Abstract: A separation tank adapted for use in washing and separating recycled polymeric material from contaminants, the separation tank comprising a centrally disposed baffle and being adapted to receive and circulate an aqueous medium around the baffle; transversely mounted, rotatable members adapted to submerge floating material within the aqueous medium; transversely mounted, rotatable members adapted to aggressively agitate the surface of the aqueous medium; and longitudinally spaced sumps disposed in the floor of the tank on the side of the baffle opposite the agitation members to collect contaminants settling out of the aqueous medium; and members adapted to divide the aqueous medium into surface and subsurface portions for the respective recovery of the polymeric material and recirculation of the aqueous medium.

Abstract: A spraying system to be used on wastewater settling tanks for skimming the top scum layer into a drain. The system includes a spray nozzle that causes the top liquid layer to move in a circular fashion about the center of the tank. The nozzle can be in the form of a wall mounted spray unit that sprays water onto the surface of the contained wastewater. The nozzle can also be in the form of a multiorificed tubular body mounted directly onto the top of the drain trough. Water sprayed from the latter nozzle is directed into the trough and thereby causes a suctioning of the scum layer into the drain. The system can employ either of the nozzles or both nozzles in combination.

Abstract: An automatic dross removal apparatus (10) is disclosed for removing dross from the surface of a solder bath (22) in an automated electric component handling system. A rotatable wiper blade (14) is positioned adjacent the solder bath (22) which skims the dross off of the surface prior to the dipping of a robot conveyed component into the bath. An electronic control circuit (34) causes a motor (32) to rotate the wiper arm (14) one full rotational cycle each time a pulse is received from a robot controller (44) as a component approaches the solder bath (22).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dewatering combined ash or other combustion related products. The apparatus aspects of the invention consist of a quench bath having a curved portion containing a plunger adapted to push combustion materials contained in the quench bath up an inclined trough. A vibrator is mounted below a portion of the inclined trough located above the waterline in the quench bath. As a result, material moved up the inclined portion is subject to vibration and compaction resulting in a substantial dewatering of the combustion material. The method of the present invention provides for the steps of quenching, moving and vibrating combustion by-products to obtain a dewatered material having reduced free water run-off.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for skimming contaminants from a reservoir of a liquid such as an industrial solvent, including a tubular wand having an end inlet extending into the reservoir, a pressure air line extending along the wand, the air line protruding a side wall of the wand and terminating at a nozzle proximate the inlet, the nozzle being directed into the wand, away from the inlet for producing a vacuum. The wand is adjustably mounted to a base that attaches to the reservoir, and is connected to a vented container for collecting the contaminants that are drawn into the wand. Contaminants can be removed from the surface of the liquid, from proximate the bottom of the reservoir, or from a submerged layer concentrated at an intermediate depth within the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for the clarification of liquids, such as notably water, fruit juices, musts such as grape musts, including an enclosure in which is brought the liquid to be clarified after a pretreatment operation, such as screening, as well as a flotation equipment, fed by a transfer pump with liquid pressurized and relieved of the pressure prior to its introducting in the flotation equipment, from which the clarified liquid is introduced in a filtration system. The apparatus includes the features that the flotation equipment is placed above the assembly used for the pretreatment of the liquid so as to obtain a sufficient load for bringing about a hydraulic balance of the various constituents of the apparatus, in order that it can operate with a small load available upstream and allow a possible recycling, by simple gravity, of the floating particles collected at the surface of the flotation equipment to any point of the pretreatment.

Abstract: A sludge removal apparatus (10) disclosed includes a tank (12) having bottom (14), side walls (16,18) and first and second end walls (20,22) for receiving and holding an immiscible mixture of fluid and floatable sludge. A skimmer (32) mounted on the tank (12) is movable in a sequential path for skimming the sludge from the surface of the mixture. The tank bottom (14) and side walls (16,18) are sloped so that any settling particles are reintroduced into a high velocity fluid stream communicated into the tank bottom (14) for further processing. A guide portion (28) guides skimmer (32) into the sludge immediately in front of a diverter (26) in the direction of circulation within the tank (12) to eliminate regions of stagnated sludge on the mixture.

Abstract: A grease/oil separator of the type primarily used in industry for the removal of grease/oil contaminants from water flowing from a restaurant or like business to the conventional sewer facilities and being of the type which includes a heater structure mounted within a receiving container. A heat conductive wing defines a heat sink and is secured to an under portion of a trough or receiving portion of a containment removal sump. The heat sink is dimensioned and configured to extend into submerged relation within the liquid reservoir of the receiving container and transfer heat, through conductivity therefrom to the heat sump so as to maintain the heat sump at a minimum predetermined temperature sufficient to prevent grease/oil contaminants from solidifying and clogging the removal sump.

Abstract: A device for separating liquids from solids and solids from solids is provided by utilizing a tall column filled with liquid which is subjected to a siphon action that pulls the liquid/solids mixture vertically through the column clarifying the liquid and classifying the solids. This siphon method provides a most efficient method of classification of solids and clarification of liquids. Atmospheric pressure and gravity create forces within the device which simultaneously act on every particle. The interior of the tall column has no moving parts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing a body of liquid in a treatment basin and for removing floating matter from the surface of the basin. A propeller type downflow mixer is buoyantly supported on a float in the basin with the inlet side of the mixer below the liquid level and the discharge side of the mixer arranged to direct the pumped liquid downwardly in the basin for mixing material in the basin. A shield is provided on the float overlying the inlet side of the pump to inhibit direct passage of liquid from the area of the basin above the shield and to induce an inflow pattern below the surface of the liquid toward the inlet of the pump. A scum receiving trough is mounted on the float and extends along the outer margin of the float with the upper weir edge adjacent the surface of the liquid in the basin to receive matter floating on the surface of the basin. Material received in the trough is selectively discharged to a receiver outside the basin.

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.

Abstract: A liquid jet manifold arrangement for process separator vessels for removing solids such as sand and sediment which accumulate along the bottom wall of the vessel during operation. A plurality of elongated manifolds are arranged to extend longitudinally along the vessel bottom wall and each manifold is provided with an array of jet nozzles which are arranged along the manifold bottom side and top side, respectively. The nozzles extend in a direction such as to create a substantially vortical flow of liquid to entrain and urge the fluidized solids mixture toward the solid removal outlet opening in the vessel. The manifolds are supported in a standoff position from the vessel bottom wall by adjustable support brackets and a generally arcuate shield is supported above and spaced from each of the jet manifolds to redirect the liquid flow out of the nozzles to enhance the vortical flow pattern.

Abstract: For bleaching cellulose pulp or a fraction thereof, e.g. reject pulp, the cellulose pulp or fraction, having a concentration of 0.5-10%, preferably 3-6%, is introduced into a screw press comprising at least a first (47) and a second (48) dewatering zone, is dewatered in the first zone to a concentration of 20-40%, whereupon a liquor of bleach chemicals is introduced centrally into the pulp which, during continued treatment, is dewatered in the second zone to a discharge pulp concentration of 15-50, preferably 15-30%, the liquid pressed out of the second zone, together with fresh bleach chemicals, being returned to the pulp in the screw press as liquor of bleach chemicals.

Abstract: A grit selector having an upper settling chamber and a lower grit storage chamber. The settling chamber communicates with the grit storage chamber through an opening in a transition surface therebetween. An influent flume directs influent liquid directly into a lower portion of the settling chamber. An effluent flume withdraws effluent liquid from an upper portion of the settling chamber. The influent flume and effluent flume have a common centerline with the effluent flume being positioned at an elevation above the influent flume. A baffle member extends into the settling chamber for directing the influent liquid stream outwardly towards a lower portion of the periphery of the settling chamber.

Abstract: A filter compartment containing water with surface scum is bounded by first and second end walls and spaced side walls, the latter of which are spanned by a moving bridge. The bridge is movable between the ends of the compartment and has associated nozzles which direct a pressurized air or other fluid angularly against the upper surface of the scum layer to skim the scum towards at least one collecting pot, in which scum is collected, and from which the scum is withdrawn for delivery to a scum pit for further treatment or disposal.

Abstract: To wash and dewater solid-water mixtures in the preparation of construction materials, particularly in recycling processes (processes using recycled waste materials), a sturdy washing trough structure is formed of a sheet steel washing trough to which a vibration box (also solid) is connected on the solids discharge side in order to achieve improved dewatering, and to provide at least one "washing pulsator" and at least one "conveying pulsator", in the form of hydraulic or pneumatic organs, which engage the washing box itself. In addition, with the aid of a hydraulic or pneumatic thrust organ, the entire assembly can be swung up around a swing pivot, said swinging up being toward the solids discharge location; and/or said assembly can be swung up toward the washing water overflow.

Abstract: Chemicals are added to a fluid such as sewage to flocculate and precipitate solids therefrom which are deflected downwardly and sink by gravity to the base of an elongated chamber so that the substantially clarified fluid flows over a weir at one end of the chamber with the flocculated and precipitated material forming a sludge in the base thereof whereafter it may be removed either through a fluid lock device or pressurizing the system to stratify the flow and provide still areas for the sludge to settle through the fluid and be removed as required.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for liquid removal from a mixture with solid particulate materials utilizing a screw conveyor within a housing for transport of solids, the screw conveyor upcoming side being in proximity to the housing means and the screw conveyor downcoming side being spaced from at least a portion of the housing means to form a liquid collection volume from which the liquid is removed.

Abstract: A floating decanter apparatus including a float adapted to buoyantly support the decanter apparatus, a decanter receptacle disposed below the float and having an open top surrounded by a peripheral upper decanter rim and outlet means for decanted liquid communicating with said decanter receptacle at a level below said decanter rim. The decanter receptacle is mounted on the float for movement toward and away from the underside of the float and a power operated actuator is mounted on the float and operatively connected to the decanter receptacle for selectively moving the decanter receptacle from a lower position in the decanter rim spaced below the underside of the float to a raised position to seal the decanter rim to the underside of the float.

Abstract: An agitation type degreaser for cleaning oil from parts by contacting them with a cleaning liquid, and at the same time removing oil from the cleaning liquid, including a container filled with cleaning liquid, a partition dividing the container into a first turbulent-liquid chamber receiving the parts to be cleaned and a second calm-liquid chamber used for oil separation and removal, suction and discharge ducts communicating with the first chamber and a liquid pump operative to draw liquid from the suction ducts and discharge it through the discharge ducts into the first chamber at high velocity to maintain turbulence, and the second chamber including oil removal and recovery apparatus including one or more bleed holes operative for delivering a proportion of the discharged cleaning liquid from the ducts into the calm liquid of the second chamber, and including one or more openings below the surface of the liquid through which a flow of calm liquid will pass back into the first chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a well drilling operation where drilling fluids are used and recycled. More particularly, it relates to novel method and apparatus for reclaiming valuable drilling fluids otherwise discarded with solids.

Abstract: A side skimmer provided in a channel containing flowing liquid includes a skimmer mechanism and a skimmer drain. The skimmer mechanism includes a fixed portion secured in a hinge-like manner to one side of the channel and aligned with an obstruction located partially across the channel width, and a movable wing-like portion extending above and below the liquid surface. This mechanism selectively deflects the flow into the drain, and is movable between a closed position, which allows free flow between the mechanism in the channel side and the obstruction, and an open position between the fixed portion and the obstruction, which directs flow to the skimmer drain. The skimmer drain is vertically movable between a closed position above the liquid surface, and an open position just below the surface whereby floating matter is removed.

Abstract: A self-cleaning mud pit (10) includes a container (18) mounted on a base (12). Supporting brackets (14) and (16) are provided for attachment to hinges (20) and (22) mounted on the side of the container (18). The container (18) is operable to rotate about the hinges (20) and (22) to decant liquid contained therein. An inlet port (36) and an outlet port (38) are disposed on either end of the container (18) with the centers thereof coinciding with the rotational axis of the container (18). Rotation of the container (18) causes liquid to decant through the inlet and outlet ports without displacing the inlet and outlet ports from the rotational centers thereof. Hinged doors (40) and (44) are provided to selectively inhibit flow through the inlet port (36) and the outlet port (38) such that the contents thereof decant over the edge of the container (18).

Abstract: To reduce the accumulation of undesirable solid material within an anaerobic digester, new slurry for digesting is injected into the digester at locations extending across the horizontal width at one end, parallel to a zone of floating solids in a concentration of solid material between ten and twelve percent, with a momentum of at least 0.1 pound-foot per second. Liquid is taken out of the digester across a trough extending across the width of the digester. Bubbles are broken above the liquid level of the digester by a sieve or surfactant or combination of the two.

Abstract: A grit settling basin including a cylindrical grit settling chamber adapted to contain liquid sewage and a grit storage chamber positioned beneath the grit settling chamber and adapted to receive grit settling out of the liquid. A vertical shaft is positioned centrally in the grit settling basin and extends into the grit storage chamber. A partition comprising a truncated cone surrounds the central shaft and defines the two chambers. A first annular opening is provided between the shaft and the partition and a second annular opening is provided between the partition and an upper portion of the grit storage chamber. A plurality of vanes project from the central shaft below and adjacent the partition and cause upward fluid flow through the first annular opening in response to rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: Decanter-type separating apparatus comprising within a rotatably mounted tapered and cylindrical barrel a solids-transporting screw rotating at a speed different from the barrel speed, the aforesaid apparatus being characterized by the screw having in an intensive clarification region a pitch substantially greater than used in the past, to stabilize the flow as far as possible and to obtain particularly effective and efficient clarification. In the intensive clarification region, the pitch is much greater than ten degrees and preferrably is within a range of forty to fifty degrees, in certain cases on the order of up to sixty degrees.

Abstract: A raking apparatus comprises a guide track, a carriage supported on the guide track for displacement thereon along a traveling path, a linkage assembly supported on the carriage and comprising a plurality of linkage levers articulated to one another by respective joints, and a rake supported on the carriage and operatively connected to the linkage assembly for varying angular positions of the rake by the linkage assembly upon pivotal motion of the levers with respect to one another. There is further provided a slide track receiving one of the joints for guiding it upon pivotal motion of the levers and a locking mechanism mounted on the carriage and cooperating with the linkage assembly. The locking mechanism has a released position permitting a pivotal motion of the levers and a locking position immobilizing the levers of the linkage assembly with respect to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for the recovery of oils or other similar pollutants floating on bodies of water, including the open seas, and a related support vessel, including a conveying apparatus and a recovery unit for the floating oils which both float autonomously and independently of each other and from the support vessel. The conveying apparatus includes two self-buoyant arms disposed in the shape of a V, flexible with respect to a vertical plane to ride the waves, and towed by the support vessel by means of two swinging forks. The recovery unit comprises two large rotating, horizontal axis drums, surrounded on the lateral and the rear sides by an apron to contain the floating oils, and is towed by the support vessel to float independently. Pumping means for the recovered oils is provided.

Abstract: A two-stage, screw-fed vertical mechanical separator for separating a low viscosity material from a high viscosity material, wherein the bulk of the low viscosity material is removed in the first stage and the high viscosity material is heated as a result of mechanical working through a restriction into a second stage and subjected to a vacuum to flash off residual low viscosity material.

Abstract: A process and mechanism for extracting oil based paint and other generally less dense, immiscible materials from water circulated through a spray paint booth includes a tank which receives the mixture of water and paint through an opening in the bottom of the tank. The mixture is directed through the tank so that the less dense paint floats and is directed toward a beach or inclined plane member projecting into the tank. The floating material is then skimmed from the surface of the water in the tank. Clean water is simultaneously withdrawn from the bottom of the tank and recirculated through the spray paint booth. In a preferred embodiment, the tank is used in combination with an electrostatic water treater which treats water circulating through the spray booth. Such treatment enhances subsequent mechanical separation of the paint from the water.

Abstract: Apparatus for effecting clarification of liquid having particulate material entrained therewithin includes a filter screen and a filter-cleaning device disposed adjacent thereto operable for removing particulate material from the filter screen which has been deposited or accumulated thereon from a particulate-laden liquid discharged onto the filter screen. The filter-cleaning device includes a dispenser which is selectively positioned, in an automatic manner, relative to the filter screen to direct a fluid flow against the filter screen at variable locations thereon to impart movement to the retained particulate material relative to the filter screen. Additionally, the filter-cleaning device of the present invention includes a plurality of nozzles, which form the dispensing device, mounted on a carriage which is operable for carrying the dispensing device so that the nozzles will be presented over the filter screen in a selective, reciprocally shifting manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting, transporting and dewatering animal waste prior to its introduction into a press for separating the solids therein from the remaining liquid waste.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating coarse sand particles from fine sand particles in a slurry of sand and a solution such as results from the solvent extraction of tar sand, such method comprising causing flow of such slurry in a generally horizontal direction and then causing upward flow at a rate such that coarse particles settle out and fine particles move upwardly to a slurry outlet. The apparatus preferably comprises a tubular duct for downward flow, bottom openings in the duct for outward flow, a lower receptacle for coarse particles and an annular space surrounding the duct for upward flow of slurry of solution and fine sand particles.

Abstract: A sludge robot for the removal of sludge from sedimentation tanks having planar bottoms comprises a rising tube (3) and two tube arms (5, 8) which are interconnected by two motor couplings (1, 2), by means of which the tube arms can be steered along a predetermined track over the whole bottom of the tank and suck the whole bottom free from sludge through a suction opening.Steering of the motor couplings is carried out by means of a micro dator (18) programmed for the relevant tank size. The sludge robot operates close to the tank bottom all the time and permits other applications in the upper portion of the tank. Starting time and cycle time for the sludge robot are adjustable.

Abstract: In order to achieve improved collection of sludge in a settling basin, without employing moving parts, a collecting trough is provided, this trough being open at the top and bounded on the sides by horizontal overflow-weirs and being intended to rest on the bottom of the basin. A line, located level with the bottom of the collecting trough, issues from the trough and runs to a suction pump. The trough is covered by a hood which widens towards the bottom and leaves an unobstructed interspace between itself and the overflow-weirs, this hood possessing openings which lie at a lower level than the overflow-weirs.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus has a pair of inclined, parallel, adjacent upwardly facing semicylindrical troughs, an elongated helical flight rotatably disposed in each trough, and a drive mechanism for effecting rotation of the helical flights. The lower ends of the troughs are received in a tank having spaced side walls and having spaced baffle walls between the side walls which are parallel to the side walls and extend above at least a portion of the top edge of each side wall. These top edge portions of the side walls are each adjustable about an axis normal to the side wall to a substantially horizontal position and are releasably fixable in such position. Solids introduced between the baffle walls are conveyed by the rotating flights to the upper ends of the troughs, and liquid so introduced passes under said baffle walls and over the adjustable edge portions of the side walls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for blood separation by squeezing out blood components from a blood bag (29) having at least one outlet conduit (30), said device comprising a support surface (1) and a pressure surface (3) being movable relatively to the support surface and arranged for compressing a blood bag (29) inserted between the pressure surface (3) and the support surface (1). The pressure surface (3) is arranged essentially in parallel with the support surface (1) and drive means are provided for displacement of the pressure surface (3) substantially perpendicularly to the support surface (1) for compressing the blood bag (29) essentially uniformly over the entire surface thereof, and it is provided with at least one sensing device (17, 18), which is arranged to detect when a pre-selected blood component layer has reached a given level in the blood bag (29) and in response thereto to activate means (20) for shutting-off at least one of said outlet conduits (30).

Abstract: An inclined helical conveyer has a container containing a rotary shaft carrying a helical flight which has openings cut out of the flight adjacent the shaft serving to separate liquid from particulate material as the latter is conveyed up the conveyer.

Abstract: A spray booth installation has a water tank 10 from which water is withdrawn by a pump 11 to feed a water curtain covering a wall located above a dividing baffle plate 17 in the tank and to feed sprays in an air extraction passage disposed above a region 16 of the tank. A surface-removal device 20 including a venturi pump keeps the water surface clear of paint in the vicinity of the pump inlet 13 and ejects the floating paint on the other side of the baffle plate 17. A surface baffle 30 retains floating material while allowing water to circulate back to the front region 15.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a container having a V-shaped bottom disposed at an incline. Along the apex of the V, there is positioned an auger which has an exit extending out of the container at the top of the incline. A plurality of baffles extend transversely of the auger. As a solids laden mud is introduced into the container at the lowest point of the incline, the liquid part of the mud climbs over the baffles and exits at outlets positioned toward the top of the incline while the solids become entrapped between the baffles and fall into the auger which carries them upwardly and out of the container.

Abstract: A pressure reducing control valve assembly for feeding an aeration fluid stream to a flotation tank includes a pair of overlapping discs, one having a central opening and affixed to an end of a tube, and the other imperforate and outwardly movable away from the surface of the fixed disc to define a valve opening having a predetermined land width. Optimum size of air bubbles for the objective desired is obtained by controlling the dimensions of a shear zone established by the land width within which the fluid stream is intensely turbulent for a short period of time, thereby causing air bubbles to form and then be discharged immediately into the liquid within the tank without having had time to coalesce.

Abstract: A device for the separation and removal of grease from a grease-containing liquid which comprises a settling container, a grease collector assembly mounted within said container adapted to pivot into and out of contact with said liquid to separate said grease therefrom, and a grease removal assembly cooperating with said collector assembly to transport said grease out of said container and away from said liquid. The device of the invention is designed for applications requiring high-volume grease removal within a confined area.

Abstract: A method is provided for isolating an elastomer from a mixture of the elastomer and water containing up to about 90% by weight water by feeding the mixture into a thermally controlled, vertical separator containing a rotating screw, simultaneously feeding excess water under pressure into the separator, withdrawing concentrated elastomer containing less than about 10% by weight total volatiles (including water) from the metering section of the separator and withdrawing feed water and excess water from a water discharge port located near the upper end of the separator.In addition, apparatus for isolating elastomers from mixtures of elastomers and water is provided.

Abstract: An assembly for separating particulate matter from an influent carrier comprises a perforated plate for separating an inner compartment from an outer compartment, and for transferring the influent between the inner and outer compartment with a minimum amount of a convective momentum that is associated with disturbing the settling matter. In practicing the process, suspensions are introduced into the assembly at the inner compartment. An agitator subassembly, within the inner compartment, sequentially fast mixes and slow mixes the influent to respectively insure mixing of the influent with additives and to promote agglomeration of the suspensions. Flow paths in the perforated plate function to cancel all velocity components of the momentum, except for vertical downward acting velocity components, thereby maximizing the rate of settlementation.

Abstract: When loading a loading space 2 of a dredging vessel 1 with sand the head er 5 is removed from the loading space 2 by means of more than one siphon 12 and is conducted away into the water stream 26 moving around the vessel 1. This head water can be polluted with much sludge or another pollutant.In order to reduce pollution of the environment with the aid of effluent means which are not very expensive and which can be easily adjusted, said effluent means comprises in accordance with the invention a tubular sheath 24, inside which is telescopically arranged a level-adjustable common outlet conduit 21 which can be withdrawn into said tubular sheath and be brought out thereof to a considerable distance below the vessel 1 respectively, and which is connected with coupled conduits 16, 19, 18 of more than one siphon 12.

Abstract: A continuous decantation clarifier, wherein liquid to be clarified flows slowly and homogeneously into the interior of the clarifier, includes a first zone through which the liquid initially passes while the liquid is subjected to homogenization and flocculation, this first zone being penetrated in a substantially vertical descending direction by a second zone where the direction of liquid flow is reversed so that the liquid moves in an ascending vertical direction through flakes and solids in suspension in the liquid. In this latter zone such flakes and solids precipitate toward the bottom of the clarifier. The latter having a third zone wherein liquid commences to flow radially in an outward substantially horizontal direction, across frustoconical surfaces or trays, in which the decantation is concluded, the clarified liquid being collected close to the outer peripheries of the trays.

Abstract: The invention relates to the re-utilization of cement slurry previously regarded as waste. The method involves separating water from the slurry so as to concentrate it, agitating the concentrated slurry so as to keep it in uniform disperson and disposing of the concentrate by mixing it in controlled proportion with fresh concrete. Apparatus is described which concentrates cement slurry and stores it as a suspension of suitably uniform density for disposal in the above manner.

Abstract: Means are utilized to cause deposition of solids from a solution such as sewage. Tube clarifiers are then utilized to settle the solids by gravity whereupon the solids are urged to a sediment discharge by means of an auger thus leaving clarified liquid for separate discharge. The tube clarifier may include stationary or adjustable screens or baffles to trap the solids to assist in the settlement and/or the auger flight may be perforated for a similar reason.

Abstract: This invention describes apparatus and method for recycling undelivered cement left as residue in cement trucks. Undelivered cement at the end of the working day is deposited on a shaker screen under action of high pressure water jets which trap large aggregate and force the large aggregate onto a first belt for collection. Sand, cement and water fall through the first screen onto a second screen which traps sand under action of high pressure jets that force the sand onto a second belt for delivery to a collection area. The remaining cement, water and slurry is collected in a trough and pumped to a settling tank having an auger that periodically mixes the water and cement to prevent hardening. A skimmer located at the uppermost portion of the settling tank collects clear water used to clean the aggregate and cement previously mentioned. The cement, water and slurry collected in the settling tank is used in combination with fresh sand and cement to provide a fresh charge to waiting cement trucks.

Abstract: Thickening method and apparatus includes conventional settling vessel with moving rake and pickets at the bottom thereof to promote sludge settling and compression and a plurality of inclined passageways for upwardly flowing liquid. Upflowing liquid from the hindered settling feed is clarified in the inclined passageways from which a presettled semisolid mass flows downwardly into a detention zone of compressive thickening sludge. This interrelationship of inclined passageways and compressively thickening zone enhances the effectiveness of the thickening process.