Abstract: Provided are fish tank effluent sampling systems, e.g., for use in recirculating aquaponics systems, methods of using same for sampling effluent, and kits for assembling such an effluent sampling system.

Abstract: A tank assembly for the treatment of waste streams that include settling pollutants and floating pollutants. The tank assembly includes an inlet conduit, a first compartment that includes a first drain at a bottom thereof, a second compartment that includes a second drain at a bottom thereof, a third compartment that includes a third drain at a bottom thereof, and an outlet conduit. The second compartment also includes at least a first lamella filter package disposed therein. The third compartment also includes a skimmer, an underrun member and an overrun member. A liquid flow path is defined from the inlet conduit, through the first compartment, through the second compartment and the first lamella filter pack, through the third compartment, past the skimmer, under the underrun, over the overrun and out the outlet conduit.

Abstract: Downflow hydrocarbon liquid device having a cylindrical upper part, a frustoconical lower part, an outlet pipe and a vortex-limiting system or vortex-breaker, with at least one flat blade and a hydrocarbon feedstocks conversion method employing the device.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an apparatus for refining a liquid stream. The apparatus includes a first flow chamber, an inclined plate region, and a second flow chamber. The first flow chamber forms a first portion of an hourglass double cone structure and directs the liquid stream in a first direction at a first velocity. The inclined plate region includes inclined plates radiating outward from the hourglass double cone structure in a helical pattern. The inclined plate region directs the liquid carrier in a second direction opposite the first direction at a second velocity less than the first velocity forming a laminar flow condition in the liquid stream to separate heavy waste and light waste from the liquid stream. The second flow chamber forms a second portion of the hourglass double cone structure and directs the liquid stream to a liquid stream outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an apparatus for refining a liquid stream which includes a liquid carrier with a heavier waste and a lighter waste. The apparatus includes a first flow chamber, a second flow chamber, and plates. The first flow chamber is a cone structure and directs the liquid stream downwards in a first direction at a first velocity. The first velocity is greater than a settling velocity of a heavier waste in the liquid carrier. The second flow chamber directs the liquid carrier upwards in a second direction at a second velocity less than the settling velocity. The plates are in the second flow chamber and at a transition between the first and second flow chambers. The plates have an inclined geometry to cause laminar flow in the liquid stream to separate the heavier waste to a lower collection chamber and lighter waste to an upper collection reservoir.

Abstract: A sweeper assembly can include a plurality of holes drilled in one or more sweeper headers that can be angled downwards towards the basin floor to produce a gentle flow of fluid to keep particulate matter rolling along the basin floor. A centrifugal separator can include a curved velocity plate for smoothly directing flow from an inlet pipe to an inner wall of the separator and creating a downward vortex of particulate-laden fluid within the centrifugal separator. The centrifugal separator can include one or more reversal mechanisms for transferring particulate matter to a collection chamber and reversing the direction of particle-free fluid, which may upwardly exit through a discharge pipe. The centrifugal separator can include a bleed valve in the discharge pipe for automatically bleeding accumulated air in the “dead zone” between the inlet pipe and the top of the centrifugal separator.

Abstract: A separation process and system for extracting hydrocarbons from a mixture. In some embodiments, a process for separating a bitumen froth stream containing bitumen froth, water and fine solids into a bitumen enriched froth stream and a water and fine solids stream, comprises: (a) receiving the bitumen froth stream in a concentrator vessel, (b) distributing the bitumen froth stream in the concentrator vessel as a substantially uniform and generally horizontal flow of the bitumen froth stream at a first flow velocity, (c) slowing the bitumen froth stream to a second flow velocity, slower than the first flow velocity, in a separation region of the concentrator vessel to promote separation of the bitumen froth from the water and fine solids, and then (d) collecting a bitumen enriched froth stream and (e) collecting a separate water and fine solids stream. Related embodiments of systems and apparatus may also be provided.

Abstract: The device described in the present invention can separate fine solid particles in suspension in a viscous liquid, withdrawing a clear liquid from the top of the device, and a dense liquid charged with solid particles is withdrawn from the bottom. The invention also concerns the application of this device to the separation of catalyst particles in a liquid phase Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process.

Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could be a continuous flow separator for biodiesel formation and a method of operating same. The separator could comprise tank with hollow interior forming a main compartment, a weir-formed compartment, and a sump, the weir being formed at one end of the tank, the sump being formed in the tank bottom, the main compartment being located over the sump; a set of horizontally stacked plates received within the main compartment over the sump, each plate features a series of conical structures, cone apertures, and trough apertures; wherein the plates are so configured and stacked that the cone apertures align to form series of cone aperture columns while the trough apertures align to form series of trough aperture columns. The biodiesel moves up the cone aperture columns over a weir into the separate compartment while glycerine descends the trough aperture columns to the sump.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for improved separation or clarification of solids from a solids-laden liquid. Entrained gasses can also be removed. A liquid to be treated is introduced into the inlet of a solid-liquid separator modified to include one or more sources of vibrational energy. The liquid to be treated is directed through a conduit within the separator. Preferably the conduit within the separator is configured into a tortuous flow path to assist in the separation of solids from the liquid. Vibrational energy is applied to the flow path, preferably through the flow path conduit. As solids fall out of solution, they are collected. The clarified liquid is also collected. A vacuum can be applied to the system to assist in moving the solid-liquid mixture through the system and to provide vacuum clarification. Electrocoagulation electrodes and gas sparging can also be employed.

Abstract: An influent feed system for directing the influent liquid via hydraulic energy to scour the surface of primary treatment tank walls and base to move the scoured solids to a sludge trough. Scouring action takes place during periods of low liquid levels in the tank. The system comprises two identical, adjacent tanks sharing a common distribution box. Either or both of the tanks are in use at any given time. The tank in use will be empty occasionally each day. Influent feed troughs disposed transversely in each tank directs solids towards a sludge hopper in the tank bottom. The IFTs extend over the width of the tank to provide scouring of the entire end wall and floor surface. Each IFT has a sump with a valved discharge piped directly to the sludge trough, and the floor of each IFT is sloped towards the sump to facilitates draining of solids.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a feed such as bitumen froth feed are provided. The apparatus comprises a vessel having a top, side walls, and a base. An inlet delivers feed to the vessel interior whereby settling of the feed establishes a heavier phase zone in the vicinity of the base and a lighter phase zone above an interface with the heavier phase zone. The height/diameter ratio of the vessel, the dimensions and position of the inlet and the fluid properties of the feed are selected to allow a feed velocity of the feed discharging from the inlet into the interior to dissipate in the lighter phase zone as the discharged feed entrains lighter phases above the interface and spreads across the vessel interior such that the lighter phases of the feed separate up to an overflow outlet and the heavier phases separate down to an underflow outlet.

Abstract: A continuous sludge decant system and associated methods are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment an apparatus for decanting sludge includes: a decant vessel configured to receive sludge influent, to contain the sludge to be heated and decanted, and to discharge the sludge and a decanted liquid from the sludge, and a heating/directional grid disposed within an interior of the decant vessel and around which the sludge is circulated, mixed, and stirred, the heating/directional grid comprising a plurality of heating coils and configured to circulate heat from a heat source through the decant vessel to decant the sludge. The vessel and the heating/directional grid are configured to contain, heat, mix, and decant the sludge without shearing the sludge.

Abstract: A method for purifying fluids and a sedimentation tank, the sedimentation tank includes: a perforated plate spaced from an upper and of the sedimentation tank dividing the sedimentation tank into an upper chamber and a lower chamber; an inlet adapted to inlet fluid into the tank; a first outlet, positioned above the perforated plate for outletting a clarified fraction of the fluid; a second outlet positioned at a bottom of the tank, for outletting a concentrated sludge fraction of the fluid; a pump; and a washing mechanism, positioned at least partially above the perforated plate; wherein the pump is adapted to provide a washing fluid to the washing mechanism when a level of fluid in the sedimentation tank is below a predefined level; and wherein the washing mechanism washes an upper surface of the perforated plate by the washing fluid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treatment of contaminated liquid are provided including an integrated ultra-filtration and clarification apparatus, and an optional integrated electrocoagulation capability. The integrated apparatus comprises an outer tank, an inner casing, and a plurality of ultra-filtration filters contained within the inner casing. Clarification of liquid occurs in the gap between the casing and tank. Solid matter settles, and aggregates in the bottom portion of the tank. The accumulated solid material acts as a secondary filter by pre-filtering the liquid prior to contact with the ultra-filtration filters. Clarified liquid is retained in a chamber of the casing, and the clarified liquid is drawn through the ultra-filtration filters as initiated by a source of vacuum communicating with the ultra-filtration filters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for treating waste water. The system may be applied to any application for the treatment of waste water which benefits from an equalized flow into the waste water treatment processes, such as industrial batch discharges, storm water settling and screening, and septic receiving at a waste water treatment plant. The system comprises a single primary settling tank for the processes of grit removal, flow equalization, fine screening and primary clarification. The system further comprises the use of a flow measurement device on the discharge side of the primary settling tank to provide a uniform flow to downstream processes. The system further comprises placement of a fine screen on a discharge mechanism which controls the effluent flow from the primary settling tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting soluble component-removed powder that collects soluble component-removed and poorly soluble component-containing powder to recycle by removing the soluble component from the powder through filtering using a vacuum pump after mixing soluble component-removed and poorly soluble component-containing powder and a solvent dissolving the soluble component, and a method of the same.

Abstract: A reactor for washing sand contaminated with hydrocarbons comprises a vessel having an aperture in a bottom portion thereof. A steam cleaning device is located near a top of the vessel for receiving contaminated sand and cleaning the contaminated sand as it is introduced into the vessel. A rinsing device is positioned below the steam cleaning device for rinsing the sand with water. A sand conveying device comprising an air injection device is positioned in the bottom portion of the vessel for urging sand out of the aperture using compressed air, such that the sand is partially dewatered as the sand is urged out of the aperture.

Abstract: A system for washing contaminated sand comprises a plurality of reactors arranged in a sequence from a first to a last reactor. The first reactor is configured to receive contaminated sand. Each reactor comprises a funnel portion in a lower section thereof for accumulating a sand layer and a sand conveying device for removing sand through an aperture defined near a bottom of the funnel portion. Each reactor except the first reactor receives sand removed from a previous reactor. The system also comprises a steam supply system for providing each reactor with steam for washing the sand, a water supply system for providing the last reactor with clean water for rinsing the sand, and a fluid outlet associated with each reactor for removing fluid and providing the fluid to a separator for separating the fluid into first and second portions respectively containing relatively low and high proportions of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An automatic tank cleaning system includes a water recycling unit having a weir therein and a conically-shaped bottom, a cutting box having a portable weir therein, a hydrocyclonic separator, and a mud tank. Tank slop is pumped from the mud tank to the water recycling unit where solids collect at the bottom. The solids are removed and collected in the cutting box. Water in the recycling unit may be pumped through the hydrocyclonic separator. Solids removed by the separator are collected in the cutting box and the water is directed into a clean water compartment defined by the weir within the recycling unit. Water in the cutting box is collected by the portable weir therein and pumped to the clean water compartment. Water from the clean water compartment is pumped to one or more rotary jet heads within the mud tank. Overflow from the water recycling unit may be directed to the cutting box. A chemical inductor may be used to add cleaning chemicals to the water prior to being directed through the wash nozzle.

Abstract: A mobile water treatment unit is provided with separation and filtration components secured to a trailer.

Abstract: The system involves a transitionary septic tank. The transitionary septic tank includes an enclosed containment body having an interior portion. An inlet opening is formed in the enclosed containment body. A first outlet opening is formed in the enclosed containment body. A divider is positioned in the interior portion between the inlet opening and the first outlet opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sand catcher comprising a deposition chamber (1) that is configured as a steel container with a cylindrical cross-section, traversed in a longitudinal direction. Said deposition chamber comprises air-supply nozzles (4) on one longitudinal side for generating a circulatory motion or the water transversally to the longitudinal direction of the deposition chamber (1) and a sand collection channel (3), located in the lower section, that runs in a longitudinal direction. A waste water inlet (6) for generating the circulatory motion of the water leads into the upper section of the deposition chamber (1), running transversally to said chamber. The air-supply nozzles (4) are provided on the side of the waste water inlet (6) below the latter (6).

Abstract: A filtration apparatus is provided which is easy to maintain, manage and which enables preservation of filtration characteristics due to the fact that filtration is carried out by use of a gelatinous filter apparatus. In the filtration apparatus, filtration characteristics can be maintained by providing a bubble supplying mechanism for removing a sedimentary layer comprising removables that is formed on a surface of a filtration film and a filtration characteristics restoring mechanism for restoring the filter film clogged by the removables by causing a back-flow of filtered water accumulated in a cistern. Filtration apparatus maintenance and management are facilitated by improving recovery efficiency of the precipitated removables by tapering a lower part inside a raw water tank and providing a recovery tank for recovering removables via a valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating oil and particulate contaminants from pump-driven aqueous fluid contaminated with emulsified oils, free oils, particulate matter, suspended solids, and other contaminants in which the contaminated fluids are introduced into a container having a horizontal bottom portion and a weir plate dividing the container into an upper clean fluid compartment and a lower separation compartment, an aperture for the outflow of clean fluid from the upper clean fluid compartment sized relative to the pumping rate of the pump driving the aqueous fluid to ensure a residence time of the contaminated fluid in the lower separation compartment of at least about 0.4 minutes, coalescing media comprising a plurality of abutting polypropylene spheres located in the lower separation compartment, and a drain receptacle for collecting the contaminated fluid and delivering the contaminated fluid across the weir plate to the lower separation compartment.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for clarifying, by flotation, waters contaminated with suspended matter, wherein the clarification treatment takes place in two successive steps implemented in a single installation. The method principally involves flowing contaminated water through a downflow static flocculation step and then down through a lamellar settler separation step positioned directly below the downflow static flocculation step, the settling rates of the heavier particles of the lamellar settler separation step removing heavier particles from the water retained during the static flocculation/lamellar separation step being less than or equal to the settling rates of the floatable particles. The water which has passed through the static flocculation/lamellar settler separation step is then subjected to a flotation step which removes the light particles in the water of which the settling rate is lower than a flotation cutoff threshold.

Abstract: A treatment vessel for separating contaminants from a base liquid is provided. The vessel comprises a first cylindrical portion, a frusto-conical portion, a second cylindrical portion and a conical portion, the conical portion having a bottom outlet arranged to discharge heavy contaminants from the vessel. Over time, the heavy contaminants settle on the sides of the conical and frusto-conical portions. In order to remove the settled contaminants, the vessel is provided with at least one clarified liquid inlet disposed at or proximate to the frusto-conical portion. The clarified liquid is sourced from either the treatment vessel itself, or another treatment vessel in the same system. The clarified liquid is reintroduced into the vessel in a manner so as to cause a downward circular flow to scour out the frusto-conical portion and the conical portion so as to assist in removal of heavy contaminants that settle on the sides thereof.

Abstract: A grit removal device, as may be used in a water or wastewater treatment plant, has a vortex grit collector and a mechanical conveyor for removing the grit from the collector. The grit collector includes a tank having an influent channel and an effluent channel, and a stirrer or other mechanism for inducing vortex flow within the tank. The tank has a sump located beneath it, wherein grit settles. A mechanical conveyor, such as a rotating screw, removes and dewaters grit from the sump to an exterior location. The conveyor is preferably offset from the horizontal. The invention also includes a method of grit removal employing the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for the removal of suspended solids and entrained oil from an aqueous solution is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a vessel having a top, bottom, side walls and end walls, with a flow inlet aperture at an upstream end and a flow outlet aperture at a downstream end. A first baffle extends downwardly from the top of the vessel downstream of the inlet and a second baffle extends upwardly from the bottom of the vessel downstream of the first baffle, with a first hopper for solids collection located upstream of the second baffle and a second hopper downstream of the second baffle. A removable coalescing media pack is located downstream of the second hopper, while a plurality of angled plates are located downstream of the coalescing media pack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for separation of solids from liquids and separation of liquids from liquids (such as oil from water) by dissolved gas floatation. A dissolved gas floatation clarifier is described as is a liquid-gas mixer, a liquid-liquid mixer, and solid-liquid chemical feeders. The methods and apparatus of the present invention are particularly suitable for supplying dissolved air and mixing of chemicals for use in separation of solids in dissolved air floatation clarifiers.

Abstract: A drainage tank for granular material/liquid mixture includes a low part and a high part provided with a lid. A device for separating the liquid and the granular material is arranged in the low part. A device for evacuating excess liquid is arranged in the high part and includes a number of overflow sleeves passing through the lid. The overflow sleeves have, above the lid, an overflow edge that is adjustable in height.

Abstract: A grit removal device, as may be used in a water or wastewater treatment plant, has a vortex grit collector and a mechanical conveyor for removing the grit from the collector. The grit collector includes a tank having an influent channel and an effluent channel, and a stirrer or other mechanism for inducing vortex flow within the tank. The tank has a sump located beneath it, wherein grit settles. A mechanical conveyor, such as a rotating screw, removes and dewaters grit from the sump to an exterior location. The conveyor is preferably offset from the horizontal. The invention also includes a method of grit removal employing the device.

Abstract: A method and device for separating grease from waste water. The separator device includes a receptacle with an upper first part and a lower second part separated by a plate. The receptacle further has an inlet port for waste water, a discharge port for separated waste water, discharge means for grease and/or sludge, and an overflow pipe establishing a connection between the receptacle first part and the receptacle second part. Waste water is supplied through the inlet port to the upper first part, and the waste water is allowed to undergo a separation by gravity, whereby a grease layer is formed on a separated waste water layer and a sludge layer on the plate. In order to achieve a high degree of separation, separated waste water is allowed to flow through the overflow pipe to the receptacle lower second part. Grease is removed from the grease layer and/or sludge from the sludge layer through the discharge means, and separated waste water is discharged through the discharge port.

Abstract: A liquid purification and separation apparatus for separation of pollutants in stormwater runoff is disclosed. This apparatus utilizes gravitational separation and tortuosity, resulting from a plurality of baffles both perpendicular to and oblique to the primary water flow direction, to trap substances less-dense and more-dense than water. The apparatus features improved resistance to pollutant remobilization through treatment of water volume rather than flow rates, using vertically stacked water columns of varying depths to settle small particles. An overflow structure diverts excessive liquid without interfering with purification and separation, and can be placed integrally within or external to the apparatus receptacle.

Abstract: A settling tank for clarifying washing fluids with one or more walls disposed within the tank, each wall having a plurality of passages and defining a settling chamber. Preferably there is a top mounted fluid runoff opening into the tank disposed above the innermost settling chamber and at least one pump inlet disposed in an upper part of the tank outside the outermost settling chamber. Passages in the inner wall are in a lower region of the wall, and the passages in the second wall are in an upper region of the wall, and at least some of the passages are hooded to enhance a flow velocity change for fluid passing through the passages. There is optionally a sump pump having a one way valve for discharging sump sediment from the sump into a portable waste can. There is also preferably a sump tube generally curved upwardly and away from a bottom of the sump, and to which the pump is connected.

Abstract: A device for floccing a mixture produced during oil or gas well drilling has a vertical tank with a vertical peripheral wall having a central axis, and a bottom located in a lower end of the peripheral wall, the tank having a height which is significantly greater than a cross-section of the tank, a line for introducing the mixture through a top end of the tank into an interior of the tank so that a solid fraction of the mixture settles on the bottom, and a line for withdrawing a liquid fraction of the mixture from the interior of the tank.

Abstract: A process for separating oily films from sand particles carried in a solvent free water stream includes the use of a jet pump scrubber in a density classification tank to treat such oily coated particles at controlled operating temperatures above 65° C. whereby, at such controlled temperature, enhanced cavitation in the jet pump separates the oily film from the sand particles to form slop oil, the tank providing for recirculation of the particles through the jet pump before discharge.

Abstract: A waste treatment apparatus (10) including one or more vertically oriented curtains (11) each formed of mesh material having a minimal aperture size of 0.001 mm, means for applying liquid waste to said curtain(s) located above said curtain (17, 15) and collection means (20A) for collection of treated waste after passage through said one or more curtains (12). There is also provided a method of treatment of waste using the waste treatment apparatus.

Abstract: A system for recycling waste water from showers, bath tubs and lavatories to provide flush water for toilets and urinals. The system includes a receiving tank A, an overflow conduit 4, a make-up water conduit 16, a pump B, and a hydro-pneumatic tank C. The system ensures that a sufficient supply of flush water is available at a required pressure to meet the toilet flushing demand. Preferably, the distribution piping for the recycled waste water is of a different size or color in order to in order to avoid accidentally connecting the non-potable flush water supply to a potable use. Mechanisms are also provided so that the flush water can be scented, colored, filtered, or disinfected.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating an immiscible or insoluble fluid mixture into its components, namely, a less-dense component and a denser component, is described. The apparatus may be used in commercial kitchens to separate grease-oil/water mixtures into a grease-oil component and a gray water component, the grease-oil being diverted to a receptacle for subsequent disposal and the gray water component being directed to a drain or sewer. The apparatus may be described as a pump/separator when attached to a vacuum source or a pump to assist with filling. Additionally, a compressed gas source may be attached to the apparatus to assist with the discharge of the denser component and the less dense component. The apparatus may include a controller, such as a microprocessor, to coordinate filling, separation, and discharge. Parallel and serial arrangements of the apparatus are shown.

Abstract: A combination water filter tank, which includes a rectangular housing, three transverse partition boards disposed in the housing and defining a first sedimentation chamber, a second sedimentation chamber, a third sedimentation chamber and a fourth sedimentation chamber, a water inlet for guiding water from an external water source into the first sedimentation chamber, a plurality of first longitudinal partition boards of different heights respectively disposed in the first sedimentation chamber, three L-shaped water guide boards respectively suspended in the second sedimentation chamber, third sedimentation chamber and fourth sedimentation chamber, a plurality of second longitudinal partition boards respectively disposed in the second sedimentation chamber, third sedimentation chamber and fourth sedimentation chamber on the middle at an elevation below the L-shaped water guide boards, and a water outlet for guiding water out of the fourth sedimentation chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system which makes it possible to remove undesirable liquids, generally an aqueous phase, which precipitate to the bottom of tanks for storing liquid products. Use is made of a drainage device (30) which comprises a concave body (31), a seat (26), and an interface float (8) which has a plug portion (25). This interface float (8) is designed to sink into the product and to float on the aqueous phase. As the level of the aqueous phase drops, the plug portion (25) settles sealingly on the seat (26), halting the drainage operation since all the accumulated aqueous phase has already been drained off. The drainage system may be automatic or manual. In the former case, use is made of a sensor (12) for detecting the presence of an aqueous phase and commanding the process of opening a shut-off valve (11) and allowing drainage of the accumulated aqueous phase.

Abstract: An improved modular system of solids separation is described. In the invention, a settling tank is provided which consists of one or more hoppers having sloped sides downwardly to a drain. Liquids with entrained solids are permitted to accumulate within the hopper as the solids settle until the settling has been completed; whereupon a pump lowered into the liquid is used to decant the liquid. The pump is suspended from a flexible conduit and is lowered as the liquid level lowers so that it remains submerged until the pump reaches a predetermined level above the level of the suspended solids. The sludge is removed from the hopper by gravity flow by opening a drain valve in the bottom therein and an anti-vortexing cap is provided over the drain. The cap has sides which conform to the hopper vessels but slope in the opposite direction so that the lower edge of the cap side is a predetermined distance from the hopper side adjacent the drain.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved solids removal and concentrating unit. The solids removal and concentrating unit comprises a tank, an inlet line, an outlet line, and a sludge removal line communicating with the tank. The solids removal unit further has a plurality of linear baffles positioned in the tank forming a baffle row, with the baffles being positioned in a substantially vertical orientation. Finally, the tank further has a plurality of baffle rows. The baffles operate to reduce the velocity of a carrier liquid behind the baffles. The baffles also operate to form slight vortexes in the carrier liquid behind the baffles and thereby facilitate the downward movement of solids.

Abstract: A process of and device for separating fluids of different densities involving transporting the fluid mass from a turbulent flow region and into a laminar flow region and then into a further separation area having a geometry sufficient to provide for the natural separation of fluids due to fluid density and then forcing the separated fluids from the chamber by system backpressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the gravitational separation of fine particles out of a liquid. The liquid containing the particles which are to be separated is conducted with laminar flow through the gaps between a plurality of closely separated, essentially horizontally orientated surface-forming elements (16). The liquid flow through the gaps is interrupted when the particle concentration in the liquid which has flowed through the gaps exceeds a predetermined value. The surface-forming elements (16) are repositioned to an essentially vertical discharging position in order to remove the particle collection present on the surface-forming elements. The surface-forming elements (16) are then returned to the essentially horizontal working position and a new gravitational separation cycle begins.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved solids removal and concentrating unit. The solids removal and concentrating unit comprises a tank, an inlet line, an outlet line, and a sludge removal line communicating with the tank. The solids removal unit further has a plurality of linear baffles positioned in the tank forming a baffle row, with the baffles being positioned in a substantially vertical orientation. Finally, the tank further has a plurality of baffle rows. The baffles operate to reduce the velocity of a carrier liquid behind the baffles. The baffles also operate to form slight vortexes in the carrier liquid behind the baffles and thereby facilitate the downward movement of solids.

Abstract: A liquid separator system for separating molten sulfur from liquid redox solution or reslurry water. The system includes a vessel with a top part and a bottom part. The vessel has a larger diameter at the top part than at the bottom part, and the cross section of the vessel downwardly decreases from the top part to the bottom part of the vessel. The system also includes an inlet for introducing a redox solution or reslurry water and molten sulfur, which is denser than redox solution or reslurry water, into the vessel. An outlet near the bottom part of the vessel allows a flow of the molten sulfur from the vessel. An interface control structure senses an interface level between the redox solution or reslurry water and the molten sulfur, and the interface control structure controls the flow of molten sulfur from the outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a mixture of fluids having different specific gravities, such as oil and water. The method comprises separating the mixture into multiple streams and discharging the multiple streams into a vessel below the surface of the water and directing the multiple streams against a baffle plate having a vertical surface inside the vessel, thereby increasing the rate at which the fluids would otherwise separate. Another aspect of the invention provides a separator that comprises a vessel, a baffle plate having a vertical surface inside the vessel, an inlet means for delivering the mixture to the vessel, a distribution means connected to the inlet means for separating the mixture into multiple streams and discharging the multiple streams below the surface of the heavier fluid, typically water, and against the baffle plate, thereby increasing the rate at which the fluids separate.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating of sewage or waste water comprises an aggregate separator (30, 32, 34). The apparatus includes a waste water reservoir (12), a device (22) for circulating the waste water (16) in the reservoir (12), and a replenishing chamber (38) for the waste water containing the aggregate. The apparatus is characterized in that there is provided at least one settling tank (66) into which the waste water contained in the waste water reservoir (12) can be delivered through a conduit (64), and in that a further conduit (82, 90) is provided between the settling tank (66) and a concrete mixer (61).