Hoxar
  • Patent number: 6547080
    Abstract: Colander apparatus for straining and rinsing including a first rim portion and a second rim portion hingedly movable about an axis between a generally coplanar position and a collapsed or folded position wherein the rim portions are generally parallel or oriented at a small acute angle one to the other, the first and second rim portions when in the generally coplanar position defining a bowl opening. The colander apparatus further includes a bowl portion integrally formed with, attached to or otherwise supported by the first and second rim portions around the bowl opening in spanning relation thereto, the bowl portion including a plurality of openings therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Gravity, Incorporated
    Inventor: Tony Michael Guard
  • Patent number: 6475383
    Abstract: A means for controlling/eliminating algae or other biological growth in the weir of a clarifier of waste water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Franklin D. Deskins
  • Patent number: 6343698
    Abstract: A clarifier feedwell having a seismic protection system. The clarifier feedwell includes a feedwell frame and at least one pressure relief door which is slidably inserted into the feedwell frame. The pressure relief door includes a supporting frame, the supporting frame defining an opening. A flexible panel is disposed in the opening. A first edge of the panel is attached to a first portion of the supporting frame. The remaining edges of the panel are releasably engaged with other portions of the supporting frame such that the panel occupies substantially the entire area of the opening. At least one stiffening frame is disposed on the panel. The stiffening frame increases the rigidity of the panel, so that the panel does not disengage from portions of the supporting frame under a normal hydrodynamic load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventors: Ba T. Than, Ann E. Farrell, William E. Brennan, Kenneth S. Clark, Munawar Husain, Gary A. Aron, Kevin H. Monroe
  • Patent number: 6341667
    Abstract: An arrangement in a circulation lubrication system includes a lubricating oil tank, pressure pipe lines for supplying oil to parts that are to be lubricated, return pipe lines for returning the oil from the parts that are to be lubricated to the oil tank, and a mechanism for pumping oil into the pressure pipe lines and maintaining a desired state of lubrication. The lubricating oil tank has a rotationally symmetric structure; and a return duct, positioned at the center axis of the rotationally symmetric structure, is configured to extend below the surface of the oil in the lubricating oil tank. A return flow through the return duct passes through a dividing element to a mechanism configured to separate impurities from the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Safematic Oy
    Inventors: Kari Ahlbom, Ari Airaksinen, Kari Antila, Jari Rinkinen, Arto Alfthan
  • Patent number: 6334952
    Abstract: A sedimentation apparatus for precipitating and separating suspended solids and coagulated flocs in a liquid to be treated, so as to clarify the liquid. The sedimentation apparatus comprises a mixing chamber secured within a sedimentation tank, for mixing and stirring the liquid and an additive; and a rotary support of a distributor, functioning as a bottom of the mixing chamber, rotatable about the center axis of the mixing chamber. The bottom portion of the rotary support is formed with an opening. The sedimentation apparatus has a blade for discharging from the opening the precipitate deposited on the bottom of the rotary support. As a consequence, the precipitate can be prevented from accumulating in excess in the rotary support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Hayakawa, Toshihiko Abe
  • Publication number: 20010040129
    Abstract: A means for controlling/eliminating algae or other biological growth in the weir of a clarifier of waste water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: Franklin D. Deskins
  • Patent number: 6197190
    Abstract: Described herein is an improved water treatment process for separating particulate contaminants from raw water. The process is performed by introducing, into a single tank, raw water injected with a coagulating agent for neutralizing charges on the particles and a flocculating agent for agglomerating the neutralized particles; mixing, in the mixing area of said tank, the neutralized and agglomerated particles with a granular medium to increase the size and weight of the particles; directing the particles and water from the mixing area of said tank to a baffled quiescent zone for settling; further directing said water, free of settlement, in said quiescent zone through a buoyant medium to entrap unsettled particles; and wherein the improvement is characterized by conducting tapered flocculation in the mixing area of said tank with a turbine mixer having a plurality of radial blades of varying surface areas, said blades tapered in decreasing areas as the distance from the point of influent increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Patrick Hanlon
  • Patent number: 5672268
    Abstract: Fluid treatment apparatus including a vessel having a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port and a deflector plate and containing a medium and an inlet having an inlet end in flow communication with the fluid inlet port and a discharge end providing an incoming flow of untreated fluid against the deflector plate for reversal thereby to an outgoing flow of fluid passing through the medium for treatment, the clearance between the discharge end and the deflector plate being selectively adjustable for controlling the flow of fluid through the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Red Sea Fish Pharm Ltd.
    Inventors: Tamir Mizrahi, Robert Brons, Gennady Shagas, Neil Marks
  • Patent number: 5601711
    Abstract: A filter device or apparatus is provided for the separation of materials, especially biomaterials from a fluid sample, under a force such as centrifugation, positive pressure, vacuum, or gravity. The device comprises two or more in-line tubular elements, one or more of which is a module that houses a filter media. The elements have complementary connection structures (e.g., elastomeric seal, O-ring, threads, Luer fittings, compression fittings, bayonet fittings, snap fittings, and the like) such that they can be assembled or reassembled in a train to form a conduit structure for leak-proof passage of a fluid sample volume. The assembly can be disassembled for collection and processing of retentate and filtrate material resulting from the filtration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Gelman Sciences Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Sklar, Peter L. Graham, Jane Larson
  • Patent number: 5478468
    Abstract: A coagulating sedimentation processing apparatus comprising a sedimentation tank, a mixing chamber rotatably supported within the sedimentation tank, means for supplying suspension and additive to the mixing chamber, a mixer arranged within the mixing chamber for stirring mixed liquid of the suspension and the additive, and a plurality of distributors extending radially from the mixing chamber and provided with a plurality of jetting ports which open downwardly, wherein strip-like baffle plates are fixedly mounted respectively below the distributors so as to be opposed against the jetting ports. The mixing liquid jetted downwardly from the jetting ports of the distributor impinges against the baffle plate and is buffed so that its velocity head is reduced. Accordingly, there is no case where turbulent flow is generated by the mixing liquid which is jetted to the concentrated sludge layer which is formed in a bottom of the sedimentation tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Deno, Minoru Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 5421949
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for applying flat punched elements in the desired position to the surface of a carrier material, the elements being present in multiple copies on a sheet. The multiple copies are fed to an applying device and positioned therein. At the same time as individual elements are separated out or punched, these elements are fixed in position with respect to the carrier material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: GAO Gesellschaft fur Automation und Organisation GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Hoppe, Yahya Haghiri-Tehrani, Eugen Neumann
  • Patent number: 5415771
    Abstract: Raw feed water is continuously clarified at a large throughput rate in a single, shallow tank using a flotation process carried out simultaneously in multiple sectors of the tank. Raw water feeds into a rotating trough. A fixed manifold system in the trough dispenses pressurized water containing dissolved air to release microscopic air bubbles. A set of headers each radially extend outwardly from the rotating trough. Each header distributes water and bubbles to a sector of the tank with a net zero velocity. A set of rotating extractors each receive clarified water from the bottom of a preceding sector. A set of scoops skim floated sludge from the water in the tank. The sludge is lifted, as by the rotation of the scoop and/or by a pumped conduit, over the rotating trough to a sludge outlet pipe. In one form the scoop has at least two blades each with an eccentrically located, radially extending compartment that receives, lifts, and then dumps the skimmed sludge as the scoop rotates about its axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: The Lenox Institute of Water Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Milos Krofta
  • Patent number: 5389249
    Abstract: A clarifier comprising a tank, a feedwell, a cover and a raking structure. The cover is rotatably and sealingly engaged with the tank so as to prevent foul air within the tank from escaping into the atmosphere. The feed well and the raking structure are supported by and rotatable with the cover. The clarifier further includes a drive means for rotating the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Dorr-Oliver Incorporated
    Inventor: John Richards
  • Patent number: 5362407
    Abstract: Disclosed is a circular gravity clarifier for and method of clarifying liquids of entrained liquid droplets and solids. The clarifier has an upright cylindrical body, a cylindrical baffle extending substantially the depth of the body forming an annular flow path, a rotating stilling well in which the liquid to be clarified is introduced and flows downwardly in a generally cone shaped pattern, the liquid droplets rising to the surface where they are removed, and the clarified liquid flows upwardly in the annular flow path and is discharged. A number of features of the clarifier and the method is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Modern Welding Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Hadi Elmi
  • Patent number: 5343635
    Abstract: An improved disc dryer for aggregate material which operates by rotating and impacting a tilted pan which holds the material being dried. Increased capacity is attained by transverse stabilizers on the impactor assembly, adjustable pressure air shock mounts for variable amplitude control of the impactor assembly, sets of dual support wheels upon which the pan rotates a reinforced support tract on the underside of the pan, and an adjustable feed box for supplying material to the pan at varying locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Aggregates Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Lam T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 5340485
    Abstract: A sludge removal apparatus for a clarifier/thickener tank includes a central rotatable or stationary sealed sludge collection box submerged in the tank and surrounding a vertical, central influent column or support shaft. The collection box is positioned at any elevation between the tank bottom to a position just below the liquid/air level in the tank. At least one rotatable rake arm, preferably one or two pairs of spaced rake arms each having a spiral blade, is affixed to and rotates with the box and a driving cage, to inwardly push or pick-up sludge at the tank bottom for transport to the collection box. A substantially controlled flow of sludge may be provided into the collection box by valved or adjustable gate control through a sidewall opening in the collection box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Bruce D. Bradley, Steven G. Coombs
  • Patent number: 5271832
    Abstract: An activation plant for the treatment of waste water by the activated sludge method is disclosed wherein the plant has an outer, annular activation tank, a concentric, inner, funnel shaped secondary sedimentation tank, and a rotating aeration bridge rotating about the central axis. The return sludge, excess sludge, and floating sludge chambers, and the associated pumps, are provided in a central shaft that is the central axis for the concentric tanks. The floating sludge chamber is supplied by an annular trough circumscribing the central shaft. Clean water is removed through a conduit in the central shaft. The central shaft, chambers, and aeration bridge are supported by at least three rectangular tubes that are mounted on the wall of the secondary sedimentation tank and extend radially from the conduit for clean water in the central shaft. The rectangular tubes provide a flow space for clean water from the activation plant and are connected to outlet troughs for collecting the clean water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Erhard Schreiber
    Inventor: Berthold Schreiber
  • Patent number: 5219470
    Abstract: A sludge removal apparatus for a clarifier tank includes a rotatable or stationary sealed sludge collection box submerged in the tank and surrounding a vertical, central influent column. The collection box is positioned at any elevation between the tank bottom to a position just below the liquid/solids level in the tank. A rotatable rake arm or pick-up pipe or sludge collection duct may be affixed to and rotates with the box and a driving cage to push or pick-up sludge at the tank bottom for transport to the collection box. A substantially constant flow of sludge may be provided in the collection box by valved or adjustable orifice control over the flow of sludge from the pick-up pipe(s) or duct(s) or center tank cone. A fixed flanged manifold spool with spaced branches is positioned between flanged vertical sections of the center column and sludge is transported from the collection box through the branches to a concentric sludge withdrawal pipe extending downwardly within the center column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Bruce D. Bradley, Steven G. Coombs
  • Patent number: 5139662
    Abstract: An apparatus for clarifying water. The apparatus includes a mixing chamber for mixing the water to be clarified with pressurized water and air to obtain a mixture in which particles attached to air bubbles are suspended. The mixing chamber is connected to a flotation tank which holds a body of water whose upper surface is maintained at a predetermined level. The mixture, including the particles attached to air bubbles, is delivered by a distribution pipe from an upper part of the mixing chamber onto the surface of the water in the tank so that the floatables come to a floating position on the surface without causing agitation or turbulence below the surface. A skimmer rake skims the floatables to an outlet where they are removed from the tank leaving the water at the bottom of the tank clarified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Inventor: Masakatsu Ozawa
  • Patent number: 5050997
    Abstract: A mixer-settler for liquid-liquid extraction has a casing having a first partition arranged lengthwise of its longitudinal axis above a discharge weir. A stirring device is connected to at least an arrangement for feeding one of the phases, and is fashioned at least as one hollow element arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the casing. Walls of the hollow element have holes outlets of which face the first partition. The first partition has a mechanism for controlling the height of the layer of mixture (M) of phases in the mixing zone arranged in this partition at a location longitudinally remote from the arrangement for feeding the phases (L,S). A settling zone has a second transporting means secured on the casing and positioned after the discharge weir downstream of the flow of light phase (L).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Inventors: Leonid I. Sklokin, Vladimir E. Leif, Jury M. Sednev, Sofya M. Masloboeva, Vladimir P. Kovalevsky, Genrikh V. Korpusov, Vladimir Y. Stepanov, Boris M. Bobylkov, Vladimir T. Kalinnikov, Boris M. Stefanovich
  • Patent number: 5006260
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the separation of a dispersed phase in emulsion or in suspension in a continuous phase of a different density. The process comprises causing the emulsion to circulate in a coalescing enclosure (1) containing a filling (11) having an inherent volume of particles or fibers which is slight with respect to the useable volume of the enclosure, and causing the filling to move with respect to the emulsion in such a manner that the particles or fibers thereof sweep the enclosure with an average speed which is high with respect to the flow speed of the emulsion in the enclosure. The invention is particularly applicable for the separation of hydrocarbons or fatty bodies dispersed in an aqueous effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Institut National des Sciences Appliquees de Toulouse
    Inventors: Henri Roques, Yves Aurelle, Louis Lopez
  • Patent number: 4975189
    Abstract: In rotating disc filters used for example in the pulp and paper industry, one or more spray elements are positioned between adjacent discs to rotate about an axis parallel to the disc axis. This arrangement achieves greater washing coverage of the discs than prior systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Inventor: John A. Liszka
  • Patent number: 4948518
    Abstract: A sedimentation tank for separating activated sludge from a suspension of activated sludge and sewage water, with an intake (11) for the suspension, an outlet (3) for the activated sludge at the conical bottom, and a discharge (4) at the top for the sewage water that the activated sludge has been eliminated from. A pipe (7) that is open at the top and closed at the bottom by a floor (9) is accommodated at the center of the tank and an inlet (10) that communicates with the intake opens into the pipe in the vicinity of the floor. The central pipe extends above the surface (20) of the liquid in the tank, which is dictated by how much is leaving, is loosely surrounded by another pipe (8) that extends above and below the surface of the liquid, and accommodates an agitator (12) with a speed that can be set to shape the suspension at the top of the pipe into a paraboloid (21) of rotation, which extends to the edge and from which the suspension spills over the edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Borsig GmbH
    Inventor: Hudai Turgay
  • Patent number: 4931175
    Abstract: Water clarifying apparatus has a cylindrical tank where particulate contaminants suspended in raw water are separated using flotation techniques. A set of concentric mutually spaced, conical plates are positioned in the flotation tank. The plates rotate about the tank, preferably in unison with a (i) header that distributes equal quantities of raw water to each annular zone in the tank defined by the conical plates and (ii) a scoop for removing the contaminants which form a floated sludge layer. A screw conveyor is located in a discharge pipe of the floated sludge scoop. A infrared sludge detection array in a window in the side wall of the tank senses the sludge-water interface. Air dissolving tubes operating in parallel have common feeds and discharges coupled through three way valves operated to pressurize a closed volume of water with high pressure air in one tube while reloading and discharging the other tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Lenox Institute for Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Milos Krofta
  • Patent number: 4923600
    Abstract: Apparatus adapted for use in a water clarification system which removes particles of greater than a predetermined size from the clarified water includes a screen or a pair of concentric screens positioned in a clarified water storage area between an inlet and a clarified water outlet. One or more spray heads for direct a shower of high pressure filtered clarified water at the outlet side of the screen or screens to loosen or remove particles therefrom. In addition, a rotating brush can act on the inlet side of the screen. Particles removed by the cleaning elements are recirculated through the system. Water levels are maintained by overflow control or by monitoring the water level and utilizing the output from the monitor or monitors to selectively control valves in the inlet or outlets from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Lenox Institute for Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Milos Krofta
  • Patent number: 4816167
    Abstract: A vehicle for collecting and dewatering the contents of sanitary sewer traps. The vehicle includes a frame and an elongated tank mounted on the frame with the tank having a rearward end and a forward end. The frame includes a mechanism for elevating the forward end and the tank is pivotally connected to the frame adjacent the rearward end of the tank. A divider separates the tank into a rearward compartment for receiving the contents of the traps and a forward compartment, while a crossover pipe for conveying supernatant liquid from the rearward compartment to the forward compartment has a first leg extending generally parallel to the divider wall from a location adjacent the floor of the rearward compartment. An inlet conduit extends into the rearward compartment for conveying the contents of the traps into the rearward compartment. The vehicle also includes a pump for selectively establishing a subatmospheric pressure in either the rearward compartment or in the forward compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Waste Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel V. Vanderslice
  • Patent number: 4789477
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for charging granular or pulp-like material to a container of relatively large cross-sectional area with the aid of a conveyor, in a manner to maintain a constant, smooth level of material in the container. The arrangement includes a carriage which can be driven at least partially over the cross-sectional area of the container on a level above the level of material present therein. The carriage has mounted therein at least one pair of juxtaposed and mutually spaced feed means, arranged to impart to the material a component of movement in the same direction and each of the screw means being arranged to impart to the material a component of movement directed towards the interspace between the feed means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignee: Purac AB
    Inventor: Tore H. Nordlund
  • Patent number: 4784764
    Abstract: An arrangement for separation by flocculation of flocculable substances contained in a suspension, as such is used particularly for purifying the backwater of deinking installations for waste paper processing, comprises a container supplied by a conduit with a suspension coming from a reservoir and admixed with flocculating agents and with air. The container contains a rotor with vertical shaft from which two arms extend outwardly at different heights. The suspension to be purified is delivered by the shaft and the upper arm, and by means of the lower situated arm leading the upper arm at an acute angle the purified water is removed. The floated-up flocculated substances are withdrawn from the surface as flotation scum and optionally by means of a conveying device through a scum conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Sulzer-Escher Wyss GmbH
    Inventors: Hans H. Kleinschnittger, Wolfgang Bassler, Albrecht Kahmann, Wolfgang Siewert
  • Patent number: 4759913
    Abstract: A process for the recovery of an organic phase and an aqueous phase from three phase emulsions such as those formed during the extraction of uranium from wet phosphoric acid is described. Such emulsions contain a light-density liquid phase and a heavy-density liquid phase and are stabilized by a solid phase of intermediate density. The emulsion is first heated and then separated into its three components using a centrifugal filter with an appropriate filter aid. At high filter feed rates the dense liquid phase passes freely through the filter media while the light phase liquid begins to accumulate in the centrifuge and is withdrawn from the centrifuge via a properly positioned skimmer tube. The apparatus containing the skimmer tube is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Freeport Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Thomas A. Headington
  • Patent number: 4650582
    Abstract: This invention provides a rotating drum screening apparatus for continuously and controllably separating a tomato macerate into a reduced insoluble solids pulp fraction and an insoluble solids-enhanced pulp fraction, the rotating drum screening apparatus has an adjustable means mounted on the rotary drum in the path of the influent, insoluble solids-containing liquid which blocks a desired portion of the drum surface so that the effective filter area of the drum surface can be altered as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Campbell Soup Company
    Inventors: Donald B. Bradley, David P. Gaehring, Charles W. Long
  • Patent number: 4640781
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating liquid, such as for coalescing and separating finely dispersed oil droplets from an oil/water emulsion, which includes a cluster of fibers arranged in a housing, wherein the cluster of fibers can be displaced stepwise into and from a neck portion of the housing, thereby providing in the neck portion a compressed fibrous bed with an adjustable thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Victor B. Hughes
  • Patent number: 4490260
    Abstract: This invention relates to flocculation apparatus for the purification of liquids, particularly water, wherein provision is made for initial vigorous mixing of the coagulants in the liquid followed by a gradually diminishing agitation of the liquid and flocculent to provide proper flocculation; the apparatus comprising a circular flat bottomed chamber, a central circular well having openings through its wall spaced apart circumferentially and vertically, a plurality of radially extending rotatable arms supported above the chamber, each arm carrying downwardly depending blades spaced apart along the length of the arms and positioned to intersperse with a plurality of series of vertical fixed blades extending radially from the well, and upwardly from the floor of the chamber, the blades extending substantially the full depth of the chamber, at least one feed chamber in communication with the chamber through an opening in the wall thereof, means for rotating the arms and an outlet from the bottom of the well lead
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: Blue Circle Projects (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Richard P. Moore
  • Patent number: 4401568
    Abstract: A coke oven flushing liquor decanter apparatus that has a vertically elongated vessel that has a variable cross-sectional dimension so as to separate the flushing liquor into a lower liquid phase and an upper liquid phase. A vertical tube extends downwardly into the tar phase and a second vertical, downwardly extending tube concentrically surrounds the first vertical tube but concentrically surrounds the first vertical tube but does not extend into the tar phase. A lateral tube connects with first lateral tube in the tar phase to remove tar from the vessel, and a second lateral tube connects with the second vertical tube in the liquid from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Assignee: Koppers Company, Inc.
    Inventor: George R. Cain
  • Patent number: 4367141
    Abstract: The apparatus is suitably disposed within a circular tank and comprises a stationary bridge, a feeding bell, a scraper, driving means, and an optional foam scraping means. The apparatus is characterized in that it has a centrally suspended rotating scraper, mounted from a central vertical shaft and driven by a drive which travels along the rim of the tank, and additionally has at least one rotating drive arm. The drive arm is connected at one end to the drive and at its other end to the feeding bell, which is supported by the shaft of the scraper. The feeding bell is preferably capable of vertical adjustment. The scraper is preferably provided with at least one row of a plurality of vertical stick-like members. A foam scraper is optionally attached to the drive arm. The apparatus additionally contains means for automatically raising or lowering the scraper. depending on the relative rotary momentum between the scraper and the rim drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1983
    Inventors: Bela Dorombozi, Csaba Egeto, Gyorgy Kalman, Karoly Solymos, Zoltan Szalay
  • Patent number: 4311590
    Abstract: A phase separation apparatus is provided for effecting phase separation of two immiscible liquids. The apparatus comprises an inner rotatable tube the bottom end of which is charged axially with the two liquids, and an outer tube which forms an outer chamber surrounding the inner tube. The inner tube includes a plurality of slots or openings along the length thereof and when the inner tube is rotated the heavier phase liquid will be separated from the lighter phase and will exit through the slots in the inner tube into the outer chamber for collection. The lighter phase is collected at the top of the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1982
    Inventor: Henry P. Sheng
  • Patent number: 4303517
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a tank of steel, or concrete, into which the liquid to be treated is introduced vertically through a centrally located inlet at the tank bottom. Disposed inside the tank, above said inlet, are a tubular venturi-type eductor member and a conical partition member which defines a liquid mixing, coagulating, flocculating and sludge recirculating zone. As the entering liquid flows through the eductor, it draws in a very large volume of surrounding sludge to establish a high degree of sludge recirculation and mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1981
    Assignee: Sydlo Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard S. Love, Roger N. Crathern