Abstract: The invention provides a multi-stage apparatus for continuous waste water filtration, comprising a first tank provided with a waste water inlet pipe to supply waste water containing suspended solids to the tank, means for adding a coagulant to the waste water and an outlet pipe, a second tank receiving the mixture of waste water and coagulant from the outlet pipe, the second tank being sufficiently large to allow larger suspended solids to settle and being provided with a lower, openable port for discharge of the settled solids and having an upper weir for discharge of partially-cleared water, a continuously-driven, non-taut perforated belt, having a surface positioned to receive, at a first location, a stream of the discharged, partially-cleared water, the belt perforations being sized to enable the passage of clear water therethrough while retaining fine and coagulated solids on the surface for subsequent discharge at a second location, and the belt being non-taut to form a trough for retaining a body of wa

Abstract: An untreated flow of waste water is normally introduced into a plain sedimentation unit during plain sedimentation periods to separate it into sand and a flow treated by plain sedimentation. During other periods, for example periods of heavy rain, a coagulating agent, ballast sand and a flocculating agent are introduced. The coagulated flow is passed into a maturation intermediate area and then, with substantially all the sand and colloids of particles attached to it, into the plain sedimentation unit. Here effluent is separated by plain sedimentation and evacuated and sludge made up of the sand and the adhering colloids and particles is extracted and evacuated via an extraction system and the sand outlet channel of the plain sedimentation unit. The sludge is collected, the ballast sand is separated from it to be recycled into the sand injection area and the sludge and excess sand are extracted.

Abstract: A horizontally-mounted, rotatable drum for mixing chemical additives with an aqueous suspension in order to promote agglomeration of suspended solids and for simultaneously separating water from them. With the drum, slurries of mining silt, clay, sludge and the like already partially dewatered to between about 50% and 60% moisture content can be further dewatered; reductions to 40% moisture content have been obtained. Supplied as a wet slurry to the drum through a hollow tube which also serves as an axle, the slurry is diverted, through a tubular branch fluidly connected to the tube, towards a vertical wall forming one end of the drum. Fed at a rate of between 200 and 300 gallons per minute, the slurry forcefully impinges against the vertical wall, simultaneously subjecting agglomerated particles in the slurry to high shear forces and freeing water. Downstream, before each of two spaced apart, annular retaining rings affixed to the drum, the slurry tends to pool.

Abstract: A separating device for extracting cholesterol from plasma uses a spinner to disperse plasma into an extracting solvent in the form of fine droplets to improve separation efficiency, thereby making it suitable for delipidating blood plasma. Blood plasma is delipidated by providing the plasma to the spinner and dispersing the plasma into the extracting solvent in fine droplets. A de-emulsification step removes residual solvent from the plasma. Blood is removed from an animal and the blood plasma is delipidated. Delipidated plasma is de-emulsified and combined with the animal blood, which is then reintroduced into the animal.

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: A device for treating fluid, particularly polluted water such as add-sulphate water. The device includes a stainless steel chamber which is provided with buoyancy pontoons allowing it to float in communication with the polluted water in a reservoir. The chamber is provided at both ends with openings which allow water to flow freely into and out of the chamber for treatment. A trap door provides an entry for water treatment reagent and a motor and gearing system rotates the chamber about its axis. The rotation of the chamber combined with the action of the internal mixer flights serve to agitate the water and reagent mix with a milling action.

Abstract: An aqueous suspension of coagulatable material is coagulated by adding polymeric coagulant to the suspension and then separating the resultant coagulated material from the liquor. The coagulatable material may be present in the aqueous suspension as a suspension of suspended solids or as colloidally dispersed solids. The suspension may be coal tailings or other aqueous (generally mineral) suspension. The polymeric material must be a low molecular weight, highly ionic, polymeric material formed from a diallyl dialkyl ammonium salt. It is added to the aqueous suspension while in the form of polymeric particles having a size mainly above 30 .mu.m and that will dissolve into the suspension and coagulate the coagulatable material. An anionic high molecular weight, flocculant is generally added subsequently in order to flocculate the coagulated material.

Abstract: Spent solutions from photographic processors are fed into a conduit (18) to which subsequently are added precipitating agents from a first source (22) and flocculating agents from a second source (28); so that, well grown or ripened clumps of flocculated solids are formed along the conduit before being emptied into a gravity collecting vessel and shipping container (38) from which clarified liquids are displaced by a mass (50) of accumulated flocculated solids, typically through a filter (58, 142, 150, 158, 162, 166, 220)for removal of any unsettled fines. Many of the clumps of flocculated solids become enlarged enough to individually extend across and substantially fill a cross-sectional area of the conduit. As a result, the enlarged clumps substantially block passage of and strain from the solution remaining fine particles which then adhere to the clumps.

Abstract: A phosphate feed is separated into an enriched phosphate fraction and a waste aqueous stream which includes recoverable phosphate feed particles in an aqueous clay slime and which is flowed along a flow passage through a settling zone (where recoverable phosphate feed is recovered) into a quiescent sedimentation area where the slime settles, and water soluble polymeric flocculant for the slime is added to the aqueous stream to promote settling of the phosphate feed particles substantially without settling of slime in the settling zone and to accelerate sedimentation of flocculated slime in the sedimentation zone.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treatment of sludge is provided. The process includes providing sludge in a substantially liquid form and an alkaline additive to a preferably substantially closed reactor vessel, mixing the sludge and additive to ensure said pH is greater than about 12, maintaining the pH for a predetermined period of time, optionally applying supplemental heat to the sludge mixture in the reactor vessel to a predetermined elevated temperature for a predetermined period of time, maintaining the sludge mixture in a substantially fluid liquid condition, and discharging the sludge and additive mixture from the reactor vessel in a substantially liquid form such that it lends itself to be handled by gravity flow. The apparatus provides means to accomplish the above process.

Abstract: A process of dewatering primary-treated sewage which includes mixing the sewage with a coagulant or flocculant aid, usually activated polymer. The sewage is then mixed and flocculated at conditions which involve extensive mixing turbulence of the sewage and whereby part of the sewage is recycled so as to be again subjected to such mixing and flocculating. Flocks form the solid particles in the sewage. The pH of the sewage is chemically adjusted into the basic pH range or to a higher basic pH. The sewage is applied to a sand bed whereby the flocculated solids in the sewage are separated from the liquid in the sewage, by collecting on the top of the sand bed. The flocculated solids located on the top of the sand bed are air dried. The dried flocculated solids are removed from the top of the sand bed.

Abstract: A process for recovering protein, fatty and water components from a float material produced by a waste water treatment system, wherein the protein and fatty components can be further processed for inclusion in various products, such as animal feed. The recovered water component can also be further processed before discharge into a sewer system.

Abstract: The present invention related to the use of certain cross-linked diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride polymers in water-in-oil emulsion form for use as coagulants in suspensions of inorganic solids. The diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride polymers are preferably polymers of diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride, acrylamide, and triallylamine. The water-in-oil emulsions are formulated to invert after addition to the inorganic solids suspension, as the suspension travels to a mechanical thickening device for further processing. The inorganic solids from refuse or concentrate mineral processing applications may be coal, copper ore, sand, gravel, taconite, beryllium, trona, kaolin or precious metals.

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: An improved partial oxidation, gasification process using low grade hydrocarbon feedstock involving the steps of gasification, waste heat recovery and carbon removal under formation of a soot water slurry containing the unburned carbon and ash. The soot water slurry is filtered to form a filtercake of carbon and ash, which cake is removed from the process. A direct once-through, partial oxidation process is thereby established, avoiding the recycle of unburned carbon and ash. The method also comprises filtration of the soot-ash slurries containing 0.5-3% unburned carbon and 0.1-2% ash having appreciable amounts of Fe, Ni and V. The slurry is cooled to a temperature below 80.degree. C. and filtered while confined between movable closed belts maintaining a constant pressure against the shrinking mass of carbon/ash particles until the moisture content is reduced to below 80% by weight.

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 sewage purification method which includes a first step in which at least two kinds of flocculants are introduced in sewage for stirring and mixing therewith so as to float and settle inorganic and organic materials. The first step is sequentially repeated more than one time. Next, at least three kinds of flocculants are introduced into the supernatant obtained in the first step for stirring and mixing therewith so as to further float and settle remaining inorganic and organic materials. At least one of the first and second steps is sequentially repeated more than one time. In the above way, middle water, drinking water and super-pure water can be obtained from sewage. Purification of exhaust gas is also possible by introducing such exhaust gas in one of the above steps.

Abstract: A device for centrically charging tanks (9) with a spin chamber (1, 10) connected to an inlet (20) and to a vertical downpipe (2, 12) ending seamlessly in a trumpet-shaped mouth (3, 18). Rotary flow charges circular settlement tanks and sand sorters and sedimentation tanks in such a way that the Coanda effect is activated at the trumpet-shaped mouth (3, 18) and in turn causes the rotary outflow of fluid from the vertical pipe (2, 12) to be diverted into the horizontal plane or vertically upwards as well as a radially symmetrical flow in the tank (9). There is a guiding pipe (14, 16) in the downpipe (2, 12) with preferably circular apertures around its periphery and which is open to the atmosphere at the top.

Abstract: An apparatus for waste water treatment, wherein fluorine contained in waste water is treated into a fluoride through a chemical reaction and sludge containing the fluoride is thickened and dehydrated into a sludge cake, has first and second tanks each packed with calcium carbonate mineral. In the first tank, waster water containing fluorine is agitated by air discharged from an air diffuser and caused to react with the calcium carbonate mineral. Through this reaction of the waste water with the calcium carbonate mineral and action of microorganisms on the surface of the calcium carbonate mineral, a pH value and a fluorine concentration of the waste water is adjusted till the pH value and the fluorine concentration fall within their respective predetermined ranges.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a reactor for removing impurities from a liquid, in particular for de-inking, including a tank (1) within which the liquid to be purified together with a gas or air is introduced (2-3); a drain of the purified accepted through an outlet (7) of said tank (1); inlets (8-11, 9-12, 10-13) at different heights of the tank (1) connected to said purified liquid outlet (7) together with the inlet of gas or air; a rotating shaft (18) inside the tank (1) carrying blades (20, 21, 22, 23) at the different heights of the tank within which the liquid together with gas or air is introduced; the blades (20, 21, 22, 23) have progressively increasing heights when moving towards the lower portion of the tank (1). The invention also concerns the method embodied by the above-described reactor.

Abstract: A method of removing dissolved iron or sulfur from water comprising the steps of pumping water containing the dissolved impurities through a conduit. Air is added to the water and is thoroughly and intimately mixed with the water in a closed mixing container. The iron or sulfur is chemically reacted with the oxygen to form a filterable precipitate which is filtered from the water.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of treating liquid carrying suspended solids comprising the following steps: (i) introducing the liquid into a primary treatment vessel (1) and causing agglomeration of solids suspended in the liquid to form flocs which are not settleable to any substantial degree within the time the said liquid is permitted to remain in the primary vessel; (ii) transferring an aqueous component comprising the flocs from the primary treatment vessel (1) to a secondary treatment vessel (5) where a floc of a settleable nature is caused to form; and (iii) permitting said floc to settle under gravity in the secondary vessel (5) and recovering an aqueous component having a substantially reduced concentration of suspended solids relative to the original liquid; wherein the liquid is subjected in the primary vessel to flow patterns, including a low energy circulating flow about a vertical axis of the primary vessel, which provide conditions for the formation of the substantially non-settleable flocs conta

Abstract: A solid-liquid separator for sludge which includes a tank with a sludge suction port, an intake/exhaust port and a sludge discharge port. A plurality of agitating blades are mounted on a rotatable shaft within the tank and are capable of being driven in either of two rotational directions. A plurality of injection nozzles are internally mounted on the bottom of the tank in such a manner as to eject a mixture of sludge coagulant and air into sludge contained within the tank. A pump which is capable of producing a vacuum or pressure is connected to the intake/exhaust port so as to produce either a vacuum or a pressure within the tank and the sludge suction port is adapted to be connected to a source of sludge to intake the sludge into the tank. The injection nozzles are connected to a source of sludge coagulant and air. The disclosure also relates to the method of treating the sludge to separate into solid and liquid phases.

Abstract: Aggregate-forming suspensions containing a coagulant therefor, e.g., FeCl.sub.3, polyaluminum chloride or Al.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.3, are coagulated/flocculated by stirring to provide mechanically strong flocs of greater average diameter size, without concomitant formation of irreversible microflocs, and wherein the stirring regime, in at least the initial stage of coagulation/flocculation, includes an initial operating stirring cycle comprising (i) a rapid stirring sequence at an average velocity gradient ranging from 300 to 1,000 s.sup.-1 for a period of time ranging from 30 to 200 seconds, and (ii) a slow stirring sequence at an average velocity gradient ranging from 40 to 100 s.sup.-1 for a period of time ranging from 5 to 40 minutes.

Abstract: A method for recuperating crude oil from the body of a spill. First, the body of the spill is sprayed at low pressure then the same operation is done at a relatively higher pressure of at least 100 p.s.i. After the dispersant is allowed to penetrate the body of the spill for several hours, physical agitation of the body of the spill is induced the use of air compressors operating in the range between 500 and 700 psi causing the crude oil to disperse and come to the surface. The crude oil is then extracted from the spill through the use of skimmers and vacuum suction means and subsequently processed.

Abstract: An improved process and system for treating a solution of a solute which can be concentrated by forcing a portion of the solvent through a semi-permeable membrane and converted to the solid phase by increasing the concentration of the solute in the solution. A phase conversion device receives the solution and converts a portion of the solute to the solid phase. The resulting mixture is passed through a separation device such as a filter to remove the solids from the remaining solution. A concentration device such as a reverse osmosis, electrodialysis or ultrafiltration device treats the resultant solution discharging a permeate of solvent essentially free of solute and a concentrate enriched in solute. A recycle line recycles the concentrate to the phase conversion device to advance precipitation of the solute by driving the solubility equilibrium toward precipitation.

Abstract: A water-treatment process which simultaneously performs degritting, degreasing, coagulation, flocculation and settling. The steps include breaking down into two elementary steps, at least least one of the degritting and degreasing functions and, simultaneously performing at least one of the following associated steps:coarse degritting and coagulation of untreated water;fine degritting and a first step for coalescence of grease particles, and high-energy flocculation;a second step for coalescence of the grease particles and low-energy flocculation, andseparating the greast particles and commencing a settling operation.

Abstract: Methods are described for pretreating microbial sludges to break cells and disrupt organic matter. One method involves the use of sonication, and another method involves the use of shear forces. The pretreatment of sludge enhances bioconversion of the organic fraction. This allows for efficient dewatering of the sludge and reduces the cost for final disposal of the waste.

Abstract: A method for removing metal compounds from waste water comprising the steps of adjusting the pH of the water to from 5 to 12 and preferably 6 to 9; aerating the waste water; adding a flocculating agent to the water and allowing floccules including metal compounds to form; and separating said floccules including metal compounds from the water. An apparatus for carrying out this method is also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of organic materials trapped in the emulsions generated in solvent extraction plants. The emulsions are first washed in aqueous solution. The washed emulsions are then subjected to a mechanical breaking process in aqueous/organic dispersion, inducing the inversion of the continuity of phases in the emulsions and the release of the phases involved. Subsequent separation of the phases by decanting enables the removal of significant quantities of solids and increases the overall recovery of the organic trapped in the emulsions.

Abstract: An effluent precipitation and neutralization chamber for mixing and neutralizing spent photographic developer and fixer. The fixer inlet discharging into a vertically oriented conduit located within the vessel, which contains iron therein and defines a gravity flow path for flow of the fixer within the vessel from the inlet to the bottom of the vessel. A layer of steel wool is positioned on the bottom of the vessel in the flow path of the fixer. Baffles inside the chamber promote mixing of the developer and fixer. The desilvered fluid is diluted with wash water before it is discharged from the chamber. A wash water inlet tube is aligned with an open ended vessel that surrounds the discharge outlet to dilute the mixed and neutralized developer and fixer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for treating an oily substrate, including a mixture comprising water and oily material or a mixture comprising water, solids and oily material as components, and wherein such treatment comprises contacting the oily substrate with a solvent for the oily material, a comminuting surfactant, and a flocculant, wherein said solvent for said oily material ranges in solubility in water from sparingly soluble to substantially water insoluble, to produce at least one phase differentiating interface and to thereby render one or more components of said oily substrate separable.

Abstract: Effluent containing inks undergoes flocculation by the action of a flocculating agent, followed by the continuous centrifuging of the effluent consisting of an acceleration between 1,000 and 20,000 g, while avoiding an air-liquid interface during centrifuging.

Abstract: A flocculation system for water treatment facilities comprises a flocculation tank having a plurality of baffles which divide the interior of the flocculation tank into a plurality of compartments. The baffles are arranged to provide intercompartmental openings between adjacent upstream and downstream compartments, which, in turn, are arranged to provide a serpentine flow path through the flocculation tank. A mechanical mixer is mounted in each compartment for supplementing the mixing energy provided by the serpentine flow, particularly during periods of low water flow rates.

Abstract: A separation and reclamation apparatus for separating a first discrete-phase solids material from a fluid mixture including, in addition, a second discrete-phase solids material and a continuous-phase carrier fluid, has a unitary vessel having a discharge tank connected to a receiving tank and in fluid communication therewith through an opening on the bottom side wall of the receiving tank. The receiving tank both mixes and transports the mixture. A controller actuates a door over the opening for transport of the first discrete-phase solids material out of the receiving tank into the discharge tank via a conveyor having an open discharge end higher than the top of the receiving tank. The apparatus includes a pump arranged to intake material from the discharge tank from contents remaining in the vessel after removal of the first discrete-phase solids.

Abstract: A sewage treatment system which presents a main flow line and a recirculating line, the former for flock which has appreciated in size due to the addition of a polymer and passage through an area of agitation/turbulence and the latter for the return of small sized flock to the agitator/turbulence area for size increase. The passageways of the system include movable flaps, serving recirculation purposes, and a ledge or flutter for current creation and flock build-up. Raw liquid sewage enters the system, where the outlet leads to a belt press and/or a dry bed to cake the resulting sludge.

Abstract: A wastewater flotation separation system is provided, which operates effectively with a minimum of maintenance. The apparatus includes a container (12) for holding wastewater, an inlet (14) located at a lower portion of the container, and an aerator (24) adjacent to the inlet for generating air bubbles that cling to waste particles to bring them to the water surface. A skimming apparatus (30) which skims particles off the surface of the wastewater into a sludge receiver (44) includes a beach device (42) with an inclined upper surface (40), and a belt device (34) that moves a series of scrapers (32) along the surface of the water and along the beach device into the sludge discharge. Each scraper includes a flap of resilient material which is bent as it scrapes along the inclined beach surface.

Abstract: A method is proposed for performing precipitation reactions which yields precipitate particles in the form of flakes. The precipitate particles are coarse, having cross-measurements in the order of 10 to 400 microns. According to this method, a suitable precipitant is one which will react with the ionic species to be precipitated and which is sparingly soluble, such as lime, and therefore capable of forming a slurry as opposed to a solution. Prior to adding the precipitant to the solution containing ions to be precipitated, the precipitant is slurried, normally in aqueous medium, and flocculated such that discrete floccules having diameters in the order of 1 to 6 mm are formed. Upon addition of the flocculated precipitant to the solution containing ions to be precipitated, a layer of precipitate forms on the surface of the precipitant floccules, encapsulating or partially encapsulating the floccule.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating wastewater streams is provided. The composition includes a zirconium salt and preferably a zirconium carbonate. In addition to the zirconium salt; a ferrate, a reducing agent, a weighting agent and an anionic coagulating agent can also be employed. The method includes the steps of adjusting the pH of a wastewater stream to between about pH 6.5 and about pH 14, adding the composition, precipitating contaminants from the wastewater stream and separating a solution having a reduced contaminants content therefrom.

Abstract: A method is provided for recovering PVC from a material including PVC and one or more non-PVC components, in which the material is mixed with a sufficient amount of a plasticizer at an effective temperature, preferably in the range of 100.degree.-200.degree. C., to give a PVC: plasticizer ratio such that the PVC and plasticizer form a mixture which is a liquid at that temperature so that the liquid PVC/plasticizer can be separated from the non-PVC component or components.

Abstract: An effluent precipitation and neutralization chamber for mixing and neutralizing spent photographic developer and fixer. A baffle and long folded ribbons inside the chamber promote mixing of the developer and fixer. A source of iron ions such as fine steel wool is immersed in the fluids. Ion exchange between the steel wool and the photographic fixer recovers silver from the fixer. The desilvered fluid is diluted with wash water before it is discharged from the chamber. A wash water inlet tube is directly aligned with the discharge outlet opening in the chamber so that wash water can flow almost directly into the outlet tube to dilute the mixed and neutralized developer and fixer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating particles (1) which are dispersed in a dispersion medium, whereby an ultrasonic standing wave (3) is generated by means of a composite resonator in a vessel (8) containing dispersion (2), the frequency of said wave preferably being in the neighborhood of the characteristic frequency (f.sub.o). In order to achieve, a better separation of the particles it is provided that the amplitudes (V) of the sound particle velocity which appear in the sound field are chosen slightly smaller than the upper threshold amplitude (V.sub.max), and that pressure forces on the dispersed particles (1), which result from the acoustic stream of the dispersion medium caused by applied sound, are equivalent to the longitudinal holding forces of the dispersed particles (1) in the areas of the antinodes (11) and nodes (12), and furthermore that the frequency by means of which the composite resonator is driven is as precisely as possible tuned to one of the resonant frequencies (f.sub.n).

Abstract: A method of washing an upflow filter between service runs employs a filter bed having a non-buoyant particulate filter layer through which influent to be filtered is directed in an upward direction, and through which liquid employed in the washing operation is directed in an upflow direction. A two-stage washing operation includes the steps of first directing a combination of air and liquid in an upflow direction through the filter layer with the velocity of the liquid being less than the minimum fluidization velocity of the filter layer, for disrupting only some floc retained in the filter layer during a previous service run, and thereafter directing only liquid in an upflow direction through the filter layer at a velocity less than the minimum fluidization velocity of the filter layer for removing disrupted floc from the filter layer while leaving some floc attached to said particulate media of the filter layer.

Abstract: A device for precipitating polymers from a liquid by at least one precipitant fluid includes a feed line, a nozzle plate having at least one outlet orifice for a polymer containing fluid with the outlet orifice communicating with the feed line, at least one nozzle for at least one precipitant fluid, the axis of which is arranged approximately perpendicularly to the axis of the outlet orifice, a precipitation chamber positioned on the side of the nozzle plate wherein at least one nozzle for at least one precipitant fluid is located, a discharge line for discharging a mixture which contains the precipitated polymer and a degassing chamber which is connected to the discharge line.

Abstract: An aqueous suspension of coagulatable material is coagulated by adding polymeric coagulant to the suspension and then separating the resultant coagulated material from the liquor. The coagulatable material may be present in the aqueous suspension as a suspension of suspended solids or as colloidally dispersed solids. The suspension may be coal tailings or other aqueous (generally mineral) suspension. The polymeric material must be a low molecular weight, highly ionic, polymeric material. It is added to the aqueous suspension while in the form of polymeric particles having a size mainly above 30 .mu.m and that will dissolve into the suspension and coagulate the coagulatable material. A counterionic, high molecular weight, flocculant is generally added subsequently in order to flocculate the coagulated material.

Abstract: A method for efficiently thickening and dewatering a slurry sludge in a short period of time without the necessity of a vast site, which comprises the steps of: stirring a slurry sludge added with a coagulant in a stirring tank to convert the slurry sludge into a floc; supplying the floc and a superantant liquid, which are produced in the stirring tank, onto an inlet side of an inclined endless travelling filter cloth of an endless travelling filter cloth type dewatering unit, which comprises a dewatering tank and the above-mentioned inclined endless travelling filter cloth arranged in the dewatering tank; continuously travelling the thus supplied floc, on the endless travelling filter cloth, toward an exit side thereof; thickening the floc on a portion of the endless travelling filter cloth, which portion is located in the supernatant liquid in the dewatering tank, and dewatering the thus thickened floc on a portion of the endless travelling filter cloth, which portion is located above the surface of the sup

Abstract: A process for the flocculation, precipitation, agglomeration or coagulation of substances or microorganisms present in a liquid in a dissolved, colloidally dissolved, suspended or emulsified state and a device for carrying out the process. The respective liquid is exposed to one or several fields of stationary ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic frequency f being higher than one seventh of a cutoff frequency fo which depends on the kinematic viscosity of the liquid and the effective radius of the particles present in the liquid.The device includes an ultrasonic treatment tank which receives the liquid to be purified and is provided with an ultrasonic transducer radiating the ultrasonic waves to an opposing reflecting surface.

Abstract: A process for removing inorganic gels and dispersed, particulate incompressible solids from a highly acid aqueous slurry (e.g., pH of -2 to +3) and a soluble metallic chloride content (e.g., 3 to 50%) involving rapidly and intimately contacting the slurry with a cationic Mannich polyacrylamide of molecular 4-15 million until a desired amount of gel and particulate solids are flocculated. By slowly and gently mixing a floc of the desired size is formed which is then removed. The process is especially suited for treating slurries produced by water quenching the hot metal chlorides and blowover ore and coke from a TiO.sub.2 chlorinator after TiCl.sub.4 has been removed.

Abstract: A process and associated apparatus for removing contaminants such as heavy metals from contaminated water, waste water, sludge or flushed soil elutriates, or leachates. The remediation method utilizes a combination of chemical oxidation/reduction reactions and physical separation techniques employing a pseudofluidized bed and is carried out in a unitary reactor comprising zones for activation, flocculation and phase separation.