Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for the exchange of substances between substance carrier and recovery fluids in predetermined carrier/recovery fluid volumetric ratios, and operate through the vaporization of the carrier fluid in a separation chamber to separate the substance therefrom at a separation zone therein and effect the deposition and accumulation of the substance in a relatively narrow band, and the subsequent recovery of the substance band form the separation chamber by the substance recovery fluid. Correlation of the carrier fluid flow rate into the separation chamber, and the separation chamber temperature, is effective to determine the location of the substance band in the separation chamber. Segmentation of the substance carrier and recovery fluids materially increases the efficiency of the separation and recovery processes. The apparatus and method are particularly adapted for high operational rate operation on an automated basis; and are adapted for operation on a batch basis.

Abstract: A siphon fluid-solid separation apparatus and a process, wherein a liquid having undissolved solids is introduced into an upper vessel. The liquid and smaller particles of undissolved solids are drawn away from the larger particles of undissolved solids by siphonage. In one embodiment, the larger particles of undissolved solids settle to the bottom of the upper vessel. The smaller particles of undissolved solids are deposited in a porous medium as the liquid and smaller particles of undissolved solids flow through the porous medium by siphonage.

Abstract: Exhaust heat from engines used in oil field operations can be utilized to (1) at least partially separate a water-containing wellstream fluid into a progressively enlarged hydrocarbon phase which floats on the remainder of the wellstream fluid and/or on a water phase and (2) vaporize lighter fractions of the hydrocarbon phase for use as fuels for such engines. The level of the wellstream fluid in the separation vessel and the depth of the hydrocarbon phase which forms a top of the remainder of the wellstream fluid and/or water phase are automatically adjusted so that a heater tube which directs exhaust heat through the separation vessel is predominantely in contact with the hydrocarbon phase. The lighter hydrocarbon vapors thus produced are collected and, preferably, superheated prior to being used as fuels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gravitational separation of discontinuous mixtures using laminar flow coalescing techniques is disclosed. The apparatus includes a number of discrete sets of fluid interrupting surfaces arranged in series one after the other. After analyzing the physical, chemical and statistical characteristics of any given discontinuous mixture, the configuration of the surfaces can be correlated or adjusted to provide enhanced and efficient separation of the components of the mixture.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes a section of pipe arranged at the center of an electromagnetic force field created by a solenoid coil or the like positioned about the periphery of the pipe. A metal stationary rod is supported within the pipe and electrically insulated from the pipe such that water directed through the pipe passes by the rod. The rod is supported at both ends by insulated bearings secured within the pipe.

Abstract: An ultraviolet sterilization and disinfection system for fluids which includes apparatus for sensing selected operating characteristics such as physical characteristics of the fluid to be disinfected or sterilized and the operating conditions of the ultraviolet sources proportioning these variable and generally non-linear parameters and modifying such factors as fluid flow, ultraviolet energy imparted to the fluid to insure destruction of selected organisms without the use of excessive energy. Control may also be provided for the admission of selected quantities of disinfecting chemicals such as chlorine to the fluid.

Abstract: A filter comprising a housing in which are disposed a filtering element and a bypass channel establishing direct communication between the inlet and the outlet of the filter. The outlet of the bypass is closed below a predetermined temperature by a thermally operated diaphragm member. When the temperature of the fluid flowing through the filter housing reaches the predetermined temperature, the diaphragm member is deformed such as to open the bypass outlet. The filter has particular applications for installing in the line between a motor vehicle automatic transmission and the transmission fluid cooler, after the transmission has been overhauled or when a rebuilt transmission is installed on the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A controller and method for controlling the operation of electrically powered pool related apparatus in recreational pool system, and more particularly for controlling the flow of pool water through the pool system and water-conditioning apparatus, is disclosed. The controller includes a logic circuit formed with a plurality of logic gates coupled to pool-water-sensing apparatus and programmable input apparatus in accordance with a predetermined logic sequence. The pool system includes a swimming pool and spa, and the pool-water-conditioning apparatus includes a solar water heater and a non-solar water heater. The controller is capable of preferential solar heating and of temperature-switched operation, time-switched operation and a combination thereof, as well as manual switching.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for optimizing the efficiency of a biological process of treating waste and sewage, and more particularly a process in which air is supplied to the waste to adjust the dissolved oxygen content thereof to a desired optimum level. The process includes controlling the amount of air supplied to the process by adjusting the air supply means in the process in accordance with the ambient temperature of the air into the air supply means in combination with other air volume control means which are dependent on other process variables. The invention enables attainment of optimum concentrations of dissolved oxygen with minimum consumption of power and energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for effecting accelerated chemical reactions between reactants at elevated temperatures and pressures including the wet oxidation of materials in waste streams. A reactor has a through pipe that extends down into a cased hole in the earth and back up independent of the hole. A controlled flow of influent fluid with reactants is flowed down the pipe to form a hydrostatic column of fluid that is of sufficient depth to exert a pressure and provide a temperature sufficient to cause reactants to react at an accelerated reaction rate and to achieve the necessary retention time to substantially complete the reaction. Heat is released in the reaction zone to heat the fluid, and the heated fluid is then flowed back up in heat exchange relation to the downflowing fluid. The temperature of the fluid is controlled in the reaction zone by adding heat for start-up and selectively adding or removing heat to maximize the reaction rate and to prevent boiling of the fluid.

Abstract: An oil recovery apparatus and method, particularly for removing oil and grease from the discharge of dishwashing machines or the like, provides a small size assembly employing the same principle as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,051,024. This apparatus and method employs single rotating discs of plastic or plastic coated material and each disk has a pair of scraper blades arranged to scrape opposite sides of the rotating blade. Exterior of the container for the oil recovery apparatus is at least one filter basket adapted to receive the flow into the strainer container of large particles of food and other waste such as cigarette butts and the like. Each filter is disposed for the ready cleaning of accumulated matter from the basket. There is shown plural filters, valve controlls, auxiliary heating and disc support means to be more fully described.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for dewatering slurry recovered from waste water, generated in the production and treatment of metals, are provided in which the flocculated slurry is first dewatered mechanically to provide a water output which is returned upstream for further treatment, and a sludge output containing about 25-32 percent by weight (w/o) solids and the remainder free liquid. The sludge is passed through a thermal drier and, after substantially all the free water has been removed, is disposed of as desired.