Abstract: A system for the rapid dewatering of sludge in large quantities makes use of a filter plate of design and construction capable of supporting heavy mechanized mobile equipment without damage to the filter media.The filter plate features a monolithic plate of granular filter material used as the filtering medium in sludge beds for dewatering or reducing residual solids or sludge of potable water treatment systems. The filter material is made structurally rugged and with a smooth hard surface for the retention of sludge solids. The filter material is supported upon a substructure of aggregate providing approximately 40% internal voids for the gravity flow or drainage of filtrate and the back flow of chemicals and gases used in the rapid water reduction process. The assemblage is constructed of such strength as to allow for use of heavy handling equipment such as front end loaders in the removal of the dried sludge or cake upon the completion of the rapid water reduction process.

Abstract: When Geothermal water, obtained from natural sources, delivers heat to energy conversion equipment or to heat transfer surfaces, the resulting effluents are supersaturated with amorphous silica. This invention relates to passing such effluents through a fluidized particle bed in which the silica deposits on the bed particles. The coated particles are removed from the system, the coatings removed and the particles are recycled to the fluidized bed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating particles suspended in a liquid from the liquid. A flow of the liquid is passed through a filter bed of ferromagnetic bodies which acts as a coarse filter to trap the larger particles in the flow. The filter bed is arranged within a truncated cone between the poles of an electromagnet. To cleanse the bed and flush out the trapped particles a wash liquid is passed through the bed and the electromagnet is energized to levitate the bed to thereby allow the wash liquid to remove the particles. The liquid flow from the coarse filter can be passed to a high gradient magnetic separator at which remaining small particles in the flow are filtered magnetically.

Abstract: A filter regeneration method comprising mixing precipitate deposited on a bed of filtering particles throughout the bed to thereby reduce the pressure drop across the filter generally occurring during use. Regeneration is conveniently accomplished by fluidizing the precipitate and filtering particles into another portion of the filter. Two types of apparatus are described in which the regeneration method may be used.

Abstract: Filter apparatus for removing fine solids from aqueous effluents, e.g. waste water filtration, comprises horizontal upper and lower rigid filter plates formed of aggregate fixed in a matrix of cured organic resin defining therebetween a secondary filter zone containing loose filter media, first and second fluid confining chambers above and below said filter plates respectively from which liquid can flow through the filter plates, a vertical conduit for conducting liquid from beneath the lower filter plate for discharge into the first chamber through an opening in the upper filter plate, conduits for inlet and outlet of liquid to said secondary filter zone and second chamber and a sparger to spray wash water on the top surface of the upper filter plate. In a filtering mode, the liquid suspension to be filtered flows into the first chamber via said vertical conduit and then passes, in turn, through the upper filter plate, the filter zone, the lower filter plate and the second chamber to discharge therefrom.

Abstract: A process for regeneration of a filter medium is provided according to which the filter medium is treated with a liquid which breaks down deposited organic materials on the filter medium. The preferred liquid for regeneration of the filter medium is concentrated sulphuric acid.