Abstract: An apparatus and a method for separating heterogeneous mixtures of at least two components, including immiscible liquid/liquid solutions as in separating oil from water, or solid/liquid mixtures as in separating solid waste from sewage water. The apparatus allows for pre-separation before the influent enters the separator proper. The apparatus and a method provide for heterogeneous solutions to enter the apparatus at the same end at which the effluent is removed and in which an amount of separation occurs prior to the formal entrance to the separator tank. The tank geometry and structure are such that liquid/liquid solutions as well as solid/liquid solutions may be separated. The geometry and structure of the tank are also such that there is significant reduction in flow turbulence, laminar flow is utilized, and significant performance degradation in the purity of the resulting effluent are not seen as fluid flow continues.

Abstract: A system for removing particulates, formed as metal is machined, from coog and lubricating fluid. The system has a tank filled with fluid. The bottom of the tank slopes forward. The tank receives contaminated fluid at its top rear. The contaminants are swarf (chips removed from the workpiece) and fines (which come both from the workpiece and the grinder, borer, or drill). After the swarf is removed from the contaminated fluid by a magnetic filter, only fines remain. The fluid contaminated with fines flows from back to front in the tank, passing under a baffle projecting vertically downward from the top of the tank. A whoosh plate causes the fines to settle out into the tank, while uncontaminated fluid flows over the whoosh plate and is reused. The fines collect at the tank's bottom, from where they are pumped out and mixed with the magnetically-removed swarf for removal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of treating liquid carrying suspended solids comprising the following steps: (i) introducing the liquid into a primary treatment vessel (1) and causing agglomeration of solids suspended in the liquid to form flocs which are not settleable to any substantial degree within the time the said liquid is permitted to remain in the primary vessel; (ii) transferring an aqueous component comprising the flocs from the primary treatment vessel (1) to a secondary treatment vessel (5) where a floc of a settleable nature is caused to form; and (iii) permitting said floc to settle under gravity in the secondary vessel (5) and recovering an aqueous component having a substantially reduced concentration of suspended solids relative to the original liquid; wherein the liquid is subjected in the primary vessel to flow patterns, including a low energy circulating flow about a vertical axis of the primary vessel, which provide conditions for the formation of the substantially non-settleable flocs conta

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separatory funnel for preventing vortexing of liquid and identifying an interface between immiscible liquids, said separatory funnel having a baffle plate completely covering the space directly above the outlet opening of the separatory funnel and positioned such that at least a portion of the periphery of the baffle plate is placed directly against the interior wall of the separatory funnel chamber, forming at least one passage for the flow of liquid through the chamber. The present invention also relates to a method of separating a mixture of at least two immiscible liquids that reduces contamination and allows the mixture to form a distinguishable interface so that the liquids can be separated.

Abstract: A gutter protector for preventing debris from entering a gutter while permitting flow of water into the gutter. The gutter protector has a substantially flat surface for attachment to a roof. The gutter protector also has a curved surface extending beyond the outer wall of the gutter and curving toward the gutter's interior. Ridges formed on the curved surface of the gutter protector contact the outer wall of the gutter thereby creating a space for water flow into the gutter interior between the gutter protector and the gutter outer wall.

Abstract: The energy of liquid and solids flowing in a basin toward a clarifier section is substantially reduced before the liquid and solids enter the clarifier section. The basin is provided with an inlet wall having an inlet opening adjacent the top thereof. A sheet having an arcuate, reverse "C" shape is mounted across the inlet opening with the open side of the "C" facing the inlet wall to receive the liquid and the solids therefrom. The sheet causes the liquid and the solids to flow in two helical paths toward opposite side walls of the basin, which flow dissipates some of the original kinetic energy of the inlet liquid and solids. The helically flowing paths of liquid and solids are discharged into the basin spaced from the side walls of the basin, which further dissipates some of the kinetic energy of the liquid and the solids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circular gravity clarifier for and method of clarifying liquids of entrained liquid droplets and solids. The clarifier has an upright cylindrical body, a cylindrical baffle extending substantially the depth of the body forming an annular flow path, a rotating stilling well in which the liquid to be clarified is introduced and flows downwardly in a generally cone shaped pattern, the liquid droplets rising to the surface where they are removed, and the clarified liquid flows upwardly in the annular flow path and is discharged. A number of features of the clarifier and the method is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for removing grit from sewage comprising passing sewage containing grit along a channel, the sewage passing initially through a straight elongate portion of constant width and of length sufficient to stablize the flow and subsequently passing the sewage around a bend portion having an angle of at least 10 degrees from the straight portion and, downstream of the bend, removing the grit from the flow via a port situated at the inside of the bend at the base of the channel via a grit hopper coupled to the port and coupled to a draw-off point to remove the grit for disposal.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying fuel, comprising a closed container having a top, a bottom, an inlet for impure fuel and an outlet for purified fuel placed at a level over the inlet, both coupled near the top of the container, a heating bulb to heat the impure fuel and allow the settlement of impurities and a valve in the bottom to remove the impurities from the container; a partition wall coupled in the container above the inlet and under the outlet, and a hollow body dependently coupled to the partition wall, defining a surrounding chamber under the partition wall to receive the impure fuel to the bottom of the container, an inner chamber in the hollow body under the partition wall, for purifying fuel, and an upper chamber over the partition wall for purified fuel; and a passage in the partition wall communicating said inner and upper chambers, to allow passage of the purified fuel to the upper chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and media for filtering liquids are especially suited for insertion into an existing storm water catch basin. The filtration that occurs reduces concentration of storn water runoff pollutants including heavy metals, suspended solids, particles and oil and grease. While being able to handle the high flow rates of storm water runoff, the filters also remove small particles and oil and grease the filters are arranged such that overflow from uppermost filters, as they become clogged, is directed by overflow weirs to change direction to allow filtration by lower filters. Storm water surges during peak intensity are permitted to over flow directly into a catch basin to prevent ponding. The invention can also be used above ground to treat pumped liquid from industrial and environmental sources.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing two different phases in a liquid-liquid extraction process and for separating the phases employs a spiral stirrer having two tubular coils for creating homogeneous circulation throughout a mixer. The stirrer rotates at a relatively slow speed to create an upward flow from bottom to top of the mixer near the mixer periphery and a downward flow in the middle of the mixer. The mixer has a flow reversing profile ring and is designed to prevent aeration and formation of an emulsion.

Abstract: A thickener for liquids or pulps includes a tank in which flocculation takes place. A feedwell for feed liquid is disposed within the tank and has a restricted bottom opening in fluid communication with the tank. The bottom opening has an effective cross-sectional flow area substantially less than the mean cross-sectional area of the feedwell to restrict the flow of liquid between the tank and the feedwell through the bottom opening and thereby promote homogeneous mixing of the feed liquid within the feedwell. A conduit supplies feed liquid to the feedwell. An aperture is formed in the feedwell or the conduit above the bottom opening and below the upper marginal edge of the feedwell to permit the recirculation of dilute liquid directly from the tank through the aperture and into the feed liquid when the surface level in the tank is higher than the surface level in the feedwell to provide for autogenous dilution of the feed liquid.

Abstract: A pool cleaning method and apparatus in which a vortex is generated to concentrate foreign material at the center of the pool. The vortex can be generated by a pool scrubbing procedure carried out in a systematic manner. The scrubbing and vortex inducing procedure can be carried out by manual means. Large particulate matter is thus suspended in the vortex center and can be removed from the pool with a commercially avaiable strainer. Fine particulate sediment is then removed from the pool center by a manually reciprocated suction device which draws debris laden water from the floor of the pool through a disc shaped filter which retains microscopic particulates. Filtered water is then ejected through the top of the device's barrel assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel apparatus for cleaning and salvaging oil spills in marine environments. The invention is directed to a dual purpose vessel adapted for use in sand dredging and oil spill clean-up comprising: (a) a hull; (b) at least two pump suction tubes mounted to the exterior of the hull, the suction tube inlets being located below the water line of the hull, and being rotatably connected to the hull; (c) a draghead which is adapted to ride in part above the water level attached at the end of each suction tube opposite the suction tube inlet connection; (d) a buoyancy compensator cooperating with the draghead to ensure that at least part of the draghead rides above the water level at all times; and (e) separation of the oil from the water by directing two opposing streams of the collected oil/water mixture against each other above a container.

Abstract: A system for on-site recovery of reusable industrial waste components, such as solvents, from a liquid waste stream includes a trailer that is internally partitioned to separate system components through which the waste stream passes in a first partitioned section of the trailer from support and control components in the second trailer section. Input waste is fed into a horizontal thin-film evaporator within the first trailer section, while steam is fed in a closed loop through the evaporator from the second section of the trailer for evaporating volatile solvents in the waste stream, and thereby separating the volatile solvents from non-volatile liquid and solid components of the waste stream. The evaporated volatile solvents are fed to a heat exchanger, again enclosed within the first partitioned section of the trailer, for recondensation through heat exchange with a coolant fed to the heat exchanger in a closed loop from the second trailer section.

Abstract: Machinery and method for the removal, separation, and recovery of petrochemical oils from the surface of bodies of water. The machinery comprises a pickup unit, a first separator unit, a second separator unit, and a third separator unit. The pickup or skimmer unit is designed to operate independently of or in combination with the separator units, and is capable of being propelled by a powered vessel or of being anchored to receive the separated and recovered oil by channelling booms.

Abstract: A thickener for liquids or pulps comprising a tank in which flocculation takes place and dilute liquid is displaced toward the top of the tank, a feedwell having a bottom opening in fluid communication with said tank, conduit means to supply feed liquid to said feedwell, and apertures in said feedwell or said conduit disposed above said bottom opening and positioned to permit the flow of said dilute liquid directly from the tank into the feed liquid for dilution thereof.The thickener preferably comprises a weir plate assembly connected with a side wall of the feedwell adjacent a side opening therein. The weir plate is preferably moveable by means of a float assembly between an open position permitting said dilute liquid to flow from the tank to the feedwell, and a closed position substantially closing the side opening.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of transporting a liquid A past or around a barrier, by adding a solute S to liquid A on one side of the barrier and correspondingly removing solute S from liquid A on the other side of the barrier, the solute S being such as to change the density of the liquid A when dissolving in it, thereby providing a motive force for its motion around the barrier. An example of the application of the invention is in a two-part electrolytic cell (1) comprising electrowinning and electrofining half cells (2 and 3, respectively), wherein the metal, solute S, is electrowon into a liquid (16,16a), liquid A, on one side of the cell's common electrode (4), the barrier, in the electrowinning half cell (2), and electrolytically removed from the liquid (17,17a) on the other side of the common electrode (4), in the electrorefining half cell (3).

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for separating a liquid medium in different components by gravity in a manner that a medium to be separated is set in slow rotating motion (2) with the axis of rotation substantially vertical, so that the heavier component concentrates in the bottom section of a slow-moving vortex and the lighter component concentrates in the top section of a slow-moving vortex (2). For a more pronounced separation activity and simpler equipment, two or more slow-moving vortexes (2) are contacted with each other in horizontal direction. The outer sections of various settling basins (1) are in contact with each other by way of a gate or channel (40). Various sub-basins (1) can be connected in series or in parallel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating immiscible liquids such as water from oil such as lubricating oil or diesel and fuel oil contained in a reservoir, including an outlet adjacent the lowest part of the reservoir, a first conduit having an inlet connected to the outlet of the reservoir, and a first conduit outlet where a selected segment of the conduit between the conduit inlet and outlet is of reduced diameter, and where a segment of the conduit intermediate the inlet and outlet is offset downwardly, a vertically disposed elongate separator having a midsection of selected diameter with an inlet connected to the outlet of the first conduit, a first receiver having a diameter greater than the diameter of the midsection and having an inlet communicating with the midsection where the first receiver is located above the midsection and a second receiver located beneath the receiver having a diameter greater than the midsection, with an inlet communicating with the midsection where the first receiver includes an en

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing oil from the produced water that is associated with the production of hydrocarbons. The method consists of providing a plurality of serially connected individual compartments with each compartment connected to the next compartment by a flow path that induces the oil droplets to coalesce. The method may also include the use of parallel plate coalescers and gas flotation devices to aid in treating.

Abstract: An oil and water separator is disclosed having plural nested separating tanks. An oil/water mixture is introduced into the innermost tank. A fluid exchange means, such as a corrugated pipe wound to form a helix, transfers fluid from the innermost separating tank through successive separating tanks to the outermost tank. The majority of oil is trapped within the innermost tank and is transferred to a recovery tank by an overflow device. In outer separating tanks, a biological digestion of the small amount of remaining oil takes place.

Abstract: A method for removing waste oil particles having a particle size generally in the range of 1-97 microns from a waste water stream includes first transmitting seed oil particles having a particle size of at least 20 microns into the waste water stream. The seed oil is allowed to mix with waste oil particles suspended in the waste water stream. Oil is then removed which includes a combination of the seed oil and combined waste oil particles.

Abstract: A vehicle for collecting and dewatering the contents of sanitary sewer traps. The vehicle includes a frame and an elongated tank mounted on the frame with the tank having a rearward end and a forward end. The frame includes a mechanism for elevating the forward end and the tank is pivotally connected to the frame adjacent the rearward end of the tank. A divider separates the tank into a rearward compartment for receiving the contents of the traps and a forward compartment, while a crossover pipe for conveying supernatant liquid from the rearward compartment to the forward compartment has a first leg extending generally parallel to the divider wall from a location adjacent the floor of the rearward compartment. An inlet conduit extends into the rearward compartment for conveying the contents of the traps into the rearward compartment. The vehicle also includes a pump for selectively establishing a subatmospheric pressure in either the rearward compartment or in the forward compartment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing oil from the produced water that is associated with hydrocarbons. The method consists of providing a plurality of serially connected individual compartments in a vertical flume or pipe with each compartment connected to the next compartment by a flow path that induces the oil droplets to coalesce.

Abstract: Sediments collecting in process separator vessels for oil and gas flowstreams are evacuated by an apparatus which is connected to the separator vessel for circulating a slurry of separated liquid in said vessel and entrained solids fines out of said vessel, and separating the solids from the liquid and returning the liquid to the separator vessel. The apparatus includes a motor driven pump connected to cyclone separators and a variable speed motor control which maintains a substantially constant pressure of the solids free liquid returning to the separator vessel so that a substantially constant flow of liquid is supplied to a jet manifold in the separator vessel irrespective of changes in fluid density of the solids laden flowstream being discharged from the vessel.

Abstract: An improved method for reclaiming waste printing ink is provided that requires no dilution nor blending with virgin ink wherein substantially all entrained water and solvent contamination is removed in a vacuum distillation step. Solid impurities are removed via a subsequent filtration method that leaves the ink's pigment content substantially undiminished.

Abstract: A mixture of cooling liquids and solid pieces of waste from machine tools drop onto an inclined bottom wall of the upper, generally vertically disposed section of an inverted, generally Y-shaped feed chute. One of the two lower, diverging chute sections extends downwardly and rearwardly beneath the upper chute section to a chip wringer, and has its upper end positioned beneath the lower edge of the inclined bottom wall of the upper section to receive the liquids and lighter pieces of waste which tend to drop by gravity into this one lower section. The other lower section of the chute is in general alignment with the inclined bottom wall of the upper section to receive the larger pieces of waste which, because of their momentum or size pass beyond the one lower section and into the other lower section. A stream of air which is directed transversely across the lower end of the upper section blows the remaining liquids and light waste into the one lower section.

Abstract: This invention relates to a grit trap which is intended for use in removing grit from a flow of sewage. The grit trap is of the kind which includes a settlement chamber which has an inlet through which the flow of sewage can flow and an outlet from which treated sewage can flow. There is also provided a grit storage chamber which is disposed between the settlement chamber and in which in use the separated grit will collect, the settlement chamber having a mixing device for promoting a desired motion to the flow of sewage entering the settlement chamber. In accordance with the invention said mixing device comprises a disc 25 which is provided with a plurality of generally radially extending blades, said disc being located just above the upper end of the grit storage chamber.

Abstract: A mud degasser is located in the mud return line between a well being drilled and a shale shaker mounted on a mud tank in order to degas all of the mud leaving the well. A variety of mechanisms operate on the mud to remove entrained gas. A major separating technique is to deliver the mud axially into a rotating pump impeller which slings the mud radially against the walls of the separator vessel. Other operating mechanisms include vibration and/or the application of a vacuum.

Abstract: Continuous, noncentrifugal, unit gravity, sedimentation process and apparatus for carrying out the process, for separating blood into an erythrocyte-enriched plasma fraction and a leukocyte/platelet-enriched plasma fraction.

Abstract: A method for generation of cavitation within a flowing liquid, wherein expenditure for equipment for purposeful generation of cavitation and control of the cavitated liquid portion can be achieved by passing the liquid from a high-level reservoir through a downwardly flowing path which includes an outlet nozzle, at least one pipe bend connected to the outlet nozzle and a drop-pipe with a control valve in the vicinity of the lower end of the drop pipe.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and process is provided for removing with a treating fluid surface films that are hydrophilic in nature and comprises a less dense liquid component. The hydrophilic film is removed from non absorbing surfaces such as metal glass and plastics and may contain dissolved solids. The hydrophilic film is substantially immiscible in the more dense cleansing liquid. In a particular embodiment the more dense liquid is a cleansing fluid and the less dense hydrophilic component being present as a contaminant. The apparatus includes a tank (12), a separator chamber (14) and a holding chamber (16). The less dense liquid is removed from the upper part of the separator chamber 14. The configuration of separator chamber (14) effects rapid separation of overflow liquid into an upper layer of the less dense liquid and a lower layer of the more dense liquid. In another embodiment of the apparatus, a second separator chamber (89) and a second holding chamber (90) are included.

Abstract: Gas conditioning glycol and alkanolamine solutions are treated for removal of gases and emulsified oils by passing the solution through a separator apparatus including an elongated cylindrical pressure vessel having a settling compartment with a length to diameter ratio of at least 6.0. The level of the liquid to be treated is maintained at approximately the horizontal centerline of the vessel by an oil overflow weir which decants the separated oil layer from the carrier liquid. The oil layer flows into a reservoir and is discharged from the vessel under the control of a level-controlled motor operated valve. The oil-conditioning liquid interface is controlled by an adjustable weir in the vessel disposed downwstream of the oil reservoir. A gas collection dome is disposed over the oil reservoir and includes mist separator pads for separating condensed liquids entrained in the separated gas. The incoming feedstream is controlled to limit the viscosity to 8.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for separating liquid from small spheres, for example spheres formed by gel precipitation. The apparatus comprises sloping screening decks (12, 14), arranged in stepped relationship so that spheres tumble down onto the lower screening deck (14) after passing along the upper screening deck (12), each screening deck comprising a large number of upright plates (30, 60) spaced apart from each other and extending in the direction of slope, so that the liquid drains down between the plates. Alternate plates might be replaced by rods when separating extremely small spheres from a liquid.The apparatus has no moving parts, and even after inflow of the liquid stops, the spheres still continue to pass through the apparatus.

Abstract: A gutter assembly is provided which comprises an elongated, preferably transversely flexible sheet which when in an installed position extends along a building roof adjacent an edge of it, while extending below the roof edge. A pipe is provided which has a lengthwise extending slot which accommodates a side edge of the sheet through it adjacent an edge of the slot, while leaving room for entry of only water through the slot and into the pipe. A plurality of clips are dimensioned to be extendable outward from a surface of an edge strip of the sheet so that when the edge strip extends through the slot in the pipe, the clips can abut the inner surface of the pipe so as to retain an inside surface of the sheet against an edge of the slot. Preferably, the foregoing components are also dimensioned such that the sheet vertically supports the pipe. Such a gutter assembly inhibits entry of foreign matter into the pipe.

Abstract: A quantity of water deposited on sand particles is adjusted to a predetermined value by utilizing a method and apparatus disclosed having a hopper through which the sand particles to be treated are supplied. A velocity energy is imparted to the particles to project them in a predetermined direction, thereby causing the particles to collide against rotating drums. As a result of the collision, a portion of a quantity of water initially deposited on the particles is removed therefrom and transferred to the drums, which is thereafter separated from the drums by a centrifugal force created by rotation of the drums. A plurality of notches or slits may be formed to axially extend along the periphery of the drums so that the deposited water moving along the periphery will tend into contact with be separated therefrom when it comes to one of the notches or slits. An air jet stream passing through the respective slits to the outside will function to facilitate the water removal from the periphery of the drums.

Abstract: The sludge collecting in a floating roof type oil storage tank is disposed of by inserting a compressed liquid spurting device in a straightened state into the tank through an orifice in the floating roof, feeding compressed liquid to the spurting device, causing the spurting nozzle of the device to be swung about the device proper and, at the same time, releasing the compressed liquid against the sludge inside the tank thereby causing the sludge to be disintegrated and fludized by the force of the compressed liquid, and allowing the fludized sludge to be drawn into a reservoir whose interior is under negative pressure.

Abstract: A compact coherent jet of water is directed downward into a body of water to create surface currents flowing outward from the jet that carry along floating substances, such as an oil slick. Relative horizontal movement between the jet and the body of water creates a bow wave that diverges downstream to push floating substances laterally of the jet as respects the direction of the relative movement. A line of such jets is used to divert an oil slick. Laterally-spaced jets in front of an oil skimmer are used to funnel an oil slick into the skimmer entrance.

Abstract: The efficiency of clarifiers is improved by providing a contraction adjacent the outlet which accelerates the liquid to a densimetric Froude number at the contraction of at least 0.1/.pi.. The contraction dampens internal waves in the fluid and improves the uniformity of flow of fluid through the tank.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating coarse sand particles from fine sand particles in a slurry of sand and a solution such as results from the solvent extraction of tar sand, such method comprising causing flow of such slurry in a generally horizontal direction and then causing upward flow at a rate such that coarse particles settle out and fine particles move upwardly to a slurry outlet. The apparatus preferably comprises a tubular duct for downward flow, bottom openings in the duct for outward flow, a lower receptacle for coarse particles and an annular space surrounding the duct for upward flow of slurry of solution and fine sand particles.

Abstract: Embodiments useful as means for inhibiting the accumulation of leaves and other debris in household rain gutters. Embodiments include structures which comprise a deflector having a sloped portion, the top edge region of which is adapted for juxtapositioning to the roof shingles, and the bottom edge region of which is arcuate through a large radius cross-section. In such embodiments, the farthest outward extension is outside the outermost edge of the associated rain gutter and the lower edge is positioned between the edges of the rain gutter. Embodiments include means for attenuating the force of water and reducing the localized concentrating of water flowing thereover, such as longitudinal ridges and/or means for improving the surface wettability.

Abstract: Removal of a first liquid, such as water, from a tank containing a second liquid of lower specific gravity, such as diesel fuel, is achieved with a liquid trap chamber into which the first liquid is delivered by a primer wick and from which the first liquid is withdrawn by an exhaust wick or pump. The primer wick transversely fills an in-flow passage above a downward-facing inlet opening of that passage. The first liquid is drawn from the tank by the primer wick, which spills that liquid over a weir into the liquid trap chamber. The bottom of the liquid trap chamber is disposed at a level below said inlet opening. The exhaust wick is disposed to transversely fill an outlet passage disposed above the liquid trap chamber with the bottom of the exhaust wick or pump sensor positioned at least as high as the top of the primer wick.

Abstract: The quantity of water on the surface of sand particles is reduced by applying an impact force, e.g. centrifugal force created by a rotating disc. The sand particles thus treated are especially suitable for preparing a green concrete compound or a cement mortar by mixing them with water, gravel and cement.

Abstract: A method for removing suspended solids and dissolved salts from water comprising setting up a whirlpool in the water, injecting a concentrated solution of flocculating agent into the whirlpool, withdrawing spent flocculating agent combined with contaminant from the bottom of the whirlpool, and withdrawing purified water flowing over the top of the whirlpool. Apparatus for water purification according to this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gravity settler for separating finely divided solids such as coal fines from a liquid such as a mixture of coal oil and agglomerating agent by agglomeration. A feed slurry comprising finely divided solids and a liquid mixture of product oil and an agglomerating agent is discharged into a specially shaped duct which promotes formation of agglomerated solids while minimizing turbulence in the remainder of the vessel. The agglomerated solids separate from the liquid by gravity and are washed as they leave the settler while the clarified liquid is discharged from the top of the settler. A method for separating suspended solids from a liquid by agglomeration is also disclosed.

Abstract: Oil sweeper method and apparatus including an elongated structural framework adapted to be towed transversely across the surface of water bearing an oil film contaminant, the framework supporting a pair of longitudinally extending, parallel vertical screens, wherein the forwardmost screen relative to the direction of sweeping motion is constituted of multiple panels pivotally attached to the framework for swinging movement about vertical swinging axes, and the rearward screen is water impervious. When the panels of the forwardmost screen are pivoted they define channels therebetween for diverting surface water and floating contamination such as oil in a lateral direction towards a skimmer disposed at one end of the sweeper apparatus. The rearward screen assists in further deflecting the water and oil towards the skimmer after they have traversed the channels between the pivotable panels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water surface cleaner method and apparatus for suctioning flotage such as oil, pollutants, floating debris and the like from water surfaces. A water guide passage extends between front and rear ends of a floating body. Exhaust flow of a pump generates an effective surface current in front of the body and through the passage. A flotage collecting section is provided at the rear end of the water guide passage. Buoyant means support the flotage collecting section at and under the water surface. A propeller system is connected to a radio control receiver provided on said body.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the treatment of untreated water. The untreated water mixed with a flocculating agent is introduced tangentially into the circumferential area of a tank through a feed connection directed at the tank wall. The tank includes a perforated partition circumferentially spaced from the wall of the tank and a conduit in the center of the tank which passes axially through the tank bottom and whose upper end carries a circular overflow disc located below the water level of the tank. Alternately, the partition comprises upper and lower rings, between which there are disposed guide plates which form openings distributed over the circumference of the partition. The circumferential speed of the water flowing through the partition is reduced by braking such that the occurrence of upwardly directed, secondary flows is prevented and clean water is led downward through the center of the tank.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing floating material from the surface of a body of liquid and for collecting the material has an endless belt-type materials transport mounted, as by rollers with vertically-separated horizontal rotation axes, to dispose the transport with a lower flight inclined downwardly from above the liquid surface at a frontal location to below the surface at a rearward location. A collection well is contiguously behind the rearward location. The transport is driven to advance the lower flight in the direction from the frontal location to the rearward location. This motion carries floating material from the liquid surface downward and rearward under the lower flight of the transport and releases it at the rearward location to float upward into the collection well. A method for floatage collection by steps that the foregoing apparatus performs is also disclosed.