Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a group of species of metal ions from an aqueous solution to be purified which involves the steps for each species in succession of adjusting the pH of the aqueous solution to a value where hydroxide precipitates of said species in its highest valency state are insoluble, then passing the aqueous solution through an ion state modification cell to raise the valence of the respective species to its highest valency state thus causing the ion specie to form the insoluble hydroxide, then removing the precipitated hydroxide from the aqueous solution by appropriate steps of settling and press filtering. A magnetic field is imposed between the electrodes which improves the efficiency of the ion state modification step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating water by the addition of coagulants comprising the steps of measuring the two parameters of the color and turbidity of the untreated water, determining the control parameter on the basis of the measurement results obtained and determining a control action based upon the determined control parameter and subsequently implementing the selected control action.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of a solid waste slurry formed from solid waste particles mixed with a liquid includes delivering a solid waste slurry to a first solid-liquid separation means for separating a first amount of the solid waste particles from the slurry, followed by delivering the solid waste slurry from the first solid-liquid separation means to a tank where the solid waste slurry is stirred to maintain the solid waste particles in suspension. The solid waste slurry is then discharged from the tank with a portion of the solid waste slurry being recirculated back to the tank while a second portion of the solid waste slurry is delivered to a second solid-liquid separation means for separating a second amount of the particles from the slurry.

Abstract: A method of treating an effluent such as acid mine drainage wherein the pH of the effluent is increased by dissolving metallic ions e.g. of zinc into the effluent, and the metallic ions are allowed to react with contaminants, such as sulphates or phosphates in the effluent, to form a metal-contaminant complex which is then precipitated from the effluent.

Abstract: A simple, rapid, efficient and inexpensive process for on-site recycling of wastewater with minimal odor wherein the solid wastes generated by the water treatment process are dewatering on-site by solar energy to water content levels below those required for disposal. All operations, including solar dewatering, are accomplished in a compact unit which may be mobile. The solar dewatering unit includes a drying pan over which a solar collector window arrangement is disposed. In the process, wastewater, a water purifying composition and an oxidizing agent are additively mixed together in a first reactor settling tank and the resulting composition is neutralized to a pH of between 7.5-9.4. The added water purifying composition is then allowed to precipitate wherein it binds to and precipitates heavy metals as well as other impurities. The precipitated purifying composition forms a non-hazardous sludge at the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating water to produce potable water includes a filter connected to an inlet of a heating unit in turn connected at an outlet to an input of a container with cooling components for separating out heavy water. The heavy water separator is coupled at an outlet to a tank having cooling and heating components and an ultraviolet radiation source for irradiating the water sample from the heavy water separator with ultraviolet radiation during a freezing and subsequent warming of the water sample. A storage vessel and a silver ionizer are disposed on a downstream side of the ultraviolet treatment tank. Various operations, including timing and water transfer, heating cooling and irradiating, are controlled by a programmed computer. Temperature sensors are disposed in the heating unit, the heavy water separator and the irradiation tank for monitoring temperatures of the water in the heating unit, the container and/or the tank.

Abstract: The aqueous wash stream of an electrolytic precipitation system treating natural gas liquid (NGL) is maintained at a pH sufficiently basic to decrease the solubility of iron sulfide in the aqueous wash stream.

Abstract: A system and method for the detection and removal of copper from wastewater streams from semiconductor or printed circuit board manufacturing is described and claimed. The detection system and method involve the addition of a reagent that reacts with copper to quench the fluorophore present, with the decrease in fluorescence being detected by a fluorometer. The reduction of fluorescence is then used to calculate the amount of copper present in the form of Cu+2 ion in the wastewater. The removal system and method involve either the addition of a polymer that reacts with copper to form an insoluble precipitate with said precipitate then being removed by using any technique commonly known in the art; or the use of an ion exchange column to remove the copper from the wastewater stream.

Abstract: A process is disclosed which involves removing hydrocarbons, arsenic and mercury from wastewater produced in oil and gas fields. An oxidant, ferric ions, and flocculent are sequentially added to the wastewater to form a removable sludge containing the arsenic, hydrocarbon, and mercury contaminants. The Oxidation-Reduction Potential of the wastewater is controlled by oxidant addition to allow the required arsenic oxidation to occur while maintaining the mercury in elemental form. The process requires relatively short residence times between chemical additions and provides for large wastewater throughputs. The cleaned wastewater is suitable for discharge to the environment.

Abstract: Automated process, conditioning and treatment apparatus and methods are disclosed that are particularly well adapted for closed loop systems using or producing aqueous effluence with varying amounts of suspended solids therein, the apparatus and methods directed to separation of the solids from the effluence and thus cleaning of the centrate. The apparatus includes a mass flow rate meter, liquid polymer injector and control means for receiving the monitored rate from the meter and performing analysis to optimize the rate of injection of liquid polymer. The injector is monitored to further optimize the injection rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for checking and regulating the pressure loss in a biological filter of the type comprising an immersed filter bed (2) consisting of at least one layer of granular filtration material, the said granular material layer acting as a support for a biomass used to degrade carbon-based and/or nitrogen-based pollution in water to be filtered, characterized in that it comprises a step consisting of continuously or discontinuously injecting at least one coagulating agent (1) into the said water before its entry into the said filter.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for reclaiming and recycling oil/water mixtures. These mixtures are preferably hot or cold rolling oils for aluminum manufacturing operations. When used, the rolling oils contain organometallic particles and have less constituents than the unused oils. The present process enables the valuable portion of the oil to be reused by passing through an acid wash and a reconstitution process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient and highly effective method of removing dissolved selenium from a variety of refinery process water and wastewater streams. The present invention also provides a new and effective method of oxidizing selenium and organo-selenium compounds to the selenite [+IV] oxidation state in order to be adsorbed by a metal oxide or metal hydroxide precipitate. The invention includes two continuous stirred-tank reactors (CSTR) operated in series. The stream to be treated and one of several iron salts (ferric sulfate, ferric chloride, etc.) are introduced into the first CSTR, forming ferric hydroxide and ferric oxyhydroxide precipitates. The pH of the first CSTR is automatically controlled by adjusting the injection rate of the ferric salt. The effluent stream from the first CSTR is directed into a second CSTR into which potassium permanganate is introduced.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for producing a commercially usable iron oxide material by treating iron contaminated water. A clean effluent is also produced. Iron contaminated water is sampled to determine a bicarbonate to iron molar ratio. The flow of the water is directed to a collection basin assembly when the bicarbonate to iron molar ratio is at least 2 to 1. Iron oxide material precipitates in the collection basin assembly. The water from the collection basin assembly is directed to a constructed wetland. After a period of time, the iron oxide material in the collection basin assembly can be harvested and used for commercial purposes without excessive further treatment.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for handling water used in plating processes to eliminate discharge of pollutants including a plating tank for chrome plating selected materials, at least one rinse tank which holds rinse water where parts from the plating tank are rinsed to remove chrome compounds used in the plating tank and transfer means to transfer water from the rinse tank to a purification tank where hydrazine is added to the rinse water in quantities sufficient to maintain selected pH in the water returned to one of the rinse tanks for precipitation of the chromic compounds to chromic hydroxide which can be easily filtered for disposal as a dry material. High quality water such as deionized water is added to the rinse tank to makeup lost water and a catalyst such as cobalt salt can be added to the purification tank to assist in reduction of the chromic compounds.

Abstract: A method for treatment of water in which an aqueous solution containing a freshly made polymerised iron substance is produced, the produced polymerised iron substance is aged sufficiently long to provide for efficient treatment of water, and the aqueous solution containing aged polymerised iron substance is added to the water to be treated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solids and liquids effluent chemically enhanced treatment system comprising: (a) a pump for grinding solids and pumping ground solids and liquid effluent; (b) an inlet for introducing flocculant and coagulants into the solids and liquid effluent and mixing the flocculant with the solids and liquid effluent; (c) a mixing chamber having an inlet connected to an outlet of the pump, the mixing chamber having sufficient length to enable the flocculant and coagulants to fully mix with the solids and liquids effluent and form flocs which settle from the liquid effluent; (d) a settling chamber connected to an outlet of the mixing chamber, the settling chamber promoting laminar flow to the solids and liquid effluent and having sufficient length to enable the flocs in the liquid effluent to settle from the effluent; (e) a mechanical propulsion device for moving the solids and liquid effluent through the length of the settling chamber; and (f) a clarifier chamber connected to an outlet of the

Abstract: A plant for conditioning and dewatering a suspension comprises a belt press, centrifuge or other continuous dewatering apparatus (3), a flow-line (1) leading to the dewatering apparatus, a pump (2) for causing suspension to flow along the line (1), means (5-9) for dosing conditioner into he suspension at a dosing point (4), means (12) for measuring density D, means (10) for measuring the flow rate V and thereby for calculating the dry mass per unit time M, and control means (16, 17, 18) for automatically dosing a mount A of conditioner into the suspension where A-kM and k is a constant and for automatically varying V in response to D and for automatically varying the constant k in response to D.

Abstract: A water treatment method uses a removable, disposable cartridge having an internal mesh structure. A permanent heater heats water fed to the cartridge. Precipitated solids collect on the mesh surface provided temperature and residence time are appropriately maintained. The heat breaks down the bicarbonate hardness of the water thereby depositing carbonates on the mesh surface and heavy metals will be codeposited due to the resultant change in pH. The cartridge has a head-space for collecting entrained gasses such as volatile organic compounds, chlorine and air. Water sterility is achieved by heating the water over an appropriate period of time. Turbidity is removed within the cartridge due to settling induced by the low fluid velocity controlled by a controller and by a filter provided at the outlet of the cartridge. The filter will become blocked when bicarbonate hardness is carried over forcing a user to replace a spent cartridge.

Abstract: A cleaning method for removing oils, grease, machining debris and like substances from machine parts and other objects includes a wash tank containing a wash solution, rinse tanks for rinsing the washed objects, and an oil separator containing a concentrated detergent solution for separating oil and detergent in the used wash solution from each other. The separated detergent is returned to the wash tank for further parts cleaning, and the separated oil may be reused for machining purposes. The apparatus automatically maintains the liquid in the wash tank and rinse tanks in an effective condition to satisfactorily clean oily objects.

Abstract: A suspension is dosed with a coagulant and then with a flocculant and is dewatered to form a thickened sludge or cake and separated liquor, and control of the dewatering performance is improved by adding the flocculant at a predetermined dosage, monitoring the charge in the separated liquor (or monitoring other dewatering parameter of the separated liquor or suspension) and adding coagulant at a dosage selected in response to the monitored charge or other parameter value in order to maintain the value substantially at a preselected optimum value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating wastewater effluent from diversely laundered household wash as in a laundromat provides for collecting and holding the effluent in a first tank for at least an average wash cycle for equalization and to a pH of 8.5 to 11, and then transferring the equalized wastewater to a second tank for acidification to a first predetermined pH of not less than about 6.5 and preferably 6.5 to 6.9, and then adding a coagulant, preferably a PAC with a basicity of 45 to 50%, to effect a second predetermined pH of not less than about 5.0 and preferably 5.2 to 5.4 for coagulation at the second pH to form treated water and a sludge. The treated water is decanted from the sludge and filtered to remove 1 to 50 micron particulates. The filtered water is then passed through a weak base anion exchange resin to remove MBAS to provide treated water.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation, composition and applications of suspensions of ultra-small, substantially non-aggregated, non-crystalline particles of predetermined uniform size which, when suspended in a liquid, contain entrapped gaseous bubbles. These gaseous bubble particles are prepared by simultaneous co-precipitation of two compounds. In accordance with the present invention, the two compounds chosen for co-precipitation are such that one is substantially more soluble than the other in a given vehicle. When this vehicle is used for washing the co-precipitated particles, part of the soluble material is dissolved leaving a porous matrix. The porous particles then are dried and stored. The porous particles, which can be resuspended immediately prior to use, contain entrapped gas in the evacuated crevices or pores which is not displaced for a period of time because of surface tension of the suspending vehicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation, composition and applications of suspensions of ultra-small, substantially non-aggregated, non-crystalline particles of predetermined uniform size which, when suspended in a liquid, contain entrapped gaseous bubbles. These gaseous bubble particles are prepared by simultaneous co-precipitation of two compounds. In accordance with the present invention, the two compounds chosen for co-precipitation are such that one is substantially more soluble than the other in a given vehicle. When this vehicle is used for washing the co-precipitated particles, part of the soluble material is dissolved leaving a porous matrix. The porous particles then are dried and stored. The porous particles, which can be resuspended immediately prior to use, contain entrapped gas in the evacuated crevices or pores which is not displaced for a period of time because of surface tension of the suspending vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of contaminated water, containing undesired solid, liquid, and/or gaseous materials includes an electro-floculation means for disassociating ions from the undesired solid material and from the contaminated water, and further includes a separation tower having various deflection means deflecting undesired solid materials downwardly through to the separation tower.

Abstract: In connection with processes for conditioning soft water (pH less than/equal to 6) to become drinking water, it is necessary to supply hardening agents in order to raise the carbonate-dissolving pH value into the neutral range. Subsequently the turbid materials are flocculated out and the flocculation products are filtered off. Finally, the calcite equilibrium must be set by means of a renewed addition of a hardening agent. This process is simplified by means of the invention in that the calcite equilibrium by means of the supply of highly pure lime water is only set after filtering off the flocculation products. In the flocculation stage, highly pure lime water is also preferably employed for setting the flocculation pH value.

Abstract: For the removal of heavy metal contaminants from industrial waste water, a method is proposed for preparing a dense precipitate having superior handling and disposal properties. The method comprises incremental adjustment of the pH to maintain a low saturation ratio and recycling of slurry to provide seed crystals for secondary nucleation.

Abstract: The addition of polymeric flocculant or other chemical dewatering modifier to a suspension flowing through a service line to a dewatering plant is controlled automatically in response to automatic determination of a filtration rate parameter. This may be determined using novel apparatus which includes a filtration assembly comprising a chamber with a filter element mounted across its open end and water sprays for washing the filter element. In one embodiment it is preferred to assist back-washing with an air purge while in another embodiment there are means for disassembling the filtration assembly to permit cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention in one embodiment, is a process that uses a chemical treatment to remove heavy metals from wastewater; heavy metals from wastewater containing oxygenated hydrocarbons; and arsenic, organic acids, and heavy metals from antifreeze solutions. In one aspect such a method includes adding an iron salt, to an antifreeze solution containing arsenic and heavy metals with adequate mixing for dispersion throughout the solution. Then, a base is added to increase the pH to a level from about 8 to 10. As the base is added, a precipitate with contaminates forms and is then removed by standard filtration techniques. The arsenic, organic acids, and heavy metals co-precipitate with the iron and are removed by filtration. The process may either be a batch process or a continuous process. In one aspect the wastewater is generated by a process according to the present invention for purifying contaminated soil or sediment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removal of total cyanide from aqueous solution. The method includes the steps of placing the aqueous solution into a reaction tank, adding lime, ferrous sulfate, and acid to the solution in the reaction tank and agitating the resultant mixture for a reaction time of about one hour. The agitated mixture is transferred from the reaction tank to a clarifier tank and polyelectrolyte solution is added to induce iron-cyanide complex precipitate coagulation. The apparatus includes a reaction tank to hold the aqueous solution and a lime slurry tank, ferrous sulfate tank and acid tank in flow communication with the reaction tank. A pH control assembly controls the flow of acid from the acid tank into the reaction tank and a reaction tank agitation assembly extends into the interior of the reaction tank. The clarifier feed conduit extends between the reaction tank and a clarifier tank.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for optimizing the dosage of a chemical waste water treatment agent using a fluorescent tracer by processing a sample of the waste water stream and allowing continuous on-stream monitoring of the performance of the chemical waste water treatment agent. The apparatus is comprised of a series of components that sample the waste stream, process the sample for analysis, analyze the sample, record the data in a historical database and, based upon the analysis as compared to historical data, adjust the chemical feed system to optimize the chemical waste water treatment agent according to the programmed optimization logic.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and method for substantially reducing or eliminating total suspended solids (TSS), biological organic discharge or biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and fats, oils and greases (FOG) contaminants. The system includes at least one mixing chamber for mixing wastewater with at least one dewatering agent or chemical and air to form an aerated mixture and at least one tank having a plurality of compartments for facilitating flotation, settling and removal of contaminants from the aerated mixture as it flows through the tank. Preferably, the system includes first and second mixing chambers and first and second tanks arranged in series with each of the tanks including drag lines for removing floating and settled contaminants.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controlling and/or regulating a solids-liquid separation process, such as in a dewatering or drying device includes at least two photodetectors, each associated with a light source, a detector to detect light of the associated light source reflected from the surface of the solids-liquid mass, a controller generating an output signal as a function of the detected light and converting and processing the output signals of the photodetectors into correcting variables for controlling and/or regulating at least one process parameter of the separation process. At least one of the photodetectors is associated with at least one second photodetector for detecting light reflected into the photodetector at an angle, preferably an angle of 30.degree. to the main direction of reflection. The output signals of the photodetectors are advantageously processed into correcting variables for the step-wise adjustment of the at least one process parameter to optimize the separation process.

Abstract: A sedimentation or other dewatering process conducted on a suspension is controlled by filling a body (1) that is open at its top end (2) with the suspension, establishing quiescent conditions and allowing the suspension to settle to form a supernatant layer at the top end (2), generating light from an assembly (14) and measuring the amount of scattered light (19) from the supernatant layer by a collector (21) and utilizing the measured amount of scattered light to control the dewatering.

Abstract: An improved system and novel components and methods for treating waste waters contaminated with a variety of commercial, municipal, and/or industrial contaminants. A mixing vessel according to the invention comprises upper and lower mixing chambers connected by an intermediate tubular section and a fluid exit tube running coaxially down the center of the intermediate tubular portion. The fluid stream to be treated flows in a spiral pattern vertically through the vessel, providing turbulent flow. The flow stream may be subjected to electric or magnetic fields. In one embodiment, streams of the fluid to be treated and of an ionized coagulant are combined prior to entry into the vessel; in another embodiment, the incoming flow stream is combined with the coagulants in the mixing vessel. The incoming flow may be split between annular passageways to improve mixing. Magnetite particles may be generated in situ and added to the flow stream to further encourage coagulation in the presence of a magnetic field.

Abstract: A method for removing residual oil from oily water under pressure is provided. The method comprises flowing a liquid stream of an oily water downward through a vertically extended zone to remove the residual oil. A gas is injected into the lower end of the zone and at a rate sufficient to generate bubbles of a predetermined volume in the liquid stream. A sufficient pressure is maintained in the zone to control the rate of expansion of the bubbles to a volume compatible with oil droplets in the liquid stream during upward migration of the bubbles and the oil droplets. The rate of flow of the liquid stream from the lower end of the zone and the rate of flow of the gas from the upper end of the zone are regulated to collect residual oil from a quiescent volume within the upper portion of the zone.

Abstract: A metallic indicator electrode senses the anionic charge per unit time borne by the dispersed phase of a stream of an aqueous dispersion of negatively charged particles by virtue of the potential developed by the electrode as measured by a voltmeter. The developed potential can be used downstream, for example, to control the addition of a water treatment chemical or extraction of water from the stream.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling the amount of cationic coagulant to be introduced into a laundry waste water having a content of non-solid fats, oils and/or grease (FOG) which is to be reduced.

Abstract: A method for clarifying a contaminated fluid comprising a separator vessel having therein a pair of cyclonic flow chambers; preliminary spiral separators introduce the contaminated fluid to be separated into the cyclonic flow chambers by tangential inlets so as to establish a swirling body of fluid in each chamber; the cyclonic flow chambers have a shell positioned below their respective tangential inlets for discharging separated solids to a collection area and separating an oil arid water mixture into a fluid flow zone formed by the cyclonic flow chambers and the wall of the separator vessel wherein water and oil are separated by aeration provided by sparging tubes; a vertical outlet port discharges separated oil and gas from the upper portion of the cyclonic flow chambers to a fluid flow zone wherein oil and gas are separated. The separated water, oil, gas and solids are removed through discharge ports.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating water includes a vertically extending contact vessel, wherein water is contacted with ozone, and a return vessel which contains a column of water of a sufficient height to drive water through downstream filtering stages. Ozone is removed from the water and the rate of ozone injection is monitored and automatically adjusted so that no great amount of ozone remains in water entering the filtering stages. The ozone is generated in elongated elements that are cooled by the process water and that are positioned to serve as a static mixer for such water.

Abstract: Metals contained in various wastewaters are selectively recovered as metal precipitates and/or as spinel ferrite and water suitable for discharge into the environment is obtained. High grade magnetic spinel ferrite is recovered from wastewaters having aluminum and arsenic if present in the wastewater, removed from the wastewater. There are three process stages for the treatment of wastewater. In the first process stage which is optional, at least a portion of at least one non-ferrous or non-ferric metal is precipitated from the wastewater by subjecting the wastewater to an oxidizing agent to increase the oxidation-reduction potential of the water, by adjusting the pH of the wastewater to a pH at which the metal precipitates from the water and by adding an organic or inorganic sulfur compound, capable of causing the metal to form a precipitate, to the water in a quantity sufficient to precipitate the metal.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel method of removing emulsified oils, dissolved solids and particulates from a water containing liquid wastestream comprising chemically treating the wastestream with an acid, a coagulant, and a flocculant and subsequently flowing such treated wastestream upwardly through a vertical plate pack chamber.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the dosage of a polyelectrolyte treating agent in a water treatment process using a fluorescent material having the opposite electrical charge as a polyelectrolyte treating agent used to treat water in a water treatment process.

Abstract: A process for improving the efficiency of coal dewatering and deashing uses complexing agents such as sodium gluconate in alkaline solution to form soluble compounds with cations such as Al.sup.+3, Fe.sup.+3, Mg.sup.+2, and Ca.sup.+2. The formation of such compounds reduces the adsorption and/or desorbs clay slimes from the coal surface.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and method for chemical precipitation and removal of metals from wastewater in a continuous or batch treatment process includes an ion-selective sulfide electrode and a reference electrode disposed in a precipitation tank for measuring an electrochemical potential therebetween in a predetermined range. A controller unit is provided which is responsive to the electrochemical potential in the predetermined range and is connected to a precipitant feed unit for automatically controlling the chemical precipitant fed into the precipitation tank.

Abstract: The feature of the present invention resides in that when a polyelectrolyte coagulant is added to sludge to dewater the sludge in a sewage treatment plant, the dosage level of the polyelectrolyte coagulant to be to the sludge is controlled most properly, whereby moisture content of dewatered cake can be minimized.

Abstract: A process for dewatering a slurry, which comprises introducing a dewatering aid into a slurry of solids in water to condition the slurry. The conditioned slurry is then passed into a filtration zone where water is filtered off from the solids. Images of the dewatered solids are recorded with a video camera and digitized. The recorded images are compared with digitized desired images representing desired moisture levels. The recorded images versus the desired images are converted into analogue signals which are indicative of the moisture content of the dewatered solids.

Abstract: Aerated bitumen froth containing bitumen, water, air and solids is the product of the hot water extraction process for recovering bitumen from oil sand. Measurements related to the water content of the froth can be obtained by measuring its resonant frequency in a calibrated output, open-ended microwave cavity. By also measuring the bulk density of the froth and assuming a constant relationship for the solids content, one can compute from the assembled data the output quality of the froth. The measurements can be taken repetitively at the vessel as the froth is produced and used to almost instantly provide froth quality information.

Abstract: A treatment method for removing arsenic from water includes conditioning the water with one more additives including an iron salt, an acid, and an oxidant until the water contains more ion than arsenic, is acidic, and has an ORP of about plus 600 mV. A reagent is then added to the conditioned water until it becomes basic and the water and additives are then reacted in a reaction chamber wherein iron and arsenic are co-precipitated in the form of iron arsenate and iron hydroxide or iron oxide. Treated water is then separated from the precipitate by settling of filtering.

Abstract: A method for removing insoluble materials from a liquid mixture, including spinning at least one centrifuge separator at a predetermined speed and pumping the mixture to the spinning centrifuge separator at a predetermined rate. The rate in which the mixture is pumped to the separator is varied in response to a variable angular moment of force in the centrifuge separator caused by density variations in the mixture. The method is carried out by an apparatus including at least one centrifuge separator coupled in fluid communication to at least one pump. A closed-loop feedback system is operably coupled to the devices driving both the separator and the pump to control the rate in which the mixture is supplied to the separator. The rate is determined by the angular moment of force in the separator which then allows the system to increase, maintain, or decrease the output of the pump.