Abstract: A method for reducing the amount of cleaned water required in cleaning a particulate strainer using a reverse flow system is disclosed herein. The method includes the steps of: disposing a stationary cylindrical strainer in a first fluid flow to capture particulates against a first upstream surface of the strainer; positioning a single self-contained ultrasonic energy source within an inner region of the stationary cylindrical strainer defined by a downstream second surface the second surface permitting passage of a cleaned fluid flow; stopping the first flow; activating the ultrasonic energy source to dislodge particulates from the first surface; sending a reverse flow of the cleaned fluid flow through the second surface and through the first surface to evacuate the dislodged particulates from returning to the first surface; and restoring the passage of the first flow through the strainer.

Abstract: A system and method for vibration in a centrifuge is disclosed. A centrifuge for removing more dense material from a fluid medium includes a fluid separation wall placed within a non-rotating sleeve. The fluid separation wall rotates around the axis of rotation and includes an inner surface and an outer surface with at least one receptacle formed on the inner surface of the fluid separation wall. The receptacle aids in separation of more dense material from the fluid medium by forming a void space between the inner and outer surface. An excitation apparatus associated with the receptacle to create a vibration within the receptacle. A flow path may extend through the wall from the void area to the outer surface to transport more dense material to the containment zone.

Abstract: A shale shaker or vibratory separator which, in one aspect, has a base, vibration isolation apparatus on the base, a basket, mount apparatus for mounting the basket on the base, and at least one of the base, basket, and the mount apparatus made of, encased in, or coated with composite material which, in certain aspects, is all or part flexible composite material; and methods of using such separators and shakers.

Abstract: A process and system for recovering fine coal having a size at or below 400 mesh. The process and system includes a series of cyclone separators, a vibrating screen, a centrifuge and a flow path to clean, recover and dewater fine coal having a nominal size of 3 mm down to 400 mesh or below. The process and system includes the use of commercially available components arranged in a novel manner to efficiently recover fine coal for use in various energy supplying systems.

Abstract: A method and a device for separating oil from ice. In the method, ice is pressed under the water along an inclined surface formed by a bar screen (3) or a grating. The oil is separated from the ice by vibrating the inclined surface formed by the bar screen (3).

Abstract: A process and system for recovering fine coal having a size at or below 400 mesh. The process and system includes a series of cyclone separators, vibratory separators, centrifuges and a flow path to clean, recover and dewater fine coal having a nominal size of 3 mm down to 400 mesh or below. The process and system includes the use of commercially available components arranged in a novel manner to efficiently recover fine coal for use in various energy supplying systems.

Abstract: A continuous flow slurry cleaning method, apparatus and system including a filter portion and a mud re-circulation manifold for receiving partially filtered slurry, containing the slurry and mixing the slurry with liquid ready for use and thereby enabling a continuous, re-circulating flow through the filter portion. The continuous flow slurry cleaning apparatus and system further include a tank for storing and delivering liquid ready to be used by a drilling machine. The continuous flow slurry cleaning method, apparatus and system further includes a mud circulation/agitation system for keeping solids in suspension and for mixing additives along with the liquid ready for use and thereby modifying the makeup of the liquid ready for use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fouling materials from the surface of a plurality of porous membranes (9) arranged in a membrane module (4) by providing, from within the module, by means (10) other than gas passing through the pores of said membranes, gas bubbles in a uniform distribution relative to the porous membrane array such that the bubbles move past the surfaces of the membranes (9) to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. The membranes (9) are arranged in close proximity to one another and mounted to prevent excessive movement therebetween. The bubbles also produce vibration and rubbing together of the membranes to further assist removal of fouling materials.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for the filtration of fluid media, in particular for the pre-screening of media, that has a primary pack of hollow discs, which are arranged parallel to each other at regular distances to each other, the walls of which are made of a sieve material. The apparatus also has a primary, hollow shaft, which penetrates and is fixed to the hollow discs, connecting its interior to the cavities of the discs, and is fitted with a drive. Also included is a secondary pack of discs, which are arranged similarly to the hollow discs of the primary pack. There is a secondary shaft that is arranged similarly to the primary shaft. The two packs with their respective shafts are designed and arranged in such a way that the discs of one pack protrude into the spaces between neighboring discs of the other pack. There is a container that encloses the packs and the shafts. The container has an inlet for the medium to be treated, as well as an outlet for the retentate.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for separating solids from a slurry includes a screen, and an extractor screw connected to the screen outlet by means of a flexible conduit, wherein the outlet of the extractor screw is at a higher elevation than the outlet of the screen.

Abstract: A fluid is filtered by first preparing a filter which includes a base filter and solid substances provided on the base filter, such that the solid substances differ from objects within the fluid to be filtered that are removed by the filter. The objects of filtration are filtered by supplying the fluid to the filter. During filtration, a force is applied to the filter to move the solid substances and objects deposited on the filter. The application of such force thus allows continuous filtration through the filter. The force can take the form of application of rising bubbles, a mechanical vibration or sonic waves to the filter. The filtration method is useful in processing fluid waste from mechanical processes, such as CMP steps.

Abstract: A method for separating fluid and fibrous lost circulation material from a mixture of fluid, drilled cuttings and fibrous lost circulation material, the method including introducing the mixture onto a screen assembly that has at least two layers of screening material and including at least a first layer over a second layer, the layers with rectangular openings, the first layer having first rectangular openings each having a first width and a first length, and the second layer having second rectangular openings each having a second width and a second length, the ratio of the first length to the first width ranging between 1.55 and 2.00, the ratio of the second length to the second width ranging between 1.55 and 2.00, the ratio of the first length to the second width ranging between 0.95 and 1.05, and the lengths of the first rectangular openings parallel to lengths of the second rectangular openings.

Abstract: A method for separating fluid and fibrous lost circulation material from a mixture thereof that also includes drilled cuttings, the method including introducing the mixture onto a screen assembly that is vibrating for passage of the fluid and fibrous lost circulation material through the screen assembly and for separation of the driled cuttings from the fluid, the screen assembly with a plurality of screens one on top of the other and including at least a first screen and a second screen, one of the screens with a screen mesh with non-square openings as viewed from above to facilitate the passage of fibrous lost circulation material through the screen assembly.

Abstract: Removables 12 trapped by a first filter film 10 are used as a second filter film 13, and clogging of the first filter film 10 is prevented, and an external force such as bubbles is applied to the second filter film 13 to maintain filtering capacity. And when removables are mixed with the filtered water, the filtered water is recirculated again to the tank in which the wastewater is stored, and after it is checked that a desired inclusion rate has been reached filtration is started again.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a solids cake created in filtering performed by a suction drier provided with a fine porous liquid suction surface, in which method there is created, in order to produce said solids cake, a pressure difference in between the filter surface of the fine porous filter medium and the surface opposite to said filter surface. According to the invention, in connection with the filter cake formation, the pressure difference between the filter surface of the fine porous filter medium and the surface opposite to said filter surface is controlled in order to adjust the cake formation speed, and the slurry surface of the suction drier filtering tank is advantageously maintained on a level that enables the use of at least one filter surface cleaning member, essentially throughout the whole filter cake formation process.

Abstract: A vibrating dual deck dewatering unit which includes a lower screen deck and an upper screen deck. Material being processed by the unit is discharged from the upper screen deck onto the lower screen deck in such a manner that excess water is allowed to backflow beneath the upper screen deck, while solids are directed in an opposite direction. The upper screen deck is provided with a jagged discharge lip which creates interruptions or gaps in the flow of discharged solids. The excess water which is discharged from the upper screen deck is allowed to backflow through the interruptions or gaps in the discharged solids that are created by the jagged discharge lip of the upper screen deck.

Abstract: A method for separating fluid and fibrous lost circulation material from a mixture thereof that also includes drilled cuttings, the method including introducing the mixture onto a screen assembly that is vibrating for passage of the fluid and fibrous lost circulation material through the screen assembly and for separation of the driled cuttings from the fluid, the screen assembly with a plurality of screens one on top of the other and including at least a first screen and a second screen, one of the screens with a screen mesh with non-square openings as viewed from above to facilitate the passage of fibrous lost circulation material through the screen assembly.

Abstract: A method of chemically cleaning normally immersed suction driven filtering membranes involves backwashing a chemical cleaner through the membranes while the tank is empty in repeated pulses in which the chemical cleaner is pumped to the membranes separated by waiting periods in which chemical cleaner is not pumped to the membranes. The duration and frequency of the pulses is preferably chosen to provide an appropriate contact time of the chemical, preferably without allowing the membranes to dry between pulses and without using excessive amounts of chemical. In other aspects, such membranes preferably used for filtering water to produce potable water in a batch process are backwashed with a chemical cleaner substantially at the same time as the tank is being drained. The chemical cleaner is optionally supplied in pulses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning the filter surface (2, 3) of a filter medium in a suction drier. According to the invention, in order to mark the surface to be cleaned, in contact with the surface to be cleaned there is set a sealing surface (4) that forms an essentially closed space for the surface to be cleaned, and that into said closed space, there is conducted cleaning liquid (7) in order to carry out the cleaning.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing a fluid containing size-controlled particles that is optimized with respect to use of a target fluid as a matrix fluid under conditions approximating actual conditions. In a preferred embodiment, size-controlled SiO2 particles are obtained by mixing and dispersing SiO2 starting particles having various sizes in a N2 carrier gas followed by fractionation with a fractionator. The size-controlled particles are electrostatically collected by a porous member from the carrier gas flow. Ultrasonic vibrations are then applied to the porous member while a HCl matrix fluid flows through the porous member loaded with the size-controlled particles. This causes release of the size-controlled particles from the porous member and their admixture and dispersion into the HCl matrix fluid.

Abstract: A self-regenerating filter unit having a housing which carries an ultrasonic transducer periodically energizable to dislodge caked solids from a filter element in the housing. The removed solids collect in a storage zone where they are periodically removed.

Abstract: A system wherein an ultrasound emitter, or gun, is provided which emits an ultrasound beam directed at filter media, on the opposite side of the filter media from where solids accumulate, in order to knock the solids from the filter media. Dislodged solids from the area targeted by the beam are driven upstream, away from the filter media. Gravity then draws the solids to a drain of a collection chamber, which allows for the solids to be safely removed from the system. A guide is provided upstream of the filter media, the guide having angled slats or vanes. These vanes are angled upwardly towards the filter media and downwardly towards the drain, such that as the solids are blasted from the filter media by the gun, they are jolted upstream, and impact the angled vanes upon their downstream return.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acoustically enhanced particle separation uses a chamber through which flows a fluid containing particles to be separated. A porous medium is disposed within the chamber. A transducer mounted on one wall of the chamber is powered to impose on the porous medium an acoustic field that is resonant to the chamber when filled with the fluid. Under the influence of the resonant acoustic field, the porous medium is able to trap particles substantially smaller than the average pore size of the medium. When the acoustic field is deactivated, the flowing fluid flushes the trapped particles from the porous medium and regenerates the medium. A collection circuit for harvesting the particles flushed from the porous medium is disclosed. Aluminum mesh, polyester foam, and unconsolidated glass beads are disclosed as porous media.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning the filter surface (2, 3) of a filter medium in a suction drier. According to the invention, in order to mark the surface to be cleaned, in contact with the surface to be cleaned there is set a sealing surface (4) that forms an essentially closed space for the surface to be cleaned, and that into said closed space, there is conducted cleaning liquid (7) in order to carry out the cleaning.

Abstract: The fouling state of a polymeric membrane within the high pressure housing of a spiral wound or a hollow fiber membrane module is determined. An ultra sonic transducer positioned with its emitting face in physical engagement with the outer surface of the housing is pulse energized by a pulser/receiver device. A membrane echo signal is detected by a receiver of the pulser/receiver device. A reference echo signal indicative of a fouled or an unfouled state of the membrane is compared to the echo signal to determine the membrane fouling state. The echo to reference comparing step can be based upon comparing amplitude domain signals, comparing time-domain signals, comparing combinations of amplitude domain and time-domain signals, and comparing transformations of amplitude domain and time-domain signals.

Abstract: Process and device for draining a fibrous pulp suspension. The process may include positioning two surfaces to converge in a downstream direction, feeding the fibrous pulp suspension between the two converging surfaces, driving at least one of the two converging surfaces to move the suspension with a relative translational velocity, and draining the fibrous pulp suspension through each of the two surfaces. The device may include two arcuate surfaces positioned to form converging surfaces. One of the two arcuate surfaces may include a drivable, pivotable, and rotatable cylinder having an outer sleeve with openings, the other of the two arcuate surfaces may include a screen positioned to be guided around at least a portion of the outer sleeve. The screen and the openings may form drains for draining the fluid pulp suspension.

Abstract: A method for increasing the effectiveness of a permeable treatment wall is described. The method includes the introduction of ultrasonic radiation in or near the wall. A permeable treatment wall is also described which has an ultrasonic radiation generating transducer in or near the wall. Permeable treatment walls are described as having either a well vertically extending into the wall, or a rod vertically extending into the treatment wall. Additionally, a method for adapting a permeable treatment wall to allow for the introduction of ultrasonic radiation in or near the wall is described.

Abstract: A filtration process and apparatus are provided wherein feed fluid to be filtered is introduced into a small gap between two rectangular plates. At least one of the plates supports a porous filtration membrane within the gap. During filtration, at least one of the plates is oscillated to effect a continuously changing gradient of gap width between opposing surfaces of the plate. A permeate is collected and a seal is provided to prevent admixture of the permeate with either feed fluid or retentate.

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 discharged into a sewer system.

Abstract: An improved filtration system comprises a vessel divided into a concentrate chamber and a permeate chamber by a permeable septum. An ultrasonic wave generator is mounted to the vessel and positioned to direct ultrasonic waves through both the permeate contained in the permeate chamber and the permeable septum. A circulator such as a pump or agitator is operably associated with the concentrate chamber to provide a shearing force on the surface of the permeable septum. A vessel inlet port allows concentrate to flow into the concentrate chamber and a permeate outlet port allows permeate to be withdrawn.

Abstract: Particles that move at low Reynolds numbers are separated from a filter material on which they are adsorbed by subjecting the filter material, in a liquid medium, to agitation of sufficient magnitude to create turbulence and shear forces acting on the filter material such that the particles become desorbed from the filter material and become suspended in the liquid medium. The method may be used to recover biological particles, such as leucocytes and blood platelets, from filter materials on which they are retained by adsorption. The recovered particles may then be used in diagnostic testing and analytical techniques.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for separating coarse and ultrafine solids from a liquid stream to produce a substantially dry solids discharge and a clarified liquid. Apparatus is provided comprising a combination of a settling tank, a plurality of filter screens spaced along an endless link-chain conveyor, a screen vibrator and directed air streams. In operation, coarse solids settle preferentially to the tank bottom. Ultrafines solids remain in suspension. Relatively coarse filter screens are conveyed from a point outside the tank to traverse a prolonged path through the liquid. Ultrafine solids are captured on the screens, by filtering the liquid through an ever finer build-up of filter cake. The relatively large number of passes of the screens through the liquid provides effective filtering of suspended solids. Further, the screens dredge settled solids from the tank bottom.

Abstract: This invention is related to a slurry filtration device and the wet lime-gypsum flue-gas desulfurization system comprising a slurry filtration device for the separation (concentration) of gypsum. The slurry filtration device comprises tank that has a slurry supply pipe at its upper part and a filtrate-drain hole at its bottom, a layer of filter sand lying on its bottom, a slurry accumulator arranged on the layer of filter sand, and a vibrator set in said slurry accumulator for vibrating the slurry. The present invention not only improves the solid-liquid separability remarkably but also saves cost and space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning the filter medium in a suction dryer by means of ultrasound in an essentially continuous operation. According to the invention, the ultrasonic beams emitted from at least one ultrasonic oscillator (1, 12, 22, 36) are focused essentially near to the filter surface (4, 14, 25) of the filter medium, advantageously on the filter surface (4, 14, 25) of the filter medium, in order to create at least one ultrasound focusing zone.

Abstract: A method for filtering an aqueous mineral slurry and collection of the mineral as product. The slurry is flowed through a filter plate of the type characterized by a porous support layer and an overlying microporous metal filtration layer, with flow through the filter plate during filtration being from the filtration layer side toward the base layer and being effected by establishing a fluid pressure differential across the filter plate. The filtration layer preferably comprises a sintered metal, with a relatively narrow pore size distribution, i.e. one wherein substantially all of the pores are less than 5 .mu.m.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for shaking structures such as fins in a fluid agitator, shaking tables, shaking screens, conveyors, or the walls of bins or hoppers. The apparatus is driven by a hydraulic driving system in which high pressure pulses are generated by repeatedly creating water hammer within a conduit. The high pressure pulses are directed to a chamber where they act against a wall of the chamber to periodically push on the structure. Preferably, the structure is spring-like so that after a high pressure pulse has passed the wall of the chamber is returned to its equilibrium position. In one embodiment of the invention a water hammer pressure pulse is directed into a reinforced hose in contact with a surface to be vibrated. The high pressure pulse causes the hose to expand and move the surface to be vibrated. Water hammer pulses are generated periodically so that the surface is maintained in continuous vibration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating intense acoustic pulses by means of the water hammer effect. The method involves generating a water hammer in a conduit by suddenly interrupting a high velocity flow of fluid through the conduit. The kinetic energy of the fluid flowing in the conduit is converted into a high pressure pulse which propagates along the conduit away from the point where the fluid flow was interrupted. The high pressure pulse deforms the wall of the conduit so as to radiate acoustic energy away from the conduit into a fluid medium surrounding the conduit. The relative amount of energy dissipated in the form of mass flow in the surrounding fluid and acoustic energy in the surrounding fluid can be adjusted by changing the characteristics of the conduit wall. The direction in which acoustic energy is radiated into the fluid medium surrounding the conduit can be set by making the conduit wall asymmetrical or by bending the conduit.

Abstract: In a chamber filter press (11), two respective filter cloths (13), which enclose a filter plate (12) located therebetween, are fastened on said plate by means of a connecting part (18) and on the underside (19) thereof by means of lashings (14). The filter cloths (13) are free laterally with respect to the filter plates (12) and, when the chamber filter press (11) is open, they can be stretched apart from one another. The upper ends of the filter cloths (13) are provided with eyelets (20). In this arrangement, two adjacent filter cloths (13', 13") are fastened together on a series (21') of springs (21) which, for their part, are suspended on a mobile crossmember (22). The latter is supported on the chamber filter press such that it can be displaced parallel to the charging channel (17) and can move vertically. It is preferably supported on sliding guides or rails (23) which, for their part, may be supported on the chamber filter press (11) such that they can move in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A fluid classifier for separating particles from a lading for operation with a lading tank including a filter unit for mounting in the tank and having capillary passages for fluid flow from the tank externally of the filter unit to the interior of the filter unit for providing a pressure differential across the capillary passages resulting from a difference in fluid level in the tank and within the filter unit, a drive for rotating the filter unit in the tank, and a pump for pumping fluid from filter unit interior to the outlet. Ultrasonic transducers positioned along the filter unit for agitating the lading adjacent the capillary passages. A method of controlling fluid flow through the capillary passages.

Abstract: When preparing carbon artefacts from heavy oils of petroleum or coal origin, removal of undesirable components or recovery of desirable components from raw materials or intermediates is usually required so as to improve the quality of the final products. Such removal or recovery operation is conventionally done by filtration. In the past, regeneration of filters clogged with solid carbonaceous materials inevitably formed by the filtration operations is difficult and troublesome procedures. Herein disclosed is a simple and effective process for regenerating filters clogged with solid carboneceous materials, characterized by treating the filter medium in an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide with heating and then optionally conducting ultrasonic washing in water or a solvent. By this simple process, clogged filters can be regenerated completely to show the same filtration performance as new filters.

Abstract: An improvement is disclosed which is applicable to the method for filtering an aqueous mineral slurry by flowing the slurry through a ceramic filter plate which is characterized by a porous support layer and an overlying porous filtration layer, the pore sizes in said filtration layer being in the range of from about 1 to 3 .mu.m, and the flow through the filter plate being from the filter layer side toward the base layer, and being effected by establishing a fluid pressure differential across the said filter plate by applying suction to the the porous support layer. The improvement facilitates effective discharge of the filter cake from the plate which accumulates upon the porous filtration layer. According to such improvement the suction is extinguished and the support layer side of the plate is subjected to one ore more positive water pressure pulses to effect a transient reverse flow through the plate.

Abstract: An improved process for regenerating the ion exchange resin in a water softening system. The process substantially reduces the amount of water and salt required for regeneration of the resin. The process includes the steps of venting the resin tank to the atmosphere and draining eventually all of the water from around the resin. Next, a brine solution is added to the resin tank. This is allowed to remain in contact with the resin until the resin is regenerated, preferably aided by energizing a vibrator positioned on the exterior of the tank. Next, the brine solution is drained from the resin tank which is then filled with water to rinse the brine from the resin. After rinsing, the resin is ready for use.

Abstract: Filtering apparatus for the separation of microparticles such as bacteria has two planar sheets each with an array of laser drilled or etched pores. One or both of the sheets can be displaced relative to the other under feedback control to bring the pores into greater or lesser register. The effective pore size is thus varied to provide controlled selectivity.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of coal particles having a maximum dimension of less than 2 mm from coal tailings including the steps of forming a slurry (101) of tailings having a pulp density of from 10 to 30% by weight; feeding the slurry into a hydrocyclone (103) to produce an underflow second stream which contains the tailing particles over a predetermined size and some of the gangue particles smaller than that size and an overflow stream containing the coal particles smaller than the predetermined size and the balance of the gangue particles, the hydrocyclone (103) being operated such that the underflow stream has a pulp density of from 40% to 60% by weight; adjusting the pulp density of the second stream, if required, to from 20 to 50% by weight; passing the repulped second stream over a rapped or vibrated sieve screen deck (105) having a wedge wire sieve screen with a radius of less than 2 m, an arc angle of from 45.degree. to 60.degree.

Abstract: In a method of recovering phosphor for picture tubes from phosphor sludge, the phosphor sludge is first subjected to a steam treatment, thereby causing substances adhering to the surface of the phosphor particles to pass into solution. The phosphor is then washed several times. Following wet screening, one then obtains a phosphor suspension that can be further processed just like virgin phosphor. The said method does not comprise any drying or calcining processes. The steam treatment causes the phosphor particles in the phosphor sludge to lose their tendency to cluster and form lumps, so that one obtains a high-yield suspension of very fine phosphor particles that can be further processed without any additional grinding or homogenization steps.

Abstract: A method for the separation of granulate and water in an after-treatment section following a granulator in which a vibrating screen receives the water and granulate mixture. In order to obtain low residual moisture without subsequent drying, the granulate-water mixture on the screen is subjected briefly to a vacuum over the entire width of the vibrating screen at longitudinally spaced locations, in alternation, from above and below the screen within the first third of the length of the screen.

Abstract: A filter for filtration of fluids includes a filter cloth arranged in a housing with an inlet and an outlet. An acoustic field produced by an acoustic transducer, can act on the filter cloth. The invention the filter cloth is arranged substantially in a pressure node, i.e. a velocity antinode, of the acoustic field. As a result, a relatively inexpensive filter is obtained which is economical to operate due to the long durability of the filter.

Abstract: A continuous process for the separation of small particles from larger particles in a biological preparation passes a liquid stream of the preparation through a first filter or screen, which retains larger particles, passing smaller particles in the liquid. The large particles have retained on their surfaces wetting water, in which are entrained some of the small particles. The large particles are directed to a liquid having a concentration of smaller particles lower than the concentration of smaller particles in the wetting water, and mixed therein. The smaller particles separate from the larger particles in the mixed suspension, which is then directed to a second filter or screen, for further separation. The smaller particle/liquid stream may be recycled to the biological preparation stage, the liquid suspension for the large particles, or to a separator means where the smaller particles are separated off from the liquid stream.

Abstract: A method and a system for separating solids from a solids-containing liquid feed is disclosed wherein ultrasonic energy is applied to a fouled separation element in situ in the separator unit associated with the element while the element is immersed in a liquid to effect removal therefrom of solids fouling the elements and wherein the separation element is backflushed with a backflush liquid.

Abstract: Preheated diluent and steam are introduced into a container containing waste material typically comprised of a sludge mixture of liquid and solid material including hydrocarbons. The material is thereby heated and its viscosity reduced to form a pumpable slurry. The slurry is pumped out of the container and its viscosity is adjusted to the optimum for separating the solids and liquids. The solids are then separated from the liquid, any valuable material in either the solids and the liquid are recovered and the rest disposed of.