Abstract: A settling unit for separating a liquid and the particles. Such as sand, suspended therein, comprises a basin with an inlet for the liquid mixture containing the particles, and an overflow for discharging the liquid after at least some of the particles have been removed therefrom through settling. With a view to increasing the efficiency, a plate separator is provided at the position of the overflow, which plate separator has a liquid outlet which is connected to the overflow and an outlet for settled particles which is connected to the basin. The gaps defined between the plates can be shut off at their underside by a non-return valve which can be moved into an open position under the influence of the weight of the separated particles.

Abstract: A sloped plate water clarifier is provided with multiple clarifying stages. Slurry enters a feeding and mixing passageway that contains chemical flocculant in the form of polymer gel logs. Agitating drums in the passageway provide controlled mixing of the slurry with the flocculant. At the end of the passageway the slurry flows over a static screen that separates the useable process product from solid refuse. The slurry passing through the screen flows into a settling tank containing sloped plates arranged in three ascending stages, with the plates in the uppermost stage being angularly adjustable. As the slurry rises inside the tank, the sloped plates allow the suspended solids in the slurry to settle and eventually accumulate on the tank bottom for periodic removal, including as an alternative by a venturi pump. The clarified water exits a spillway at the top of the tank.

Abstract: A separator for separating contaminants from a base liquid. The separator includes a roof arrangement, part of which extends downwardly and radially inwardly into the liquid in the separator. The roof arrangement is generally in inverted conical form. The decontaminated liquid flows from the separator through a flow modifying member which dampens any circulating flows in the liquid, and flows upwardly out of the separator to a reservoir defined by the inverted conical roof arrangement. The arrangement also includes structure for releasing gases from the volumes beneath the roof arrangement, thereby maintaining the whole of the roof arrangement in contact with the liquid to assist in reducing circulating flow in the liquid on the upper regions of the separator vessel.

Abstract: This invention includes a first balance pH tank, a clarifier tank and a final pH balance tank. The first tank periodically receives a certain volume of the waste stream. This tank is equipped with an automatic system for raising the pH so that all the heavy metals will precipitate as oxides and hydroxides. Next the stream is transferred to the clarifier tank. The clarifier tank has a number of internal vertical baffles. The first baffles have perforations near their lower ends. The stream flows from one chamber to the other over or under the first baffles or through their perforations. Then the stream flows over the last baffle. In the clarifier, the precipitate accumulates at the bottom of the tank and the pH drops. Lastly, the stream is transferred to a final pH balance tank where the pH is adjusted to about 7.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separatory funnel for preventing vortexing of liquid and identifying an interface between immiscible liquids, said separatory funnel having a baffle plate completely covering the space directly above the outlet opening of the separatory funnel and positioned such that at least a portion of the periphery of the baffle plate is placed directly against the interior wall of the separatory funnel chamber, forming at least one passage for the flow of liquid through the chamber. The present invention also relates to a method of separating a mixture of at least two immiscible liquids that reduces contamination and allows the mixture to form a distinguishable interface so that the liquids can be separated.

Abstract: A fuel separator designed to separate water and contaminants out of fuel being used in internal combustion engines. Contaminated fuel enters the separator body by inlet port located in the upper portion of the separator body. Having a top, a conical bottom and a sidewall, and having an inlet port for fuel to be purified and an outlet port for purified fuel in an upper portion there of a pipe adjacent said sidewall extending downwardly from said inlet port, to a lower portion of said separator body and having a downward outlet at a lower end.A deflector body connected to said lower end of said pipe and extending away from said pipe at a downward angle to a C-shaped lip curving downwardly and back towards said pipe which causes the fuel to flow in a rotating motion and subsequently causes a vacuum to be formed at the conical shaped bottom of the separator body.

Abstract: A grease/oil/water separator device and assembly for a vehicle wash system having a grease/oil/water separator tank which has three tank compartments. A first tank, a settling tank, is provided with entrance and exit piping such that a diagonal cross-flow of water allows sludge and debris to fall to the bottom of the settling tank. Water enters a second tank, the trap tank, from the settling tank, the trap tank being provided with entrance and exit piping such that a diagonal cross-flow of water is created so as to allow oil and grease to be separated from the water with the exit piping being located at the bottom of the trap tank which then enters the third tank, the pump tank where the grease and oil separated water is pumped into a sand filter which further filters the water.

Abstract: A clarifying device for waste water has a plurality of containers for receiving waste water, and a device for aerating or gasifying waste water in at least one of the containers. The containers are formed as treatment cells which are combinable with one another to provide a waste water throughflow and which are small when compared with conventional clarifying reservoirs. The treatment cells are closed from outside. A negative pressure source is connected with the treatment cells for producing negative pressure in the latter.

Abstract: Improved techniques are provided for separating mixtures of materials having different densities. The apparatus of the present invention is well suited for separating oil from water, and includes a separation tank defining a cylindrical water inlet chamber and a frustroconical separation chamber spaced above an adjoining the input inlet chamber. An oil leg is spaced above the separation chamber, and an adjustable oil overflow unit is provided adjacent the oil outlet for controlling the height of oil in the oil leg. A water leg is provided in parallel with the separation tank, and the elevation of the water outlet controls the height of water in the water leg. The oil leg overflow unit allows the head pressure in the oil leg relative to the head pressure in the water leg to maintain the interface within the separation chamber. Sensing devices are provided for monitoring the elevation of the oil/water interface within the separation chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sewage treatment apparatus formed of an aeration chamber; and a settling chamber, into which aerated water is introduced from the aeration chamber for sedimentation of sludges. In this apparatus, the settling chamber is disposed upwardly of the aeration chamber. A bottom portion of the settling chamber serves as a hopper unit having a surface tapered downwards to an opening for discharging the sludges. A washing water supply unit for flowing out the washing water for washing away the deposited sludges is provided towards the hopper unit.

Abstract: Multi-chamber devices of collecting particles in aquatic environments including an upper chamber serving as a particle interceptor chamber, a lower chamber serving as a particle accumulator chamber, and a valve assembly interposed between the upper and lower chambers are disclosed. Upon rotation of an indented valve body, particles in the upper chamber are transferred to the lower chamber and preserved for analysis. The valve assembly substantially reduces the presence of living organisms in particle samples and enhances the accuracy of passive vertical particle flux sampling techniques. A plurality of sample collection chambers may be provided to facilitate temporal resolution of vertical particle flux measurements during a single deployment period.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for treating waste water, particularly metal-containing waste water. The process includes separating and removing metals and other impurities from the waste water by the sequential addition of a base, a polyelectrolyte and an acrylamide-containing copolymer dispersion. The purified water is recycled for continuous reuse while the small quantities of metal-rich residue are available for reclamation.

Abstract: A reciprocating floor (12) is provided at the bottom (22) of a container (10). The conveyor (12) may slope rearwardly from a front end to a rear end. A transverse liquid collection trough (30, 32) is provided at the rear end of the conveyor. Liquid in garbage or other material placed in the container (10) settles down onto the conveyor (12). This liquid is directed rearwardly along the conveyor to the trough (30, 32). It flows in the trough to an outlet (34, 34') which delivers it into a collection and holding tank (24). The tank (24) may include a plastic receptacle into which the liquid is collected.

Abstract: Contaminated liquid or sludge clarification is accomplished by the use of a basic one or a series of operatively connected and vertically extending units or devices of the invention, each of which employs a hose that is spiraled around a cylindrical container wall whose upper end is open to an overflow weir from which recovery of lower specific gravity clarified liquid is effected and whose lower end is open and connected to a cone or funnel-shaped wall that defines a receiving and delivering chamber for separated-out heavier specific gravity contaminating liquid, sediment, viscous or thickened material. The hose of the basic unit is adapted at its upper end to receive the contaminated liquid, sludge or the like and any suitable chemical flocculant, precipitant, or coagulant, such as a polyelectrolyte, that may be injected or added to the contaminated liquid before it is introduced therein.

Abstract: The efficiency of operation of vortex grit removal devices, typically used in wastewater treatment plants, is improved by measuring changes in the vertical level of liquid contained in the device as the grit removal operation progresses and using such level change measurements to automatically control the speed of rotation of the grit remover's rotor used to impart vortical motion to such body of liquid. Devices for performing such improved vortex grit removal operations are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing gray water from showers and the like and reclaiming the cleansed water for reuse comprises a receptacle and a conduit for delivering gray water to the receptacle. A sensor detects flow of gray water into the receptacle and injects cleansing agents into the flow in response to such detection. A drain conduit communicates with the upper portion of the receptacle for extracting floating contaminants from the surface of gray water therein and a valved conduit communicates with the bottom of the receptacle for selectively extracting sinking contaminates thereform. A pump is adapted to draw the resulting cleansed gray water from the receptacle and deliver it to a remote location for reuse as, for example, in flushing toilets.

Abstract: A waste treatment module (10) designed for placement within an aeration basin (12) is provided which performs all of the desirable functions of aeration, flocculation, sedimentation, sludge return, effluent collection and skimming. the module (10) includes walls (20) defining an upright chamber (22); the latter is provided with a pair of side marginal, slotted inlets (28, 30) with corresponding flocculators (24, 26) below the respective inlets (28, 30). Each flocculator (24, 26) is equipped with a plurality of vertically spaced baffle plates (86, 88, 90) having offset openings (92, 94, 96, 98) so as to cause solids within the wastewater to traverse a tortuous descending flow path which promotes flocculation. An agglomerated flocculent is collected within a lower sedimentation zone (34) and then passes into a central collector (108) of inverted V-shaped configuration.

Abstract: Waste water contaminents are treated and/or removed in a process and a separator that incorporates a hydrocyclone, a constrictive collection passageway for lighter materials to be removed from the water by a skimmer and skimmer ramp that effectively entrap and remove floatable contaminents while clarified water is removed from the separator at a point in the lower portion of the separator below the hydrocyclone after being aerated with recycled and aerated clarified water above the removal level in the separator vessel.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for separating a liquid medium in different components by gravity in a manner that a medium to be separated is set in slow rotating motion (2) with the axis of rotation substantially vertical, so that the heavier component concentrates in the bottom section of a slow-moving vortex and the lighter component concentrates in the top section of a slow-moving vortex (2). For a more pronounced separation activity and simpler equipment, two or more slow-moving vortexes (2) are contacted with each other in horizontal direction. The outer sections of various settling basins (1) are in contact with each other by way of a gate or channel (40). Various sub-basins (1) can be connected in series or in parallel.

Abstract: Blood and blood component container having in continuous communication therewith a receptacle adapted to receive and define a given component or sub-component when contents in the container are separated. In preferred embodiments, the container is a flexible bag having a tapered portion adjacent the receptacle to assist migration of a given component or sub-component into the receptacle during centrifugation and at least a portion of the container is supported by a cup-like device, the inner surface of which conforms to the outer surface of the bag and communicating receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating immiscible liquids of various density is disclosed, comprising a plurality of pan-shaped elements, wherein all walls (6, 7, 8, 9) of each pan-shaped element (5) are inclined outwards. The pan-shaped elements (5) are arranged so that the distance (h) between bases (10) of the adjacent pan-shaped elements (5) is less than the height of their walls (6, 7, 8, 9). Each arrangement for evacuating one of the phases is fashioned as a substantially vertical passage (16) having an inlet (17) flow area greater than the outlet (18) flow area. The passage (16) is arranged so that the walls (20) thereof extend through the base (10) of the pan-shaped elements (5). The outlet (18) of the passage (16) is spaced from the base (10) of the pan-shaped element (5) at a distance greater than the inlet (17) of this passage (16). The passage (16) is provided with a flow control member (19).

Abstract: A dewatering system for use in the treatment of waste water which includes a tank, an inclined filter bed having a plurality of filter elements and means for inducing a flow of air through the filter bed to accelerate drying of the removed solids. Also disclosed are means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the filter bed and mechanical means for removing solids from the filter elements.

Abstract: A combined oxidation orbital ditch and intraclarifier has the intraclarifier in the form of an elongated clarifier vessel positioned on the top of a section of the center partition between the ditch sidewalls so that the overall clarifier vessel extends laterally into both of a pair of flow channels formed between the ditch sidewalls and the center partition but is spaced from the ditch sidewalls so as to minimize impediment of the mixed liquor flow being treated in the channels. A gated inlet below the flow surface is provided in the one half of the bow of the vessel facing into the mixed liquor flow for diverting a portion of the flow into the clarifier. That flow portion is distributed over the entire width of the vessel and arrested in flow velocity so that settling of sludge can be performed downstream in the vessel.

Abstract: Method of treating liquid by sedimentation in which reagents are injected into a flow of untreated liquid and there is created in the flow a colloid mixing and stabilization area; the flow is passed into an intermediate aggregation area and then into a sedimentation area equipped with separator plates from which clarified liquid is taken; characterized in that insoluble granular material which is more dense than the liquid is injected into the liquid in predetermined proportions in the mixing area where the flow is made turbulent, turbulence is induced in the intermediate aggregation area to maintain the granular material in suspension, virtually all of the granular material is brought into the sedimentation area, the sludge recovered in the sedimentation area is removed, the granular material is removed therefrom (D) and is recycled after cleaning.

Abstract: A filter bed clarifier comprising a tank (1), which consists of an upper, cylindrical part (2) and a lower, tapered part (3) and which is provided with a centrally disposed feed pipe (11) for the liquid to be clarified. The feed pipe has an outlet leading into the tank at the top opening (7) of the circulating/mixing cone (6) disposed in the lower, tapered part of the tank. The top opening is larger than the outlet opening (12) of the feed pipe so that the sludge being discharged from the feed pipe draws sediment flocs from the lower part of the bed, thus causing internal circulation of the sediment. The apparatus is especially suitable for clarifying green liquor.

Abstract: Blood and blood component container having in continuous communication therewith a receptacle adapted to receive and define a given component or sub-component when contents in the container are separated. In preferred embodiments, the container is a flexible bag having a tapered portion adjacent the receptacle to assist migration of a given component or sub-component into the receptacle during centrifugation and at least a portion of the container is supported by a cup-like device, the inner surface of which conforms to the outer surface of the bag and communicating receptacle.

Abstract: A baffle includes a conduit and a flow director flap portion. The conduit includes, at its front, a curved wall generated on an axis running the length of the conduit. One pair each of two pairs of angled walls, extending the length of the conduit, is attached to each side of the curved wall by a free edge of one of the pair, the other edge of the pair being attached to a wall for mounting, the wall having holes for mounting the baffle to a concrete septic tank wall, over a port in the tank wall. The angled walls are preferably perpendicular to each other and to the wall for mounting, the two walls formounting being coplanar and at the back of the conduit. The flow director portion includes two angled walls, one is for attaching the portion to the back of the conduit, the other extends over the end of the conduit and has a surface that is further from the curved wall than it is from the paired walls when the flow director portion is attached to the conduit.

Abstract: A liquid filtering and backwashing apparatus comprising a filter tank having a first outlet valve and a filter cell disposed within the filter tank is disclosed. The filter cell includes a conduit and an outer member with the outer member spaced apart relative the conduit with a filtering medium positioned between the conduit and the outer member. A plurality of openings in the outer member enable fluid communication between the liquid to be filtered in the filter tank and the filtering medium. The conduit is provided with a plurality of slits to enable fluid communication between the filtering medium and interior of the conduit while retaining the filtering medium external the conduit. A backwash holding tank in fluid communication with the conduit collects the filtered liquid. The backwash holding tank includes a second outlet valve for the filtered liquid to drain.

Abstract: The invention concerns a storage space for liquids, especially a rain-basin or sewer-backup space, with at least one flushing chamber that is positioned at the maximum height of the bottom of the storage space, that can be filled with storage liquid, and that emits the storage liquid in the form of a torrent of flushing water through at least one flushing opening when the storage space empties.The object of the invention is accordingly a storage space for liquids with a flushing device wherein the storage space fills automatically and wherein the flushing process is automatically initiated subsequent to each storage process without outside energy.This object is attained in that the flushing chamber automatically fills with storage liquid as the level of storage liquid rises, means of retaining the storage liquid in the flushing chamber once it has arrived therein are provided, and the flushing opening is closed off and opened up by a closure controlled by the level of storage liquid in the storage space.

Abstract: A tank cleaning system wherein a cleaning liquid is sprayed into a dirty tank and simultaneously sucked out of the tank. The cleaning liquid is stored in a pressure vessel and incompletely fills the vessel to leave a space above the liquid. A pump draws the liquid from the bottom of the vessel through a line to be sprayed into the tank to be cleaned. A vacuum is created within the space above the free surface of the liquid within the pressure vessel by a vacuum pump. While spraying the cleaning fluid into the tank, a vacuum line sucks up the cleaning liquid and dislodged contaminants from the bottom of the tank. The vacuum line terminates at the pressure vessel so that cleaning liquid and contaminants are discharged into the vessel so that cleaning liquid and contaminants never pass through the vacuum pump. Solids settling on the bottom of the vessel are pumped out into a solids separator. Liquid collected by the solid separator is sucked back into the vessel by the vacuum in the vessel.

Abstract: A mixture of cooling liquids and solid pieces of waste from machine tools drop onto an inclined bottom wall of the upper, generally vertically disposed section of an inverted, generally Y-shaped feed chute. One of the two lower, diverging chute sections extends downwardly and rearwardly beneath the upper chute section to a chip wringer, and has its upper end positioned beneath the lower edge of the inclined bottom wall of the upper section to receive the liquids and lighter pieces of waste which tend to drop by gravity into this one lower section. The other lower section of the chute is in general alignment with the inclined bottom wall of the upper section to receive the larger pieces of waste which, because of their momentum or size pass beyond the one lower section and into the other lower section. A stream of air which is directed transversely across the lower end of the upper section blows the remaining liquids and light waste into the one lower section.

Abstract: The vacuum loading cleaning system includes a pair of interconnected pressure vessels containing a cleaning liquid which is pumped through a heat exchanger and into a dirty tank. Cleaning liquid and dislodged contaminants are sucked up from the dirty tank by a partial vacuum in the pressure vessel. Solids and cleaning liquid from the pressure vessel are separated by a solids separator with the cleaning liquid being passed through a centrifuge to remove fine solids before being returned to the pressure vessels. A skimmer in a pressure vessel removes floating solids and liquids. A phase separator is mounted beneath the suction inlets of a pressure vessel to speed the separation and concentration of solids, liquids and gases. The phase separator includes a number of vertically aligned, downwardly and inwardly tapered truncated conical concentrators with open tops and open bottoms above and below the free surface.

Abstract: The cleaning system includes a pressure vessel containing a cleaning liquid pumped out of the pressure vessel and into a dirty tank. Cleaning liquid and dislodged contaminants are sucked up from the dirty tank by a partial vacuum created above the cleaning liquid within the pressure vessel. Solids and cleaning liquid are pumped from the pressure vessel at a first rate and are separated by a solids separator with the cleaning liquid being centrifuged to remove fine solids and then collected in a makeup tank. Cleaning liquid from the makeup tank is pumped into the dirty tank at a second rate, less than the first rate. Excess liquid in the makeup tank is sucked back into the pressure vessel. A phase separator, mounted beneath the suction inlet, speeds the separation and concentration of solids, liquids and gases/vapors. The phase separator includes a number of vertically aligned, downwardly and inwardly tapered truncated conical concentrators with open tops and open bottoms above and below the free surface.

Abstract: A sloped floor trailer which incorporates drain ports which are opened during trailer loading and which are sealed during trailer transportation, in order to retain the liquid. In addition to the foregoing features, I provide apparatus for heating the trailer side walls with the truck tractor exhaust to prevent freezing during inclement weather.

Abstract: The vacuum loading cleaning system includes a pair of interconnected pressure vessels containing a cleaning liquid pumped out of one or both of the pressure vessels, through a heat exchanger and into a dirty tank. Cleaning liquid and dislodged contaminants are sucked up from the dirty tank by a partial vacuum above the cleaning liquid within the pressure vessel. A submersible booster pump aids passage of material along the vacuum line. Solids and cleaning liquid from the pressure vessel are separated by a solids separator with the cleaning liquid being returned to the pressure vessels. A skimmer is used within one or both of the pressure vessels to remove floating solids and liquid contaminants from the system. A phase separator, mounted beneath the suction inlets so that the material from the dirty tank passes through the phase separator, speeds the separation and concentration of solids, liquids and gases/vapors.

Abstract: The cleaning system includes a pressure vessel containing a cleaning liquid pumped out of the pressure vessel and into a dirty tank. Cleaning liquid and dislodged contaminants are sucked up from the dirty tank by a partial vacuum created above the cleaning liquid within the pressure vessel. Solids and cleaning liquid are pumped from the pressure vessel at a first rate and are separated by a solids separator with a cleaning liquid being collected in a makeup tank. Cleaning liquid from the makeup tank is pumped into the dirty tank at a second rate, less than the first rate. Excess liquid in the makeup tank is sucked back into the pressure vessel. A phase separator, mounted beneath the suction inlet, speeds the separation and concentration of solids, liquids and gases/vapors. The phase separator includes a number of vertically aligned, downwardly and inwardly tapered truncated conical concentrators with open tops and open bottoms above and below the free surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for biological aerobic treatment of wastewater wherein oxygen is induced into a mixed liquor flow path and a method and apparatus for separating the liquid withdrawn from the mixed liquor flow path into a clear liquid stream and a flock laden stream. A streaming specific gravity separator of unique construction and operation separates the mixed liquor into a clear liquid stream and a flock laden stream, withdrawing the clear liquid stream from the system and directing the flock laden stream back into the mixed liquor flow path. The separator functions within the system to be self-controlling for load increases or decreases.In accordance with preferred embodiments of the system, the separator may be positioned inside or outside of an oxidation ditch. The separator may also be utilized in combination with an aeration basin.

Abstract: A fuel tank comprising a wall forming a main container for fuel, and a lateral extension from said main container. The extension is located adjacent the bottom of the main container, and the extension has at least one tranparent or translucent wall so that any water accumulated at the bottom of the tank and in the extension may be visibly detected.

Abstract: A lauter tun (10,100) has a bottom (16) comprising two flat plates (18,20) joined together on a straight line (see 22), each plate (18,20) sloping downwardly from the center-line to the peripheral wall (14) of the tun, such that during flushing, water flows down each slope to flush solids towards two large collection points (26) located at the lowest point of the bottom 16.

Abstract: A positive-displacement mass is introduced at the lowermost portion of an oil storage tank in order to reduce the amount of undrawable oil that remains at all times below the top edge of the suction line. It is necessary that the suction line not be occluded or interfered with and that the settled water at the bottom of the tank be permitted to be drawn off. In one aspect a tray is fitted into the bottom area of the tank and filled with water, or with inert solids, to displace the oil normally held as inventory at such location. In another aspect, a coffer dam is arranged around the suction line to permit the accumulation of water in the tank bottom, and in yet another aspect the shape and placement of the suction line nozzles are altered to improve storage efficiency.

Abstract: A cylindrical storage tank of large diameter and depth is concentrically surrounded by a settling tank that has a width to internal diameter ratio that provides essentially plug flow. Liquid containing suspended particles capable of separation by settling is introduced into the upper part of a body of liquid in the settling tank at a zero radius of the tank at a controlled rate and flows slowly in both directions around the storage tank to a weir which extends no more than about halfway around the storage tank and is bisected by a 180.degree. radius of the tank. A slurry of particle-laden liquid is drawn from the lower part of the settling tank, and relatively particle-free surface liquid flows over the weir into the storage tank from which it is drained at a controlled rate.

Abstract: A tank cleaning system wherein a cleaning liquid is sprayed into a dirty tank and simultaneously sucked out of the tank. The cleaning liquid is stored in a pressure vessel and incompletely fills the vessel to leave a space above the liquid. A pump draws the liquid from the bottom of the vessel through a line to be sprayed into the tank to be cleaned. A vacuum is created within the space above the free surface of the liquid within the pressure vessel by a vacuum pump. While spraying the cleaning fluid into the tank, a vacuum line sucks up the cleaning liquid and dislodged contaminants from the bottom of the tank. The vacuum line terminates at the pressure vessel so that cleaning liquid and contaminants are discharged into the vessel so that cleaning liquid and contaminants never pass through the vacuum pump. Solids settling on the bottom of the vessel are pumped out into a solids separator. Liquid collected by the solid separator is sucked back into the vessel by the vacuum in the vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for the continuous preparation of aqueous solution of slaked lime solids with fresh water. The apparatus comprises a main vessel having an inverted truncated cone including a smallest and closed bottom. There is provided a dispenser for supplying material slaked lime solids to said main vessel at or nearly at the top end thereof from above, and a constant headed fresh water reservoir for supplying fresh water to the main vessel at a place selected therein in close proximity to the smallest bottom through a piping. A flow rate adjusting means is arranged in this piping. At least a mechanical or fluid agitator is provided at a close proximity to the vessel bottom. Means for the take-up of the formed product solution in an overflowing manner from the main vessel is provided at the top thereof.

Abstract: Solids are removed from a cooling tower basin by using a perforated removal header in the basin in conjunction with a back flush flow.

Abstract: A fuel-water separator comprises a container having entry and exit ports and a progression of spaces through which the fuel moves. The spaces become progressively smaller and are arranged to direct the fuel through a series of downwardly and upwardly directed paths. The lower density fuel moves upwardly while the higher density water tends to move downwardly to drain through drainage openings provided in the lower portions of the spaces. Valves are provided for closing the drainage openings. The valves include float-valve balls which will release the water but hold the fuel. One of the spaces in the container includes a media having a downwardly directed surface upon which the water coalesces to move downwardly and through which the fuel moves to progress to the next space. Another one of the spaces includes a media providing a surface tension-discriminating surface through which the fuel will move and down which the separated water will move.

Abstract: Provides a self-cleaning conic reaction chamber having specific multiple conduit connections, sealable closure, internal mixer, external vibrators and dependent sludge accumulator which chamber can be flow connected to readily available handling units to form a stepwise acid/iron/alkali assembly for treating contaminated liquid such as sewage or other waste water so as to obtain uncontaminated liquid and sterile sludge. Stepwise flow can be automated by adding stepping timer and electronic controller responsive to pH probes and pressure-, liquid level- and turbidity-sensors plus remote controlled valves, pumps, blowers and metering devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for granulation of precipitation products, comprising a liquid-filled reaction chamber including a granulation chamber which receives aqueous streams of compounds which precipitate to form granules. The granulation chamber has an open upper edge connected to the narrow edge of a conical surface. The upper open edge of the conical surface merges with an apron which is spaced inwardly from the inner periphery of the reaction chamber. Conduit means conduct granules downwardly from the granulation chamber. Liquid and fine granules rise upwardly within the conical surface. Granules descend back into the granulating chamber. Clean liquid passes downwardly through the annular space between the apron and the reaction chamber for removal from the space between the conical surface and the apron.

Abstract: A gas scrubbing tower is described which has a top region, a sump region and at least two washing stages between these regions. The tower comprises gas entry means between the the sump region and the lowermost of the washing stages; gas exit means in the top region; a first washing stage, in the direction of gas flow through the tower, constituted by a layer of packing elements resting on supporting means in a cross-sectional plane; a first circulating line for wash liquid from the sump region to the layer of packing elements; a second, packing-free washing stage above the first washing stage; a second circulating line for conducting wash liquid through the second washing stage; a sludge separator, and conduit means for introducing water from outside the tower into a washing stage or into the sludge separator of the tower.A process for operating the scrubbing tower is also described.

Abstract: A storm overflow basin for use, e.g. in combined sewage systems has a storage tank leading to a storm overflow unit having a restricted sewage discharge and a storm overflow, the latter being provided with a weir at which there is mounted a flap gate engaging the crest of the weir with its bottom edge and being operable by float controlled means in dependence upon the water level in the storm overflow unit, to move away from the crest of the weir when storm conditions require a controlled overflow discharge. The normal sewage discharge is provided with restriction means that are also float controlled.

Abstract: In countercurrent decantation, upwardly flowing liquid is treated with downwardly falling solids in a progressive series of vertically stacked treatment cells. Solids fall through a valve from one cell to the next. The valve is a buoyant sphere which will sink, to open, under a weight of solids, but the valve is sufficiently buoyant to close when there is still enough solid queuing thereon to prevent liquid from passing through it.