Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor is provided with vertically oriented heat exchange coils for controlling the temperature of the fluidized bed. Tuyere elements discharge fluidizing gas at a level substantially above the constriction plate. The bed solids below the level of the tuyere ports constitute a static layer during fluidization and the lower return bends of the heat exchange coils are embedded in this layer and so are shielded from erosion by the fluidized solids of the bed proper.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor is provided with heat exchange coils for controllng the temperature of the fluidized bed. The heat exchange coils are vertically oriented and elements thereof pass through the constriction plate of the reactor. Multiple function Tuyere elements are provided which admit air into the reaction chamber from the windbox, provide for passage of elements of the heat exchange coils through the constriction plate, structurally support the heat exchange coils in position and constitute thermal sleeves for accommodating differential thermal expansion of the heat exchange coils and the constriction plate.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator having a bowl and means to rotate the bowl about a longitudinal axis, the bowl including a cylindrical section and a coextensive conical section whereby, in use, a bath of feed material will form partially up the conical section as the bowl rotates with the remainder of the conical section forming a beach area up which separated solids are conveyed by a screw conveyor adapted to collect separated solids from adjacent the inside wall of the bowl and convey them out of the bath and up the beach to an outlet from the bowl, with weir means in the form of an overflow passage to allow substantially solid free liquid to be removed from the bowl, a first conduit extending into the bowl through one end thereof and coincident with the rotation axis thereof, and one, or more second conduits within and coaxial with respect to the first conduit and each other to define an inner passage and at least one outer annular passage through which feed material, and at least one separate treatment material m

Abstract: Endless filter belt for rotary vacuum drum filters, featuring a novel improved belt connection whereby the transverse terminal end portions of a length of filter belt are separably joined together by the use of a novel combination of press type closure pile fabrics or materials, capable of absorbing any longitudinal tension stresses in the filter belt, while readily deformable from the initial transverse linear extent.

Abstract: In rotary drum filters wherein the filter drum has a wirewound deck providing support for the surrounding filter media, a novel method and system of tension winding and securing the deck wire with the aid of improved anchoring means for non-slidably yet detachably securing the wire at predetermined points along the length of the drum, whereby creeping and loosening of the wire windings is obviated. This also permits simplifying and speeding up the winding operation, as well as the replacement of individual wire sections between anchoring points.

Abstract: Continuously operating sedimentation tank with center pier supported rake structure rotated by a drive head featuring an improved hydrostatic bearing, of compact construction wherein the bull gear is shaped to conform to an improved arrangement of vertical load supporting hydrostatic bearing faces, and radial hydrostatic bearing faces, wherein the base structure of the drive head is a unitary casting embodying an annular reservoir for collecting the hydrostatically spent operating oil, together with improved torque transmitting and weight supporting connecting means between the bull gear and the surrounding top end portion of the vertical cage portion of the rake structure.

Abstract: A large sedimentation tank having a traction-driven composite sludge raking mechanism provided with lift capability, and comprising a rotary traction-driven drive arm of girder-like construction exposed above the liquid level, and draft-connected to an inner load yielding self-liftable rake arm operating in the central sludge accumulation zone in the tank, and also connected to an outer complementary rake structure operating in an outer annular zone to move sludge therefrom into the central accumulation zone.

Abstract: A method for the treatment and disposal of sewage sludges containing chlorides (NaCl) as from infiltrating salt water, which involves heat treatment capable of producing readily disposable sludges, due to the resulting destruction of pathogenic organisms and improved filtrability of the sludge, featuring the washing displacement of NaCl from the sludge preceding the heat treatment operation, for protection of the sludge heating equipment.

Abstract: Filter drum for continuous drum filter featuring longitudinal divider strips or channel members spot welded to the drum cylinder, with caulking material provided underneath the channel member along the length thereof, against leakage between mutually adjoining filtrate chambers.

Abstract: An electro-ultrafiltration process is conducted in a tank in which the cathode and anode regions are separated by an anisotropic ultrafiltration membrane. A pressure differential is applied across the membrane and the fluid component of the bath moves through the membrane under the influence of this pressure for removal from the tank. Current applied between the electrodes develops an additional flow of the fluid component of the bath through the membrane. Due to the special characteristics of the anisotropic membrane, the total flux through the membrane under these conditions greatly exceeds the flux attributable to the individual effects of pressure and current. This process is especially useful when applied in electrophoretic coating systems, for it can establish a stable bath composition and it also tends to maintain the membrane in an essentially unfouled condition.

Abstract: Sewage sludge of a uniformly high solids content is pumped from a primary settling tank to a digester or thickener by an air operated spring assisted diaphragm pump.