Abstract: A method for treating material, the material contaminated with contaminants, the method including: introducing material with contaminants to a system for remediation including a thermal treatment system, a quench system, a weir tank system and a condensing system; feeding a slurry of the material to the thermal treatment system and heating the material therein producing heated discharge solids and a discharge stream with liquid and solids therein; optionally, discharging the heated discharge solids and feeding them to a mill system; feeding the discharge stream to a quench system producing a cooled discharge stream which is fed to the weir tank system; the weir tank system having a clean side and a dirty side; the cooled discharge stream fed to the dirty side of the weir tank system, and from the weir tank system producing at least one stream of cleaned liquid and a stream with contaminants therein; and, in one particular aspect, remediating drilled cuttings material using such a method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a used paper diaper processing method comprising: a swell suppressing step for immersing a used paper diaper in a swell suppressant solution to suppress the swelling of the polymer with high water absorbability; a breakup step for breaking up the paper diaper subsequent to the swell suppressing step while stirring the same immersed in a processing liquid, into a cover material breakup substance and an absorbing material breakup substance; a cover material breakup substance removing step for removing the cover material breakup substance; a filtering step for filtering the processing liquid containing the absorbing material breakup substance and excreta to separate and remove the absorbing material breakup substance; and a liquid discharging step for discharging the processing liquid containing excreta into a sewage treatment facility; and an absorbing material breakup substance recovering step for recovering the absorbing material breakup substance separated and removed by the fi

Abstract: There has been achieved a sludge dehydrating processor with less mechanical operation and with satisfactory dehydrating efficiency and heating efficiency. In order to process and convert sludge including an organic substance into solid fertilizer, a heating treatment zone for feeding and sterilizing an object to be treated and a dehydrating treatment/retrieving zone for separating water from the object to be treated and retrieving a treated object are provided. In the heating treatment zone, induction heating for efficiently heating the object to be treated without rotating a kiln body is introduced. In the dehydrating treatment/retrieving zone, a vortex air current producing mechanism for efficiently drying the object to be treated without rotating a dehydrating treatment chamber is introduced.

Abstract: The current invention provides improved methods and filter stacks for concentrating a slurry of titanium dioxide. The improved filter stack comprises a series of filter disks and diverter trays arranged in parallel. The present invention provides an improvement over prior art filter stacks by using a substantially complete weld to attach a diverter plate to the diverter trays. The current invention also provides an improved method for pre-conditioning a filter stack. The improved method is designed to pre-condition and gradually prepare the filter stack for production of the desired slurry of titanium dioxide. Further, the current invention provides an improved process for preparing and transporting a slurry of titanium dioxide. Finally, the current invention provides a method for enhancing the lifespan of a filter stack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of feces is present in which usable organic and inorganic chemical compounds and substances are extracted from the fecal material for reuse. The process and apparatus includes receiving a mixture of fecal material from various sources, separating the liquid from the solids for further processing or disposal, mixing the solids with an acid and/or solvent solution to break down the solids into components to be extracted, filtering solids from the mixture, distilling the filtrate to remove remaining solvents, reacting the remaining solids with a metal hydroxide solution to yield fats, fatty acids, oils, alcohols, sugars, and other minerals, and further processing these materials to produce lubricants, grease, emulsifiers, biodiesel, fuels and/or fertilizers.

Abstract: A system for extracting a liquid by pressing a humid mass, the system including at least one extraction channel, while extraction channel being provided with at least one inlet allowing to feed the extraction channel with the humid mass to be treated; with walls provided with holes allowing the flow of the liquid contained in the humid mass being pressed, and with at least one outlet allowing the discharge of the dehydrated mass obtained by pressing in the extracting channel, wherein the outlet of the channel, positioned between the walls provided with holes and the exterior, is free of contraints or only includes weak constraints whose level is controlled as a function of physical parameters. This systems is suitable for the efficient continuous dewatering treatment of a feeding source with a composition, consistency and nature of the solid particles present in the feeding source susceptible to vary during the processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screw compressor for compressing matter that passes through the screw compressor. The screw compressor comprises a screw having an outer thread with a pitch that decreases in the longitudinal direction of the screw, and a casing that encases the screw. The casing has an inner side that faces the thread of the screw so that matter may be passed ahead through the screw compressor between the screw and the inner side of the casing in a direction from an inlet end of the screw compressor, where the pitch of the screw thread is greater, to an outlet end of the screw compressor, where the pitch of the screw thread is smaller. Appliances are arranged on the inner side of the casing to prevent matter that passes through the screw compressor from rotating along with the screw. Inside the screw, a conduit is arranged for introduction of liquid. The invention also relates to a method for compressing and dewatering.

Abstract: A system for transporting and dewatering solids in a fluid system. An auger is used to transport solids and provide first stage compaction. A dewatering plate having a restricted opening provides second stage compaction and dewatering. The auger maybe be shafted or shaftless. First stage compaction is achieved by a change in helical pitch of the auger immediately preceding the location of the dewatering plate.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for treating a waste water waste-product mixture from a toilet by coupling the toilet to a waste product mixture to a waste product holding tank, connecting the tank with a vacuum container having a stirring member for breaking up the waste product and a heating system for drying the waste product to an ash, introducing water from a water holding tank that communicates with the toilet to the ash to form a gel, separating the water from the gel, returning the water to the water holding tank, and discharging the gel residue.

Abstract: A method and system for separating human waste solids from liquid for a shipboard toilet system that allows for the separation of solid waste, compaction of the solid waste and storage of solid waste. Wastes are deposited into a shipboard toilet system that uses vacuum toilets to flush waste into a large, inclined solid waste separation tank. A vacuum pump is attached to the separation tank to maintain negative pressure within the tank and system and to move the separated liquid stream. The separation tank has a separating screen disposed across its entire width to retain solid wastes while allowing liquid to flow through. After separation from liquids, solid waste material is compacted and dewatered with a helical screw through an inclined tube, and packaged for later removal as landfill or burned in the ship incinerator.

Abstract: A process for treating waste products discharged in a waste water from an animal operation, such as a swine confinement facility includes a holding tank for receiving waste water from the flushing of the facility in which solids to accumulate at the bottom thereof; wherein as conveyor transfers solids from said bottom at a rate preventing agitation of the waste water, to a compactor for removing additional water content and to a product dryer for converting the solids into a dry product. The product dryer includes a water heating system with water lines connected in a closed loop to the holding tank. The heating system thermal treats the circulating waste water and waste solids to a temperature sufficient to reduce undesired constituents therein. The product dryer is vented to a separator for recovering ammonia contents in the waste material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating organic waste sludge such as sewage sludge is disclosed wherein the sludge is first dewatered, moved to a day hopper for storage, and then successively passed through first and second reactors. As the sludge is passed through the first reactor, in a continuous fashion, the sludge and acid are thoroughly mixed and has the pH thereof substantially lowered due to the addition of acid in the first reactor. The sludge is then moved through the second reactor where the sludge is subjected to a base material to substantially raise the pH thereof. The treated sludge is then pumped from the second reactor to a pugmill and then to a dryer which dries the material. The dried material is then suitable for use as a fertilizer.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of recycling animal waste into a useable soil nutrient. The method involves separating the solid and liquid fraction of an animal waste slurry and separately treating both fractions with effective amounts of activated naturally occurring soil bacteria. The method also involves adding an odor eliminating microorganism to the animal waste to reduce or eliminate the foul odor of the waste material.

Abstract: A system and method for treating and removing hydrocarbon and other contaminants in bilge and ballast water, utilizing a multiple progressive process that chemically and electrically treats-and removes contaminants. Wastewater, received by a sump, is transmitted to a holding tank and treated, over a period of time while-influent wastewater continues off loading. The wastewater is pumped to an oil/water separator tank that decants free-floating oil from the wastewater to an oil retention tank. The wastewater then undergoes an electrocoagulation process where emulsions are broken and compounds that further aid treatment are created. The treated water flows to a retention/separation tank where contaminant particles coalesce and separate. Water is decanted and transferred to a clean water holding tank through an ozone injection system and an activated carbon filter. Treated water is recirculated until it exits the system meeting discharge limits for organics and metals allowing release into the environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for mixing sewage sludge with spent water-softener lime in a ratio of approximately 10:1 on a wet basis. The mixture is introduced to a rotary pre-dryer kiln and a rotary combuster kiln to kill pathogens. An ash by-product and gases are thereby produced. The ash by-product can be disposed of at much less cost or can be incorporated in a variety of applications such as an aggregate substitute.

Abstract: Animal waste such as fecal material from swine, chicken, turkey, and cattle is converted into useful forms such as fertilizer, other types of soil builders, and even nutrient feed additives. Devices, systems, and methods are provided that allow economical conversion and in many instances, alleviate the production and release of undesirable gases such as sulfide and ammonia. In one embodiment, undesirable anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria are killed at a greater rate than desirable soil compatible aerobic bacteria. The use of low temperature killing diminishes off gassing commonly associated with other techniques, and the use of gas trapping additives such as zeolites provides enhanced soil building qualities such as slow release of nitrogen and slow release of moisture to soil. The methods allow convenient adjustment of composition, allowing conversion of waste into tailored designer fertilizer suited for particular soils.

Abstract: A new method of improving the process of dewatering fine particulate materials is disclosed. In this method, an aqueous slurry of fine particles is treated with appropriate hydrophobizing reagents so that the particulate material becomes moderately hydrophobic with its water contact angle considerably below 90°. A low hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) number surfactant is then added to the slurry, so that the surfactant molecules adsorb on the moderately hydrophobic surface primarily by hydrophobic attraction and, thereby, increase its contact angle close to or above 90°. By virtue of the greatly enhanced hydrophobicity, the water molecules adhering to the surface are destabilized and removed more readily by a mechanical dewatering process. Any nonionic surfactant with its HLB number below about 15 may be used for the hydrophobicity enhancement. The surfactants may be used in conjunction with appropriate solvents such as light hydrocarbon oils and short-chain alcohols.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling the drill cuttings removed from the drilling mud of an oil and gas well drilling rig is disclosed. The apparatus and method utilize a shaker for separating drill cuttings from the mud, conduit for transporting the drill cuttings so separated to an extruder where the separated cuttings are crushed and compacted into a plurality of discrete compacted pellet-like bodies of a substantially uniform size. Once extruded into pellets, the pelletized cuttings are transported by conveyors to fill collapsible, sealable storage bags that have be positioned on bag racks. When filled the storage bags are filled and then ultimately delivered to a desired location for disposal or further handling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remediating wastewater holding areas and the like includes a closed, foraminous dewatering membrane that is positioned adjacent to the wastewater holding area. Sludge and adjacent water on the bottom of the wastewater holding area are pumped in the form of a sludge slurry into the interior of the dewatering membrane. The water is removed from the sludge slurry by allowing gravitational forces to flow water through the dewatering membrane. The dewatering membrane is then opened, and the dewatered sludge is removed for depositing at an appropriate site.

Abstract: A process is disclosed that relates to the recovery of a metal catalyst from an oxidizer purge stream produced in the synthesis of carboxylic acid, typically terephthalic. More particularly, the process involves recovery of a metal catalyst from an oxidizer purge stream through the use of a pressure filter, the combining of water with a mother liquor to recover the metal catalyst and then subjecting an aqueous mixture so formed to a single stage extraction with an extraction solvent to produce an extract stream comprising organic impurities and a raffinate stream comprising the metal catalyst.

Abstract: A method and apparatus selective remove undesirable low gravity components from the return stream of drilling mud. The apparatus receives mud returned from the well borehole and transfers the mud to a tank. Mud from the tank is treated in a separation system including a plurality of mass flow sensor to monitor operation of the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of separating a machining suspension into fractions including abrasive grains and attrition material, such as a suspension produced in the course of the mechanical machining of silicon, quartz or ceramic material, from a cutting fluid in which abrasive grains and the attrition material are dispersed that originates from the machined material and from the machining equipment. In the method, the suspension is separated by means of wet classification, with the liquid used for the sizing process being selected in such a way that it can be mixed with the used cutting fluid and with the mixture so formed, which contains the attrition material originating from the machined material in particular, forming a stable suspension.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing the dewatering of sand are disclosed. The methods include adding an anionic or nonionic surfactant to the wet sand prior to dewatering.

Abstract: A waste treatment apparatus for the treatment and processing of wet material is provided. The apparatus comprises an inlet hopper adapted for receipt of the wet material. A pre-conditioning unit is provided having an input and an output end wherein the wet material is received from the inlet hopper at the input end and is conveyed to the output end wherein the wet material is processed to reduce moisture and pathogen content. A blower is provided for providing a forced air stream to direct the flow of the wet material and for directing the flow from the output end of the pre-conditioning unit. A pre-separation cyclone is provided and is operatively positioned for receiving the wet material from the output end of the pre-conditioning unit via the air stream powered by the blower, wherein the wet material is processed under the influence of cyclonic forces that further reduce the moisture content, pathogen content, and reduce the particle size of the wet material.

Abstract: A process for producing an inorganic porous material, comprising the steps of preparing an aqueous medium solution containing water-glass as a silica source, a water-soluble polymer and an acid, causing phase separation and gelation in the solution at the same time to form a wet gel, and washing and drying the gel.

Abstract: A method of vacuum drying sludge or slurry input material comprises providing a closed-ended vacuum tunnel with at least two interior augers. The tunnel has an interior bed recessed with adjacent troughs separated by a low partition for accommodating the two augers in closely-spaced generally-horizontal side-by-side relation. The augers are driven counter-rotating such the input material re-circulates in an endless loop down one auger, over to the other and back again. The augers have screws formed with stubby flights to form a cut-and-fold arrangement and disintegrate the material. The chamber is heated up to or over 70° C. and a current of air is suctioned into the tunnel through inlets and out through ports in part pull a slight vacuum in the tunnel as well as to suction up and draw out disintegrating fractions of the material including gasified fractions, waftable finely divided particulate fractions and other waftable fractions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering and drying a product. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a container having a plurality of porous walls and a plurality of solid walls that divide the container into a plurality of product chambers, a plurality of vacuum chambers, and, preferably, a plurality of heat transfer chambers. Each product chamber shares at least one porous wall with an adjacent vacuum chamber. Each product chamber preferably shares at least one solid wall with an adjacent heat transfer chamber. According to the method of the present invention, a product is introduced into the product chambers, where the product is held while a substance is filtered from the product through the porous walls and the product is dried by reducing the pressure in the vacuum chambers and the product chambers.

Abstract: There is a method for increasing the viscosity of a high moisture content semi-fluid material such as sludge, slurry or filter cake so that the handleability is improved for disposal or further processing. The method includes the step of adding to the material a cross-linked copolymer produced from either the copolymerisation of acrylic acid or acrylamide and acrylate salts. The cross-linked copolymer has a high affinity for water so that the moisture content is substantially transferred from the material to the copolymer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for mixing sewage sludge with spent water-softener lime in a ratio of approximately 10:1 on a wet basis. The mixture is introduced to a rotary pre-dryer kiln and a rotary combuster kiln to kill pathogens. An ash by-product and gases are thereby produced. The ash by-product can be disposed of at much less cost or can be incorporated in a variety of applications such as an aggregate substitute.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filtration method where the material to be filtered is brought into contact with the filtering surface of a filtering medium arranged in a suction drier, and on the filtering surface for the filtering medium, there is formed a filter cake, and the filter cake is subjected to a drying process constituting at least one step prior to removing the filter cake from the filtering surface of the filtering medium. According to the invention, in the filter cake drying process there is performed at least one drying step (12,22,32,42) during which gas is prevented from flowing through the filtering medium, and at least one drying step (13,23,33,44) during which gas flows through the filtering medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a separating device for separating fluids (18) from solids (31), in particular for the separation of fluids (18) from material previously isolated from a solid—fluid mixture (33), comprising:—a screw transport device (1), provided with a housing (2), a shaft (4) and a conveying helix (3), a compacting zone (15) wherein the solid conveyed by the screw transport device (1) is compressed to express the fluid, a sieve area (16), in particular on the compacting zone (15) and a solids discharge section (7) where the expressed solids are led away from the rotating axis of the screw transport device (1).

Abstract: Hydrocarbon contaminants in drill cuttings generated in an oil drilling operation are removed by mixing the drill cuttings with an agglomerant to produce a pre-treatment mixture; heating to vaporize the hydrocarbon contaminants under a condition in which vapor entrainable particles of the drill cuttings are agglomerated by the agglomerant, and caking of drill cuttings is inhibited; drill cuttings having a reduced content of the contaminant are removed, and vaporized hydrocarbons having a reduced content of vapor entrainable particles are recovered. In this way, the particulate content of vapors escaping from the drill cuttings is reduced.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a combination of Famotidine [Chemical Name (N-Sulfamyl-3-(2-guanidinothiazole-4-yl-methylthio) proionamidine] Polymorphs A and B comprising the following steps: dissolving Famotidine crude in solvent such as methanol under heating and stirring to form a solution; adding activated carbon to the solution of step (a) at 45° C. for 30 minutes; filtering the solution of step (a) to obtain a clear colorless solution; concentrating the solution under vacuum at a temperature of 45° C. to 58° C. under vacuum to get a crystalline slurry; filtering out the crystals of Famotidine Polymorphs A and B combination; drying the said crystals of Famotidine Polymorphs A and B combination in an oven.

Abstract: Horizontal solids recycler to treat waste water comprising refuse solids from hog farms which comprises an intake and loading hopper adapted to establish a uniform curtain of the waste water, a mesh to which an over flow of the waste water is directed, a tumbler cilinder to which is mounted the mesh and which is mounted to a frame which rests on guide wheels, blades mounted within the tumbler cilinder to raise moistured solids, wherein said water of said moistured solids is passed through a mesh, a collecting bin to collect the solids coming from the tumbler cilinder and raised by the blades which comprises a separator to separate the remaining water from the solids, a screw to transport the solids, which is mounted to the collecting bin, a pressing section which comprises a perforated cilinder to which the solids are fed by the screw, a collecting and recycling hopper to which said perforated cilinder is mounted to, and which said collecting and recycling hopper collects and recycles the wastewater to the tu

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are presented which allow efficient use of solid/liquid and liquid/liquid stages with chemical additives in separations technology.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for treating sewage or similar organic sludge to produce a pasteurized and dried product comprising the steps of: drying the sludge to substantially the desired dry solids content of the product; and thereafter adding an alkaline admixture to the dried sludge in order to pasteurize and/or stabilize the sludge and thereby produce the product without employing subsequent drying by aeration.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon contaminants in drill cuttings generated in an oil drilling operation are removed by mixing the drill cuttings with an agglomerant to produce a pre-treatment mixture; heating to vaporize the hydrocarbon contaminants under a condition in which vapor entrainable particles of the drill cuttings are agglomerated by the agglomerant, and caking of drill cuttings is inhibited; drill cuttings having a reduced content of the contaminant are removed, and vaporized hydrocarbons having a reduced content of vapor entrainable particles are recovered. In this way, the particulate content of vapors escaping from the drill cuttings is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an apparatus for separating dry matter from liquid, comprising providing an enclosed separation environment capable of being pressure regulated, and in said enclosed separation environment contacting at least one filter with a suspension accumulating dry matter on the at least one filter and passing the at least one filter through at least one set of rollers, whereby liquid is removed from the at least one filter, followed by removing the substantially dry filter cake from the at least one filter, wherein the above is performed in the same enclosed separation environment either under vacuum or overpressure.

Abstract: A filter element for separating a water from a petroleum-based fluid, the filter element having a hollow, fluid permeable porous support structure, a fluid permeable first ceramic coating positioned adjacent to the support structure, and a fluid permeable second ceramic coating positioned adjacent to the fluid permeable first ceramic coating, and a thin film of dry petroleum-based fluid, wherein the thin film of dry petroleum-based fluid substantially coats the filter element and permeates the fluid permeable porous support structure, the fluid permeable first ceramic coating, and the fluid permeable second ceramic coating, the dry petroleum-based fluid having a water content of approximately 100 ppm or less.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a catalyst composite containing an extruded catalyst support containing an extruded activated carbonaceous material having specifically a defined pore structure. For example, the extruded activated carbonaceous material may have pores wherein at least about 40 % of total Hg porosity occurs in pores having a diameter of about 200 Å and larger. Alternatively the extruded activated carbonaceous material may have a first set of pores having a pore diameter of at least about 40 Å and at most about 100 Å with a porosity of at least about 0.15 cc/g, and a second set of pores having a pore diameter of at least about 5,000 Å and at most about 20,000 Å with a porosity of at least about 0.3 cc/g.

Abstract: In a wet friction material and a method therefor of the present invention, an excessive binder coating on the outermost surface layer of the friction material is removed or prevented while at least one of impregnation, drying and setting of a binder, and further the surface of the friction material is smoothed by means of heating, pressurizing and molding.

Abstract: Process for dewatering organic liquids admixed with water wherein the admixture is brought into contact with a molecular sieve. The moleculat sieve is pretreated so as to reduce its acid site concentration and attain an ammonia TPD value of 18 mmol/g or less prior to contact with the admixture. The present invention relates to a process for dewatering organic liquids admixed with water, said process comprising bringing the admixture into contact with a molecular sieve, characterized in that the molecular sieve is pretreated so as to reduce its acid site concentration and attain an ammonia TPD value of 18 mmol/g or less prior to contact with the admixture.

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 process is disclosed for obtaining colloid-forming metal particles from an aqueous mine waste solution containing that metal in ionic form. In accordance with this process, an aqueous mine waste solution containing that metal in ionic form is provided having a pH value of about 4.0 to about 6.5. The solution is electrified with direct current a about 1.2 to about 2.0 volts to reduce the desired metal ions to colloidal metal particles. A slurry of cellulose particles is agitatingly added to the colloid composition followed by a flocculant to form a solid phase cellulosic floc containing the colloid. The solid and liquid phases are separated, and the solid phase is dried, fluxed and heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the flux and colloid and form larger metal particles that can then be recovered. The colloid-forming metal is preferably gold.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a wiping solution, characterized by including: adding a flocculant to a used wiping solution for flocculation of ink contained in said used wiping solution; filtering said used wiping solution for separation of said used wiping solution into sludge and a filtrate; heating said filtrate to produce distilled water and a concentrated solution; returning said distilled water for recycling to serve as a raw material of a wiping solution; and heating said concentrated solution for separation of said concentrated solution into steam and a solid residue. An apparatus for performing the method of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of dewatering a mixture of coal tailings, water and contaminants comprising the steps of (a) providing a tank having a base surface and introducing said mixture of coal, tailings, water, and contaminants to said tank and allowing said coal tailings to settle on said base surface, (b) removing the coal tailings from said base surface of said tank along with water and contaminants and then separating said water and at least some of said contaminants from said coal tailings wherein said separated contaminants are suspended in said separated water, (c) adding an agent selected from one or more of the group consisting of a coagulant and a flocculent to said water and suspended contaminants separated from the coal tailings in step (b), (d) allowing the agent added in step (c) to coagulate or flocculate with the suspended contaminants to form a coagulated or flocculated mass and a quantity of supernatant water, and (e) separating the coagulated or flocculated mass formed in step (d) from the quantity of sup

Abstract: A method of dewatering fine particulate materials is disclosed. In this method, an aqueous slurry of fine particles is treated with appropriate hydrophobizing reagents so that the particulate material becomes moderately hydrophobic. A lipid of vegetable or animal origin is then added to the slurry in solutions of light hydrocarbon oils and short-chain alcohols, so that the hydrophobic lipid molecules adsorb on the moderately hydrophobic surface and, thereby, greatly enhance its hydrophobicity. By virtue of the enhanced hydrophobicty, the water molecules adhering to the surface are destabilized and more readily removed during the process of mechanical dewatering. The moisture reduction can be further improved using appropriate electrolytes in conjunction with the lipids, spraying surface tension lowering reagents onto the filter cake, subjecting the cake to a suitable vibratory means, and using combinations thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating microalgae from water without rupturing cells. The method comprises the steps of flocculation, flotation and dehydration. Microalgae suspension from a reservoir is passed to a mixer unit where flocculation is carried out, using modified starch or other flocculating agents. The suspension is then directed to a flotation column. Dissolved gas in water is transferred to the flotation column through a disperser. A layer of foam containing microalgae is formed on the liquid layer in the column, which can be skimmed off through an overflow outlet. The flotation column is a telescopic column of adjustable height, which enables the position of the overflow outlet to be aligned with the level of the foam layer for efficient foam removal. Foam containing microalgae is then passed to a filtration unit for cloth filtration, followed by drying in a drying chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for dewatering sewage sludges using plate filters, wherein the flocculated sewage sludge treated by means of organic polymer flocculation aids and optionally other auxiliary agents is separated from the major amount of water of the flocculated sewage sludge on a plate filter by means of hydrostatic filtration, whereafter the partially dewatered sewage sludge is subjected to pressure filtration. The plate filters employed have filtrate outlet systems permitting filtrate discharge at a flow rate of 1.0 m/s at maximum. By conducting the process in this way, the dewatering capacity is substantially increased.

Abstract: A method for treating sludge in which sludge is poured onto an advancing sheet of unwoven fabric or paper. The sheet carrying the sludge is pressed and heated to dehydrate the sludge utilizing waste heat of exhaust heat and radiated heat of an incineration process. The sheet carrying dehydrated sludge is helically wound on the outer circumference of a drying cylinder, and incinerated to supply heat for drying.