Abstract: A sand separator for capturing sand and rock debris from recovered natural gas fracturing fluid includes a cylindrical, high-pressure-rated vessel disposed vertically and immediately downstream of the gas wellhead. High pressure fracturing fluid enters the top of the separator into an inner flue extending coaxially downward to terminate a spaced distance above the bottom of the vessel. Transverse baffles spaced apart along the length of the flue extend through the flue to the inner walls of the vessel to keep the flue centered within the separator. As the fluid enters the separator, openings through the flue near the vessel inlet permit lighter weight and gaseous constituents to escape the fluid and bypass the flue, thereby reducing the velocity of the fluid remaining inside the flue. As the remaining fluid falls to the bottom of the vessel, it further slows as it reverses direction to rise between the flue and the vessel walls.

Abstract: The device described in the present invention can separate fine solid particles in suspension in a viscous liquid, withdrawing a clear liquid from the top of the device, and a dense liquid charged with solid particles is withdrawn from the bottom. The invention also concerns the application of this device to the separation of catalyst particles in a liquid phase Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process.

Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could be a continuous flow separator for biodiesel formation and a method of operating same. The separator could comprise tank with hollow interior forming a main compartment, a weir-formed compartment, and a sump, the weir being formed at one end of the tank, the sump being formed in the tank bottom, the main compartment being located over the sump; a set of horizontally stacked plates received within the main compartment over the sump, each plate features a series of conical structures, cone apertures, and trough apertures; wherein the plates are so configured and stacked that the cone apertures align to form series of cone aperture columns while the trough apertures align to form series of trough aperture columns. The biodiesel moves up the cone aperture columns over a weir into the separate compartment while glycerine descends the trough aperture columns to the sump.

Abstract: A convenient, cost effective and efficient solid separation apparatus and method of removing solid material from production fluid is disclosed. The solids separation apparatus includes a fluid inlet pipe; a fluid outlet pipe; a vessel that is a fluid velocity driven solid settlement inducement structure and/or a fluid vector driven solid settlement inducement structure; at least one solid discharge opening within the vessel longitudinally spaced between the fluid inlet pipe and the fluid outlet pipe; and, a tank disposed below the vessel with at least one solid entry opening communicated with the at least one solid discharge opening.

Abstract: The invention provides several improvements in feedwells, one of which being a feedwell (100) comprising a mixing zone (49) for dissipating the kinetic energy of a fluid comprising pulp, a settling zone (50) for promoting flocculation of the pulp and at least one inclined deflecting element (101) for at least partially separating the mixing zone from the settling zone. Other improvements include a shelf (3) at least partially defining an inclined path (4) for removing material from the shelf into a feedwell chamber; at least two outlets (111, 112) arranged in a substantially concentric relationship with respect to each other; a portion (123) of a second conduit (121) varies in its cross-sectional size and/or shape so as to connect a feed inlet (110) to a first conduit (120); and a partition (133) for partially separating an outer mixing zone (131) and an inner settling zone (132).

Abstract: The invention provides several improvements in feedwells, one of which being a feedwell comprising a mixing zone for dissipating the kinetic energy of a fluid comprising pulp, a settling zone for promoting flocculation of the pulp and at least one inclined deflecting element for at least partially separating the mixing zone from the settling zone. Other improvements include a shelf at least partially defining an inclined path for removing material from the shelf into a feedwell chamber; at least two outlets arranged in a substantially concentric relationship with respect to each other; a portion of a second conduit varies in its cross-sectional size and/or shape so as to connect a feed inlet to a first conduit; and a partition for partially separating an outer mixing zone and an inner settling zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grit chamber, wherein the chamber body of the grit chamber is in the shape of a hollow cylinder with a cone-shaped bottom; a grit channel is installed below the center of the cone-shaped bottom; a grit removing device is installed in the grit channel; a wall mixer, a plurality of vertical mixers and a spiral grit remover are installed in the chamber body; the wall mixer is installed on the wall of the hollow cylinder; the spiral grit remover is installed in the center of the cylinder, and is provided with a grit-removing blade for removing the grit on the cone-shaped bottom; and the vertical mixers are installed at the position close to the cone-shaped bottom and are vertical to the wall. The invention also provides a grit removing system containing a grit chamber and a grit removing method.

Abstract: A method for treating waste water and sewage by introducing high pressure wash water or other fluids including gas into a housing of a hydro-cyclone and creating a cyclone with an enhanced and controllable vortex for increased removal of putrescible materials. Waste water and sewage is introduced into the housing and into the cyclone vortex. By the very high centrifugal force generated, suspended inorganic grit is quickly separated from the wash water and organic matter. The water with organic matter is then discharged typically out of the top of the housing, for returning to a water treatment plant for further processing. At this time, the separated inorganic grit, as a concentrated grit liquid, is typically funneled downwardly by gravity through a bottom of the hydro-cyclone housing for waste discharge removal.

Abstract: A separation unit for separating oil from oily water has a first oil to water ratio and the separation unit comprises a body which defines an inner chamber and which has a first end-wall and an opposite second end-wall and first and second side-walls that extend between the first end-wall and the second end-wall. The inner chamber is at least partly delimited by the first end-wall and the second end-wall, the first side-wall and the second side-wall. The separation unit further comprises a third wall which constitutes a separation wall extending from the first end-wall towards the second end-wall and divides the inner chamber into a first and a second sub-chamber. An inlet is defined at the first side-wall and the first end-wall and a first outlet is defined at the second side-wall and the first end-wall. A passage is defined at the third wall and the second end-wall and a fluid path from the inlet which passes through the first sub-chamber and the passage and the second sub-chamber to the first outlet.

Abstract: A process vessel is provided for separating a multi-component stream. The process vessel includes an inlet for permitting introduction of reaction water stream into the vessel and an outlet for withdrawing a water-rich phase from the vessel. The vessel further includes a plurality of draw-off points for drawing off a phase rich in suspended hydrocarbons from the vessel, the draw-off point(s) being located above the outlet.

Abstract: A system designed to control and filter runoff water in storm drains is presented. Drain water frequently carries trash, organic matter, suspended solids, hydrocarbons, metals, nutrients and bacteria collected from streets and parking lots into a storm drain inlet, which enters storm water drain pipe systems. The present invention supplies a series of baffle boxes inserted in the drain water stream with a final box possessing an upflow filter and a hydrocarbon absorbing boom. The system can also support a storm flow bypass that directs high-flow storm runoff water directly to the outlet to protect the filter system.

Abstract: An apparatus, process and system for treating a hydrocarbon feedstock having a specific gravity differential between components of the feedstock is disclosed and includes a treatment vessel having an inlet for receiving the feedstock. A primary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to accumulate feedstock to cause a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated feedstock. A secondary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to receive the collected low specific gravity portion from the primary separation container, to accumulate the collected low specific gravity portion to cause hydrocarbon products to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated low specific gravity portion of the feedstock, producing a hydrocarbon product stream at a product outlet. The operating pressure of the treatment vessel may be regulated to remain within a desired range.

Abstract: The overflow and underflow effluents of a conventional hydrocyclone are discharged into enclosed vessels, so that the operating pressure may be manipulated for each effluent independently of other operating parameters. Each of the effluent vessels is equipped with a source of pressurized gas to form a gas blanket over the effluent at a controllable pressure. Such variable pressures in each vessel, in combination with the pressure of the incoming feed stream, provide the necessary parameters to implement pressure-differential-ratio control, thereby improving the efficiency of separation.

Abstract: An input channel (and method of making an input channel) for the flow of waste water into a grit removal unit. The input channel has a depth D extending from the bottom to the top of the channel. One side wall of the channel is configured to vary the channel width over the depth of the channel, whereby (a) the width at the bottom of the channel is WB, (b) the width at the top of the channel is WT, and (c) the width at channel depth “d” above the bottom of the channel is Wd, wherein (i) 0?d?D, (ii) WB<WT, and (iii) Wd is greater than or equal to the channel widths at substantially every channel depth less than “d”. The channel profile may be integral to the channel, or defined by a separately added component, and selectively be stepped, tapered and/or curved.

Abstract: The system and method is directed to improved separation or clarification of solids from a solids-laden liquid, including the removal of low gravity solids. A liquid to be treated is introduced into the inlet of a solid-liquid separator modified to include one or more sources of vibrational energy. The liquid is directed through a conduit within the separator. This conduit can be configured into a tortuous flow path to assist in the separation of solids from the liquid, the tortuous path being interconnected between two separation towers. Vibrational energy and gas sparging is applied to the flow path. As solids fall out of solution, they are collected. The clarified liquid is also collected. A vacuum can be applied to the system to assist in moving the solid-liquid mixture through the system and to provide vacuum clarification. Electrocoagulation electrodes can also be employed.

Abstract: A fluid trap apparatus includes an inlet configured to receive a flow of composite fluid into the apparatus. The composite fluid contains at least a first fluid and a second fluid. An outer wall defines an interior chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed within the interior chamber. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid to circulate through the interior chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid separate as the composite fluid circulates through the interior chamber. A method of separating a first fluid from a second fluid includes introducing a flow of composite fluid into a separate chamber. A pressure gradient is created within the separation chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed in a flow path between an inlet and an outlet. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid within the separation chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid are separated.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of separation of heterogeneous mixtures and, more particularly to a solid-liquid separating tank and system. A settlement tank including: a tank wall defining a tank inner space; an internal wall structure in the inner space and defining a fluid flow path from a center of the inner space to a fluid outlet at the tank wall; and a plurality of drainage pipes having an open internal end and an outer end connected to a drainage manifold, wherein the open internal end is positioned at a bottom of the inner space to remove gravity decanted sediment and hydrostatically decanted water from the inner space.

Abstract: A driven decanter assembly for a wastewater primary treatment system, comprising a longitudinal decanter disposable in the wastewater and having a longitudinal trough and a horizontal entrance weir, a polygonal or arcuate screen attached to the decanter and having at least two screen surfaces disposable below the surface of the wastewater outside of the trough, and a floating baffle pivotably mounted to the decanter and disposable in the wastewater outside of the screen. The driven decanter assembly can directly replace a prior art driven decanter in any waste water primary treatment system.

Abstract: A pond receives a flow of contaminated water into the pond substantially tangential to a volume of clarified water which is stored in the pond and which is largely quiescent. The tangential inflow overcomes a large rotational inertia in the stored volume of clarified water and establishes a slow spiral flow path about the periphery of the pond and inwards to a central outlet. The clarified stored water is discharged ahead of the inflowing contaminated water increasing the residence time of the contaminated water in the pond and permitting contaminants to receive at least partial treatment, such as settling of sediment, in the pond.

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 basis 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 present invention relates to a removal device for removing gas, dirt and/or particles from a contaminating liquid from a liquid in a liquid conduit system. The removal device includes a housing, a supply opening and a discharge opening, a resistance zone, at least one quiet zone and at least one return opening. The quiet zone allows dirt and/or particles of a relatively heavy contaminating liquid to settle to a bottom of the housing, and/or gas bubbles and/or particles of a relatively light contaminating liquid to rise to an upper end of the housing at least one bifurcation opening in the resistance zone and subsequently returns into the main flow at the merge point through the return opening.

Abstract: A material separator removes material such as sand from a fluid utilizing an inclined housing having a fluid flow inlet in a lower portion of the housing. Higher density material descends by gravity to a lower wall of the inclined housing and continues to travel down the lower wall portion to a lower section of the housing where it is removed. The remaining fluid which may contain a liquid and a gas is removed from the housing via an outlet at the upper portion of the housing.

Abstract: A fluid clarification system and method is described in which fluid is passed through one or more settling compartments, each having a solids outlet at the base of the compartment. The base of each compartment includes inclined surfaces for guiding settled solids to the outlet. Also described is a polymer reaction trough including baffles to promote gentle mixing of inflow fluid with flocculant. The system is designed to reduce costs of transportation, flocculant, and solids handling. The system is preferably arranged to facilitate transport on a skid or trailer, while maximizing fluid handling capabilities and minimizing costs.

Abstract: An extraction system and process for extracting bitumen from a slurry containing bitumen, solids and water. The system comprises a cyclone separation facility for separating the slurry into a solids component stream and a bitumen froth stream with the bitumen froth stream including water and fine solids. The bitumen froth stream is then delivered to a froth concentration facility for separating the bitumen froth stream into a final bitumen enriched froth stream, and a water and fine solids stream. The final bitumen enriched froth stream is suitable for further processing. The system of the present invention is preferably mobile so that the cyclone extraction facility and the froth concentration facility can move with the mine face at an oil sands mining site, however, it is also contemplated that the system can be retrofitted to existing fixed treatment facilities to improve the operational efficiency of such fixed facilities.

Abstract: A feed structure may be used in conjunction with a sedimentation vessel in order to separate solids and liquids, which may be in a slurry, from each other. The feed structure comprises a feed chamber housing a central wall. At least one port is positioned at the base of the chamber. A feedwell that is substantially concentric with the feed chamber is also used. The feed chamber is in communication with the feedwell, wherein slurry flows through the said port to access the feedwell. An outlet is positioned on the feedwell (such as near the bottom of the feedwell). Slurry may flow through the outlet into the sedimentation vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for treating a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock having a specific gravity differential between components of the feedstock is disclosed. The apparatus includes a treatment vessel having an inlet for receiving the feedstock. The apparatus also includes a primary separation container located in the treatment vessel, the primary separation container being operable to accumulate feedstock to cause a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated feedstock. The apparatus also includes a first weir for collecting the low specific gravity portion from the surface of the accumulated feedstock in the primary separation container. The apparatus further includes a first outlet in the primary separation container, the first outlet being operably configured to receive settling solids in the accumulated feedstock and to produce a first discharge stream at the first outlet.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of using baffle boxes with turbulence deflectors and flow spreaders. Turbulence deflectors are added about the inlet port of a baffle box, and a flow spreader is added centrally beneath an outlet port to increase removal efficiency of pollutants and prevent the conveyance of pollutants down stream. The turbulence deflectors and the flow spreader will increase the removal efficiency of particles, especially fine and ultra fine particles without impeding the water flow. The turbulence deflectors will significantly reduce the turbulence within the sediment chambers which will lead to better settling and less re-suspension. The flow spreader spreads the flow wide sooner within the baffle box to reduce the linear velocity of the water current, and directs water flow away from the area of greatest turbulence adjacent to the inflow, and will increase the settling of particles and minimize re-suspension.

Abstract: The device (1) serves for the generation of a discrete liquid phase in a continuous liquid phase with a first or a second liquid. The two liquids coexist as separate phases, have different densities and permit a desired exchange of material. Provision is made to arrange the device in a container (9) which contains the second liquid forming the continuous phase. The device includes a distribution member (2), in particular a cylindrical tube, and a collection passage (3) for the first liquid in a horizontal longitudinal extent. The collection passage has an outlet side (4), a collection side (5) and at least one side wall (6) connecting the outlet side and the collection side. The side wall establishes a connection between the outlet side and a horizontal drip edge (7). This side wall has a shape and an inclination which enables the formation of a liquid film of the discrete liquid phase. For enhancing the stability of the Film, the side wall (6) can have a good wettability for the first liquid.

Abstract: An extraction system and process for extracting bitumen from a slurry containing bitumen, solids and water. The system comprises a cyclone separation facility for separating the slurry into a solids component stream and a bitumen froth stream with the bitumen froth stream including water and fine solids. The bitumen froth stream is then delivered to a froth concentration facility for separating the bitumen froth stream into a final bitumen enriched froth stream, and a water and fine solids stream. The final bitumen enriched froth stream is suitable for further processing. The system of the present invention is preferably mobile so that the cyclone extraction facility and the froth concentration facility can move with the mine face at an oil sands mining site, however, it is also contemplated that the system can be retrofitted to existing fixed treatment facilities to improve the operational efficiency of such fixed facilities.

Abstract: The system and method is directed to improved separation or clarification of solids from a solids-laden liquid and removal of entrained gasses. A liquid to be treated is introduced into the inlet of a solid-liquid separator modified to include one or more sources of vibrational energy. The liquid is directed through a conduit within the separator. This conduit can be configured into a tortuous flow path to assist in the separation of solids from the liquid. Vibrational energy is applied to the flow path, preferably through the flow path conduit. As solids fall out of solution, they are collected. The clarified liquid is also collected. A vacuum can be applied to the system to assist in moving the solid-liquid mixture through the system and to provide vacuum clarification. Electrocoagulation electrodes and gas sparging can also be employed along with height adjustable weirs and an oil accumulator.

Abstract: A method for purifying fluids and a sedimentation tank, the sedimentation tank includes: a perforated plate spaced from an upper and of the sedimentation tank dividing the sedimentation tank into an upper chamber and a lower chamber; an inlet adapted to inlet fluid into the tank; a first outlet, positioned above the perforated plate for outletting a clarified fraction of the fluid; a second outlet positioned at a bottom of the tank, for outletting a concentrated sludge fraction of the fluid; a pump; and a washing mechanism, positioned at least partially above the perforated plate; wherein the pump is adapted to provide a washing fluid to the washing mechanism when a level of fluid in the sedimentation tank is below a predefined level; and wherein the washing mechanism washes an upper surface of the perforated plate by the washing fluid.

Abstract: A convenient, cost effective and efficient solid separation apparatus and method of removing solid material from production fluid is disclosed. The solids separation apparatus includes a fluid inlet pipe; a fluid outlet pipe; a vessel that is a fluid velocity driven solid settlement inducement structure and/or a fluid vector driven solid settlement inducement structure; at least one solid discharge opening within the vessel longitudinally spaced between the fluid inlet pipe and the fluid outlet pipe; and, a tank disposed below the vessel with at least one solid entry opening communicated with the at least one solid discharge opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reversing the dispersion formed in the mixing section of liquid-liquid extraction and kept condensed in the separation section and the separated solutions form the rear end of the separation section to flow back towards the feed end of the separation section. The invention also refers to the extraction equipment for implementing the reversed flow.

Abstract: A thickening apparatus (1) and method adapted to liquids carrying suspended particles, such as slurry containing minerals, when there is a tank (2), where settling of solids takes place, a feedwell (4), which includes a chamber having means for receiving fed material (11), such as slurry and at least one outlet (5) in fluid communication with the tank and means for distributing the material in the tank, means for delivering the fed material (11), at least slurry, into the feedwell, when inside the feedwell there is arranged a separate mixing space (12) for the fed material (11), when there is arranged at least one horizontal element (7, 15, 22, 23) reaching at least partly the cross-section of the feedwell, from which mixing space the fed material (11) is allowed to flow into other section (14) of the feedwell.

Abstract: A process and a device implementing the process, for separating fluids in emulsion and/or in solution, and/or for low pressure distillation, in particular of water and/or gaseous hydrocarbons dissolved in crude petroleum, and/or for separation of crude petroleum droplets emulsified in water, to obtain water with necessary characteristics for its injection without pollution of underground aquifers, and/or when the mixture is dominant in crude petroleum, acceleration of settling of the water in the lower part of the mixture, and/or for low pressure distillation of crude petroleum. The method creates a localized zone of reduced pressure on part of the free surface of a liquid to be processed, within a closed processing tank, without the overall pressure inside the closed processing tank being affected.

Abstract: A watershed runoff treatment device is adapted to be used to convert a single-stage drain inlet vault (catch basin) into a two-stage clarifier in which treatment can be accomplished before discharging the water to further on-site treatment or detention or to storm drain. It includes a flow control box member to be mounted on the interior of the vault covering the discharge pipe(s) so that substantially all water runoff entering the vault must flow therethrough prior to exiting the vault. Floating, disposable hydrocarbon collection pads are deployed inside an open mesh container removably attached and covering the upstream face of the flow control box, as well as below the horizontal filter array described next.

Abstract: A labyrinth box can include a housing that has an open end, a closed end, and defines two cavities. A cover is configured to cover the opening and can include a divider that extends into one of the two cavities of the housing to define first and second chamber passageways in that cavity. An inlet port is located in the bottom closed end of one of the cavities and an outlet port is located in the other of the cavities. The surfaces that define the chambers can be configured such that the box can be oriented in different positions and still work, namely, in horizontal and vertical positions. When in the vertical position, the divider can include surfaces that are angled off of the horizontal plane and towards the inlet port such that water and debris will return to the inlet port via gravity.

Abstract: A feed structure may be used in conjunction with a sedimentation vessel in order to separate solids and liquids, which may be in a slurry, from each other. The feed structure comprises a feed chamber housing a central wall. At least one port is positioned at the base of the chamber. A feedwell that is substantially concentric with the feed chamber is also used. The feed chamber is in communication with the feedwell, wherein slurry flows through the said port to access the feedwell. An outlet is positioned on the feedwell (such as near the bottom of the feedwell). Slurry may flow through the outlet into the sedimentation vessel.

Abstract: A feedwell for a gravity separation vessel for introducing a feed stream such as oil sand slurry to the gravity separation vessel is provided comprising a walled member having an upper perimeter edge, a lower perimeter edge and a substantially continuous wall extending from the upper perimeter edge to the lower perimeter edge; an inlet for introducing the feed stream into the walled member positioned adjacent the substantially continuous wall; and a bottom floor having an opening and extending generally beneath the lower perimeter edge; whereby a perimeter of the opening is less than a perimeter of the walled member.

Abstract: A recirculating/filtering/flushing system for cleaning a water main is provided, wherein the water main includes first and second access points. The system comprises at least one filter for filtering water in the water main; an inlet conduit coupled with the first access point and the at least one filter; an outlet conduit coupled with the second access point and the at least one filter; a bypass conduit coupled with the inlet conduit at a first location upstream of the at least one filter, and coupled with the outlet conduit at a second location downstream of the at least one filter; and a pumping device for flowing the water in the water main through the inlet conduit, through either the at least one filter or the bypass conduit, and through the outlet conduit.

Abstract: A slurry dividing apparatus is configured to divide a main slurry stream into smaller constituent slurry streams, wherein each stream contains a desired proportion of suspended solids. The dividing apparatus includes a main flow channel and a plurality of branch flow channels extending upward from a flow divider that terminates an upper end of the main flow channel. The main slurry stream enters the main flow channel, at an inlet opening thereof, and is decelerated, by an upward extension and expanding cross-section of the main flow channel, before reaching the flow divider and being divided into the smaller constituent slurry streams flowing within the plurality of branch flow channels. Each of the smaller streams flows up and then over a weir, which extends across an upper portion of each of the branch flow channels, and then down into a corresponding discharge flow channel of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling influent feed to produce a substantially uniform flow to a clarifier tank (2) to thereby enhance the settling efficiency within the clarifier. The apparatus comprises a feedwell (24) having a roof (26) and continuous sidewall (28) that together define a feedwell main body enclosure. Influent is fed via a relatively inboard tangential feed mechanism (108) to the inside of the roof (26) from an entry point proximate the center of the roof (150). Influent energy is properly distributed via the action of centrifugal force to generate a uniform axial flow within the feedwell main body which, in turn, is fed into the clarifier tank. Optional baffle members (152, 158) may be provided in the housing to slow angular momentum of the influent which, due to its original feed location, would necessarily be at a relatively low level.

Abstract: The present invention advances tank-based aquaculture by providing a low cost, high efficiency solid waste separator. The invention combines the simplicity of centrifugal-gravitational separation with the practicality of automatic separator cleaning. Low-pressure air from a blower or air pump induces water flow through the separator. The compressed air source is also used to purge accumulated sludge from the separator and to scour internal separator surfaces. Installation of a captive floating granular media bed within the separator further stabilizes the centrifugal flow pattern, enhances the scouring action during sludge flushing events, and provides substrate for nitrifying bacteria colonization. Separator purging and scouring processes are simply and easily automated with small, low-voltage electric valves and timers. Operational cost-savings are magnified in multiple tank systems where multiple separators are operated by a centralized compressed air system and controller.

Abstract: A thickening apparatus (1) and method adapted to liquids carrying suspended particles, such as slurry containing minerals, when there is a tank (2), where settling of solids takes place, a feedwell (4), which includes a chamber having means for receiving fed material (11), such as slurry and at least one outlet (5) in fluid communication with the tank and means for distributing the material in the tank, means for delivering the fed material (11), at least slurry, into the feedwell, when inside the feedwell there is arranged a separate mixing space (12) for the fed material (11), when there is arranged at least one horisontal element (7, 15, 22, 23) reaching at least partly the cross-section of the feedwell, from which mixing space the fed material (11) is allowed to flow into other section (14) of the feedwell.

Abstract: A system for separating a mixture of two fluids of different specific gravities comprising: a first chamber having an inlet for receiving said mixture; a second chamber having a connection for receiving the fluid with the higher specific gravity of said mixture from said first chamber, said connection being situated between a portion of the two chambers below the inlet; and a waste outlet in said first chamber to drain residue situated at an interface between the two fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and equipment with which an organic solution extraction solution is purified from entrainment of aqueous solution and impurities during hydrometallurgical liquid-liquid extraction. The method treats an organic extraction solution, which is loaded with a valuable metal or valuable substance from the aqueous solution. The purpose is to carry out the physical separation of water droplets and the chemical removal of impurities from the organic extraction solution simultaneously.

Abstract: A gravitational separation device for purifying water includes a basin for receiving and holding the water. The basin includes an internal wall. At least one supply channel is provided to the periphery of the basin for providing water to the basin. A plurality of openings is provided in a bottom or floor portion of the supply channel. Disposed under the openings is a plurality of deflector plates. A skirt spaced from the internal wall of the basin is inclined towards the interior of the basin at an angle of approximately 5° to 80°. A discharge channel is provided for discharging liquid from the basin, and there is also provided a device for discharging suspended particles.

Abstract: A corpuscle/plasma separating part is disposed at the lower end of the substrate, and a sensor part connected to the corpuscle/plasma separating part is disposed at the upper end of the substrate, with a calibration solution reservoir being disposed on the lower side of the sensor part, and a calibration solution waste reservoir being disposed on the upper side of the sensor part. A first centrifugal axis is located upper to the corpuscle fraction storing part and lower to the plasma fraction storing part of the corpuscle/plasma separating part, while a second centrifugal axis is located within or close to the sensor part. Conveyance and discharge of the calibration solution can be carried out by performing centrifugation around the first centrifugal axis which is distant from the sensor part at a low speed of rotation, so that the centrifugal force exerted on the sensors would be small.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reversing the dispersion formed in the mixing section of liquid-liquid extraction and kept condensed in the separation section and the separated solutions form the rear end of the separation section to flow back towards the feed end of the separation section. The invention also refers to the extraction equipment for implementing the reversed flow.

Abstract: In the washing process of the invention, the solid particles in a high-concentration zone, which is formed in a washing tank by a gravitational sedimentation of solid particles, are continuously washed by a counter-current contact with upward flow of a washing liquid which is fed from the bottom portion of the washing tank. With this process, the impurities in the solid particles are sufficiently removed by a simple apparatus. Since the used washing liquid can be recycled as the disperse medium for feeding the solid particles and as the washing liquid, the amount of used washing liquid to be discharged as the waste from the system is reduced.