Abstract: A rotary vacuum filter having a barometric or drop leg for generating vacuum in the filtration cycle of the filter wherein the end of the leg immersed in the seal pit is formed to a frustro-conical configuration for both reducing turbulence in the seal pit as the air-liquid mixture exits therefrom and for recovering a portion of the energy in the velocity head of the air-liquid mixture flow.

Abstract: A transfer pipe system for transferring particulate bed material from a fluid bed reactor includes a discharge pipe connecting the fluid bed reactor with a vertical transfer pipe, gas injection nozzles for fluidizing particulate material within the transfer pipe and a standpipe connecting the transfer pipe and the freeboard region of the fluid bed reactor to vent fluidizing gas from the transfer pipe into the freeboard region and so avoid introducing a high velocity, counter-current gas flow into the discharge pipe.

Abstract: A system and method for dewatering of a suspension of solids in an electric field controllably maintained between a pair of opposing self-contained electrode structures, to cause the solids to migrate relative to the carrier liquid to form a layer or cake on the respective self-contained electrode structure, while allowing carrier liquid to be withdrawn under vacuum in the opposite direction through the liquid - pervious wall of a hollow self-contained counter electrode structure, combined with means for controlling the rate of filtrate liquid withdrawal consistent and compatible with the relative speed of migration of the solids in the carrier liquid, and wherein said layer or cake material may be detached from said electrode structure, for instance during exposure from the suspension.

Abstract: A system for cooling, depressurizing and discharging solids from a pressurized fluid bed reactor which includes a secondary fluid bed surge vessel arranged to dissipate a substantial amount of the pressure in the system and a plug flow discharge conduit leading from the secondary vessel to reduce the pressure at the outlet thereof to essentially ambient pressure.

Abstract: A continuous rotary vacuum drum filter with improved suspension means for an oscillatable agitator frame structure operating in the filter vat to keep pulp solids in suspension, featuring a non-rigid stress compensating suspension connection between the agitator frame structure and the supporting torsion bearings comprising a hinge linkage connection between a torsion bearing housing and the respective end of the agitator structure arranged whereby the hinge axis extends at right angles to the oscillatory axis of the agitator structure. A removable hinge pin is provided to permit disconnection of the torsion bearings from the agitator structure and actuating means are pivotally connected to the hinge linkage for oscillating the agitator structure.

Abstract: Sewage sludge is dewatered with the aid of lime and then incinerated using high sulfur fuel. During incineration the lime reacts with the sulfur in the fuel and with oxygen to form the solid CaSO.sub.4 for disposal and thus prevent formation of the pollutant, SO.sub.2 gas. High sulfur coal may be crushed and used as an additional filter aid or sludge conditioner and the serve as the auxiliary fuel during incineration.

Abstract: A fluidized bed process heater with a reaction chamber of toroidal configuration is provided with radially-oriented bed coils in the reaction chamber in which steam is generated or other process fluids are heated. The inner wall of the toroidal reaction chamber is water-cooled and the bed coils in the reaction chamber are removable. The return bends of the coils are protected against erosion from particulate bed solids.

Abstract: Porous, moisture-containing materials are dried in a fluidized bed reactor. The moisture content of both the underflow and carryover products from the dryer are controlled by introducing hot gases into the freeboard region above the fluidized bed. One or more tuyeres of extended length with ports at a level above the fluidized bed in the freeboard regin may be employed to admit hot gases directly into the freeboard region from the reactor windbox without traversing the fluidized bed. Alternatively, a valved conduit may be employed extending through the refractory dome or gas distributor to regulate gas flow between the windbox and the freeboard region.

Abstract: Beneficiation of phosphate rock containing limestone is accomplished by calcining, cooling, slaking and separation of the slaked lime from the phosphate rock product. The cooling, slaking and separation operations are conducted in a fluid bed reactor.

Abstract: A refractory constriction dome for a fluidized bed reactor is constructed to resist the upward thrust of pressure in the windbox as well as the weight of the fluidized bed. A reverse arch of refractory brick or tiles, forming the upper surface of the dome, is the structural feature which functions to resist upward thrust.

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