Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet. The cabinet defines a food storage chamber therein. A door is rotatably mounted to the cabinet. The refrigerator appliance also includes a food storage unit. The food storage unit includes a rigid structural frame surrounding a flexible element. The flexible element is deformable and movable relative to the rigid structural frame.

Abstract: Collapsible household containers having a foldable wall section with shape-retaining characteristics are disclosed. In particular, collapsible laundry baskets, buckets, colanders, dish drainers, and cups are provided. The folding region may include foldable tiers of a flexible material, each tier having at least one stable, relatively expanded position and at least one stable, relatively collapsed position; and an intervening, non-folding tier composed of a different, relatively rigid material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purification of bilge and sludge water on a ship, especially at sea, using excess heat from the ship's engine(s) to a level of oil contamination of less than 15 ppm. The invention also relates to a plant for carrying out the method, and a vessel including such plant, as well as the use of the method and plant.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring recirculation of blood in a catheter designed for implantation in a human is described. In one variation, the system comprises an artificial circulatory system and an ultrasonic detection device for measuring and comparing the density of a circulated blood simulant with a later introduced bolus saline. The system may be configured to simulate a human heart by providing the flow, pressure and dimensions of a typical human heart. In addition to simulating the circulatory system of a normal human heart, the system may also be configured to simulate particular negative conditions of a patient, such as stenotic condition, which would affect the recirculation measurement.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus are provided for controlling a filtration plant having at least one vacuum filter, at least one vacuum pump and at least one filter tank, by which a medium that is to be filtered and that includes solid particles and liquid is separated into a concentrate including predominantly solid particles and a filtrate comprising predominantly liquid. The method may include: determining at least one first parameter of the filtration plant in the form of a residual moisture content of the concentrate and/or of a density of the filtrate as a function of time or a second parameter of the filtration plant, forming a derivative of the at least one first parameter after the time or the second parameter as at least one first characteristic, determining the sign of the at least one first characteristic, and controlling the filtration plant as a function of the determined sign.

Abstract: Sewage sludge is dewatered to a cake-like state. The viscosity of the sludge is lowered by admixing a quantity of urea, urea-ammonium-nitrate, or other nitrogen-containing material, in with the dewatered sludge. The treatment also removes pathogens, and renders the product suitable for use as a fertilizer.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring the supply of replacement fluid during an extracorporeal treatment of blood is disclosed. Detection of the supply of replacement fluid upstream or downstream of the dialyser or filter is based on a measurement of the optical or physical density of the blood or of a constituent of blood in the extracorporeal circulation. To detect pre- or post-dilution, the blood flow rate and/or the replacement rate and/or the flow rate of the fluid removed from the blood through the dialyser membrane is altered, and the density of the blood or of the constituent of blood is measured upstream and/or downstream of the dialyser. Additionally, an apparatus for treating blood with an apparatus for monitoring the supply of replacement fluid is disclosed.

Abstract: A novel system and method for fluid management for accurate continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CWH) in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The fluid management or CWH system is automated and configured for operation as a stand alone unit and can be easily integrated with an ECMO system. The fluid management system is capable of producing either perfect or negative fluid balance between ultrafiltrate removal and replacement fluid delivery. The fluid management system can achieve electrolyte replacement over a range of flow rates needed to care for patients ranging from neonates to adults. Finally, the novel fluid management system preserves patient safety, maintains sterility during operation, is easy to operate, and is compact enough to fit near a patient's bed.

Abstract: A filter assembly is provided for collecting samples in a fluid environment, the assembly utilizing a laminar convective flow to cause the flow of a preservative/fixative and a filtrate through a filter. A substantially concave dead space around the filter is flushed free of the preservative and the differential in density of the preservative and filtrate causes the more dense fluid to collect in the reservoir and preserve the collected specimen.

Abstract: A method for treating water includes directing untreated water into a mixing zone in a water treatment system and mixing the untreated water with a flocculating agent and a ballast to form a ballast-floc mixture. Thereafter, the ballast-floc mixture is directed to a settling zone where the mixture settles to form sludge. Treated water is discharged from the settling zone and the sludge is directed to a separator. The method further includes separating at least a portion of the ballast from the sludge and directing the separated ballast from the separator to the mixing zone. Finally, the sludge is directed from the separator to a sludge treatment reactor where at least some of the remaining ballast settles from the sludge and substantially ballast-free sludge is discharged from the sludge treatment reactor.

Abstract: A device for separating components of a composition according to density. The device includes a rotatable chamber and a plurality of buoys. The rotatable chamber has an axis of rotation. The plurality of buoys are positioned within the rotatable chamber and about the axis of rotation. The buoys are radially movable between an expanded position in which the buoys are at a first location relative to the axis of rotation and a contracted position in which the buoys are at a second location relative to the axis of rotation. The first location is further from the axis of rotation than the second location is. The buoys are movable in response to force generated during rotation of the rotatable chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a method (20) for controlling a disturbance (15) to networked pulp in a separation device comprising a tank (1), the method (20) comprising the steps of introducing a feed material into the tank at a flux (21); allowing pulp to settle out of the feed material and form into a networked layer of pulp (22); disturbing the networked pulp in a disturbance zone (16) of the networked layer (23); and controlling one or more disturbance parameters with respect to the flux and/or one or more operational parameters to controllably apply an optimal disturbance to the networked pulp in the disturbance zone (31). The invention also provides a separation device for separating pulp from a feed material.

Abstract: Processes for treating drilling fluid by passing the fluid through a separator including a clarifying zone and a thickening zone, the clarifying zone having inclined plates and the thickening zone having at least one wall with an angle of less than about 60°. The separator may optionally include an agglomeration zone and a removal zone.

Abstract: A reservoir for use with a blood collection system includes a housing, a pre-filter, and a spring mechanism. The housing defines a cavity and has an inlet for receiving fluid from a source. The pre-filter is located within the cavity, removes particulates contained within the fluid, and allows the fluid to pass through the pre-filter. The spring mechanism is connected to the pre-filter and allows the pre-filter to travel within the cavity as the pre-filter collects particulates.

Abstract: A method, system, apparatus and program for effecting the decomposition of organic waste material comprises: providing a treatment tank for decomposition of organic waste material, the treatment tank containing an active biomass comprising at least one bacteria that decomposes organic material; providing at least two inlets to the treatment tank, a first inlet comprising an inlet for organic material and a second inlet comprising an inlet for an aqueous stream; a processor that receives and stores information on: the status of chemical oxygen demand of the active biomass; and the oxygen provision capability of a first organic material that can be fed into the treatment tank through the first inlet; a mass flow control system controlled by the processor which feeds the at least one organic material through the first inlet at a rate based at least in part upon the status of chemical oxygen demand in the treatment tank as recognized by the processor.

Abstract: A coagulation sedimentation process for water to be treated in which an inorganic coagulant used in a purified water treatment system is limited, and remaining micro flocks and flocks are made greater in density and finer in particle size, thus obtaining clear water better in quality and reducing the amount of sludge production, including a micro flocculation step for micro-flocculating in advance fine suspended particles in water to be treated, a flocculation step for the micro flocks, and a sedimentation separation step for the flocks, in which as a final stage of the flocculation step, a flock-forming inclined plate whose pitch width is from 5 mm or more to 50 mm or less is provided, and an inorganic coagulant is limited so that the turbidity of the water to be treated after passage of the inclined plate at a ratio to that before passage is 4/5 or less.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring recirculation of blood in a catheter designed for implantation in a human is described. In one variation, the system comprises an artificial circulatory system and an ultrasonic detection device for measuring and comparing the density of a circulated blood simulant with a later introduced bolus saline. The system may be configured to simulate a human heart by providing the flow, pressure and dimensions of a typical human heart. In addition to simulating the circulatory system of a normal human heart, the system may also be configured to simulate particular negative conditions of a patient, such as stenotic condition, which would affect the recirculation measurement.

Abstract: A process for operating a water recovery plant comprising charging a storage tank with water contaminated with solids water recovered from a manufacturing or construction process, determining a parameter associated with the concentration of one or more selected contaminants in the storage tank, diluting the water contaminated with solids whereby the concentration of the one or more selected contaminants in the storage tank is at or below a desired level, and utilizing water from the storage tank in the manufacturing process.

Abstract: During a dialysis treatment carried out by a dialysis apparatus, in which a dialysis liquid is circulated to a clean dialysate filter (43) arranged before a dialyser (3), the conductivity of the dialysis liquid is altered according to an altering function that is a function of a mathematical model of the filter (43), in a way that will make the conductivity after the filter change more quickly. A conductivity cell (47), which is arranged after the dialyser, measures the conductivity of the spent dialysis liquid changed in response to said alteration. A control and computer system (52) evaluates the dialysance from said measured response. The conductivity can be changed for a comparatively short time period that is sufficient to allow reliable results.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting complications during an extracorporeal blood treatment are provided. During the dialysis treatment, the dialysance or clearance may be continuously determined at successive points in time based on a measured change in a physical or chemical characteristic quantity of the dialysis liquid, for example, the ion concentration of the dialysis liquid. In the event a significant change in the dialysance or clearance is established, the determination of the recirculation may be effected based on a measured change in a physical or chemical characteristic quantity of the blood. When both a significant change in the determined dialysance as well as in the recirculation occurs, a complication may be assumed with regard to a bad vessel access. Alternatively, a complication may be assumed with regard to the dialyzer.

Abstract: A system for controlling the sedimentation of sand or grit particles suspended in waste water contained in a grit chamber by determining the temperature of water contained in the grit chamber and by operating a turbulence creating means on the hasis of the water temperature. A method of controlling the sedimentation of sand and grit particles suspended in waste water contained in a grit chamber, by determining the temperature of water contained in the grit chamber and by operating a turbulence creating means on the basis of the water temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods of monitoring and controlling the processing of blood and blood samples, particularly the separation of blood and blood samples into its components. In one aspect, the invention relates to optical methods for measuring two-dimensional distributions of transmitted light intensities, scattered light intensities or both from a separation chamber of a density centrifuge. The method may include performing first and second measurements of an operating condition; analyzing the first and second measurements using a predictive data analysis algorithm; comparing the predicted operating condition to a desired operating condition; and adjusting at least one setting.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods of monitoring and controlling the processing of blood and blood samples, particularly the separation of blood and blood samples into its components with a two-dimensional optical measurement and control device. The method may comprise the steps of providing a blood processing system comprising a density centrifuge blood processing system and an elutriation blood processing system; filling the elutriation blood processing system with a desired component; measuring a cellular flux of cells entering the elutriation blood processing system with a two-dimensional optical control system; and flushing the elutriation blood processing system.

Abstract: The invention provides a dilution apparatus for a thickener of the type having a thickening tank and a feedwell disposed upstream of the tank to receive feed liquid, said dilution apparatus including: a receiving vessel adapted for at least partial submersion within the thickening tank to receive supernatant dilution liquid therefrom; and a submersible pump including an impeller adapted for at least partial submersion within the dilution liquid, the pump being adapted to transfer the dilution liquid from the thickening tank through the receiving vessel to the feed liquid for dilution thereof, before transfer of the feed liquid from the feedwell into the thickening tank. The pump is responsive to system parameters for adjusting the flow rate of the supernatant liquid.

Abstract: During collection of pollutants having a density lower than that of water and carried by a surface layer of a body of water, water of the surface layer is caused to flow into and through a collection vessel having a separation compartment with a top wall, pollutants entrained by the inflowing surface layer water are allowed to collect gravimetrically as a supernatant layer carried beneath the top wall of the separation compartment on water in the separation compartment, and changes of the weight of the collection vessel in the body of water are monitored. Intake and discharge phases may be initiated and terminated to in response to the said weight reaching predetermined values.

Abstract: A method, system, apparatus and program for effecting the decomposition of organic waste material comprises: providing a treatment tank for decomposition of organic waste material, the treatment tank containing an active biomass comprising at least one bacteria that decomposes organic material; providing at least two inlets to the treatment tank, a first inlet comprising an inlet for organic material and a second inlet comprising an inlet for an aqueous stream; a processor that receives and stores information on: the status of chemical oxygen demand of the active biomass; and the oxygen provision capability of a first organic material that can be fed into the treatment tank through the first inlet; a mass flow control system controlled by the processor which feeds the at least one organic material through the first inlet at a rate based at least in part upon the status of chemical oxygen demand in the treatment tank as recognized by the processor.

Abstract: A separator that uses centrifugation to fractionate a suspension such as blood comprises a separation container and a buoy. The buoy is carried in the separation container and has a tuned density that is configured to reach an equilibrium position in a suspension. The guide surface is carried on the buoy upper surface and is inclined to an accumulation position near a buoy perimeter. The buoy suspension fractionation system can be used in a method of isolating a fraction from a suspension, and in a method for re-suspending particulates for withdrawal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for purifying water, in particular for the continuous purification of water in the paper industry, said device comprising at least one supply line and at least one drain line for the water. The device also comprises a compression device for at least one sub-stream of the water, an injection device for injecting at least one gas and an expansion device for expanding at least one sub-stream of the water. In addition, the device comprises a unit for separating different phases of the water for purification. The device is characterized by a control system, which detects at least one parameter of the water and controls at least the addition of at least one additive in accordance with the process parameter.

Abstract: A method for chlorine purification in which crude chlorine containing nitrogen and/or oxygen is purified to separate the nitrogen and oxygen from the chloride, characterized in that the crude chlorine containing nitrogen and/or oxygen is contacted with 1,2-dichloroethane to cause the 1,2-dichloroethane to absorb the chlorine contained in the crude chlorine, and a process for producing 1,2-dichloroethane which comprises reacting ethylene with the chlorine contained in the chlorine containing 1,2-dichloroethane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method recycles the abrasive fluid or slurry effluent used in the polishing step in the manufacture of semiconductors. Agglomerations of abrasive grains built up in the slurry effluent are crushed using a mill, ultrasonic oscillation, or pressurized circulation. The slurry effluent is then regenerated and reused.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for delivering activated microorganisms to an environment to be treated. The apparatus has a bioreactor containing microorganisms, a supply of organic and inorganic nutrients and a controller. The controller maintains the conditions of the bioreactor so as to maintain the microorganisms in the exponential phase of growth. Although the apparatus is continuous, the controller also doses a portion of the fluid in the bioreactor to the environment to be treated. The invention also provides a method for the biological treatment of wastes and an organic and inorganic nutrient composition used to feed the microorganisms in the bioreactor.

Abstract: A centrifuge system with an externally positioned sensor assembly for detecting the separation of components in a fluid sample, such as platelets in a blood sample. The system includes a centrifuge with a drive portion and a rotor portion with a sample reservoir or centrifuge bag for receiving and containing a fluid sample during rotation of the rotor portion. An external sensor assembly is positioned relative to the centrifuge to direct a radiation beam from a radiation source through the rotor portion and the centrifuge bag and to allow a detector to receive the lower-intensity radiation beams at a location external to the rotor portion. In one embodiment, the rotor portion is fabricated from a transparent material and extends radially outward from the sides of the drive portion to allow the radiation source and detector to be positioned externally on opposing sides of the extending rotor portion.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system is disclosed which includes a variety of novel components and which may be operated in accordance with a variety of novel methodologies. For instance, the system includes a graphical operator interface which directs the operator through various aspects of the apheresis procedure. Moreover, the system also includes a variety of features relating to loading a blood processing vessel into a blood processing channel and removing the same after completion of the procedure. Furthermore, the system also includes a variety of features relating to utilizing a blood priming of at least portions of the apheresis system in preparation for the procedure. In addition, the system includes a variety of features enhancing the performance of the apheresis system, including the interrelationship between the blood processing vessel and the blood processing vessel and the utilization of high packing factors for the procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid clarifier useful for removing solids suspended in a wastewater stream. Settled biological solids are taken from the clarifier and combined in a mixing chamber with a wastewater stream. The combined liquid is provided to a settling region of the clarifier, and suspended solids settle in a biological solids collection region, from which the solids are taken. Clarified liquid can be withdrawn or permitted to overflow from an outlet region in the settling region of the clarifier. The clarifier can enhance the degree of solids removal from wastewater streams having relatively low total suspended solids values, such as outlet streams from fixed film-type digesters. The clarifier is suitable for use in combination with other components of wastewater treatment systems, and can be included as a module in many kinds of wastewater treatment systems.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for blood purification by means of hemodialysis and/or hemofiltration, wherein to the blood in the extra-corporeal circuit of the hemodialysis and/or hemofiltration device a substitution solution is added upstream as well as downstream of the hemodialyser and/or hemofilter. A purification effect remaining constant with a high purification performance is achieved in that one or several of the operational and/or blood parameters are controlled and that the control is carried out using at least one of the infusion rates of the substitution solutions supplied upstream or downstream of the hemodialyser and/or hemofilter. The present invention also refers to a hemodialysis and/or hemofiltration apparatus for the performance of the inventive method.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling and optimizing the performance of the activated sludge process and the plant or process so controlled by measuring the parameters of most importance over time, i.e., the sludge's settling, compacting, and flocculating characteristics; manipulating said measurements to determine whether changes in them are significant; processing the changes; and taking appropriate control actions.

Abstract: Methods for recovery of tartrate-containing, insoluble solids from an essentially settled grape-based mixture. More generally, methods for the recovery of insoluble solids, that have a predetermined characteristic from essentially settled mixtures are disclosed. The methods include performing proxy analyses on samples taken from the mixtures in order to determine at what time recovery should begin and end. Performing titration is detailed as a particular proxy analysis.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating and measuring solids from multi-phase well fluids. The apparatus comprises a separator; an upper solids level and a lower solids level sensor, both connected to the separator; a dump valve operatively connected to the separator; and a control module operatively connected to the dump valve to move the dump valve between an open and a closed position. The upper solids level sensor generates a first signal when the upper level of accumulated solids-within the separator reaches a pre-determined upper level. The lower solids level sensor generates a second signal when the upper level of accumulated solids within the separator reaches a predetermined lower level. The control module receives the first and second generated signals such that upon receipt of the first signal the control module causes the dump valve to open and upon receipt of the second signal the control module causes the dump valve to close.

Abstract: A multipurpose hemofiltration system (10) and method are disclosed for the removal of fluid and/or soluble waste from the blood of a patient. The system (10) continuously monitors the flow rates of drained fluid, blood, and infusate. When necessary, the pumping rates of the infusate, drained fluid and blood are adjusted to remove a preselected amount of fluid from the blood in a preselected time period. A supervisory controller (160) can monitor patient parameters, such as heart rate (120) and blood pressure (130), and adjust the pumping rates accordingly. The supervisory controller (160) uses fuzzy logic to make expert decisions, based upon a set of supervisory rules, to control each pumping rate to achieve a desired flow rate and to respond to fault conditions. An adaptive controller (162) corrects temporal variations in the flow rate based upon an adaptive law and a control law.

Abstract: A method for recovering usable material from waste concrete is herein described. Specifically, waste concrete is mixed with water containing hydration stabilization admixtures, forming an aggregate slurry. The aggregates are then removed from the slurry for recycling. The slurry itself is then used for mixing with additional waste concrete, during which time the density of the slurry is monitored and action taken to ensure that the density of the slurry remains within acceptable parameters. The slurry is then used in place of fresh water when preparing subsequent batches of concrete.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation and performance of water-only cyclones used in coal preparation plants for separating a fine raw coal slurry into fine coal and fine refuse slurries includes a variable speed pump for feeding the slurry from an underpan of a deslime screen to a water-only cyclone. A nuclear density gauge measures the specific gravity of the slurry feeding the cyclones and generates a signal used to control the addition of water. A level sensor measures the level of the fine raw coal slurry in the underpan. A pressure sensor measures the pressure of the fine raw coal slurry pumped to the water-only cyclone. A speed control device uses signals from the level and pressure sensors to control the speed of the pump in order to maintain an appropriate level of slurry in the underpan, and an appropriate feed pressure to the water-only cyclone.

Abstract: A process and apparatus therefore in which a sludge treatment stage 24 is controlled in response to the density or solids content of the sludge includes flowing sludge along a flow line 1 towards the treatment stage, taking a sample from the flow line 1, degassing the sample to produce a degassed sample, measuring the density or solids content of the degassed sample, and utilizing the measured degassed density or solids content of the degassed sample for controlling the treatment stage 24.

Abstract: A method and installation for forming and maintaining a slurry are disclosed. The method withdraws a slurry from a reservoir and directs it at a heap of solid material from which the slurry is drained into the reservoir, the slurry containing additional solid material from the heap to increase its specific gravity. The volume of slurry in the reservoir and its specific gravity are controlled. The installation comprises a support having a support surface which slopes to permit slurry to drain therefrom A reservoir receives slurry draining from the support and has a liquid feed. A pump withdraws the slurry from the reservoir and pumps it to a spray nozzle for spraying slurry at a heap of material on the support.

Abstract: A managing system for managing slurry, which is used to machine workpieces. The slurry contains dispersion liquid and abrasive grains. Slurry that has been used in machining further includes impurities that are smaller than the abrasive grains. A first decanter centrifugally separates a mixture of impurities and dispersion liquid from the used slurry to recover recyclable abrasive grains from the slurry. A second decanter centrifugally separates impurities from the mixture to recover recyclable dispersion liquid from the slurry. A specific gravity gage and a viscosity gage detect properties of the used slurry. The rotating speeds of the first and second decanters are controlled in accordance with the detected properties of the slurry. This always maintains the separating efficiency of both decanters at an optimal value thus effectively recovering and recycling the abrasive grains and dispersion liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of immiscible liquids from liquid influent has a containment vessel. An influent channel extends toward the bottom of the vessel so the influent is discharged vertically upward, a downwardly curved deflection plate is mounted above and aligned with the discharge end of the influent channel, and a plate with a downward slope from a central location extends toward the periphery of the vessel in a lower portion of the vessel than the deflection plate. This permits the influent to move radially outwardly thus slowing the influent and providing a residence time for gravitational separation of lighter immiscible liquids from the influent. A gap between the downward slope plate and the discharge end of the influent channel permits gravitational release of trapped immiscible liquids. A transfer tube, a sensor, and a pump are provided to pump the separated immiscible liquids out to a remote location.

Abstract: A process for separating at least two liquid phases which are at least partially non miscible is characterized in that after reacting, a polyphase effluent is settled in at least two distinct settling zones arranged in parallel, each of these settling zones containing at least one settler. The feed to be treated is sent to reactor R via a means for circulating fluids P via line 1. The effluent leaves the reactor via line 2 and is separated into two fractions. One fraction is sent to a settling zone a) via line 3; the other fraction is sent to a settling zone b) via line 4. The heavy phase from settling zone a) is sent to the reactor via line 7 and the heavy phase of the settling zone b) is sent to the reactor via line 6. The light phase from settling zone a) is sent to line 8, and rejoins fresh feed supply line 1. The light phase from settling zone b) is evacuated from the circuit via line 5.

Abstract: A method for producing high purity product water using a three pass reverse osmosis system.

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: For thickening a retentate by means of membrane filtration (ultra-/micro-filtration) to obtain the highest possible wet sludge proportion, a gaseous medium is admixed with the retentate. To this end an open feed line (13) above the retentate level (14), a porous ring (17) in the retentate, or a simple line connection (19, 20, 28, 29) in a tank (6) are proposed. A number of advantages accrue as a result of the lowering of the viscosity of the retentate achieved in this way, such as savings of energy for retentate recirculation, efficient installations because of longer series or passes of filtration modules, and savings in squeezing installations because of the direct filtration with high solid components.

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.