Abstract: A support grid assembly for use in a vessel. The support grid assembly includes panels each including a first wall including a media-supporting screen and a second wall to be supported by the vessel wall inner surface. A manifold is coupled to the panels and is in hydraulic communication with vessel outlet. The manifold and the panels permit fluid to flow through the screen in each panel, through the panels, into the manifold, and through the manifold to the outlet of the vessel, as well as in the reverse direction. At least a portion of the first wall may slope downward toward the manifold, and at least a portion of the second wall may form a bottom surface that is curved to substantially conform to a curvature of the vessel wall inner surface. The panels may be arranged in a circular configuration extending radially from the manifold.

Abstract: Apparatus and related method for coupling adjacent pipe lengths, for example, a drop pipe assembly that utilize an intermediate coupling member to prevent rotational disengagement of adjacent pipe lengths under the influence of rotational torque. The coupling member can comprise an internal key feature that physically engages a keyed end on at least one end of a length of pipe. The internal key feature can include key members located on each coupling end of the coupling member such that the key members engage corresponding keyed ends of adjacent lengths of pipe such that the coupling member prevents rotation of the adjacent pipe length relative to each other.

Abstract: An improved biofilter design and related methods of utilizing shaped drain assemblies for directing fluid flow though a biofilter media to promote biological interaction. A shaped drain assembly can include a plurality of elongated drain structures having a permeable upper surface, a. lower surface and a drain interior defining a drain cross-section. When configured as a shaped underdrain assembly, each elongated drain structures can be in proximity to a biofilter tank floor such that the lower surface is in fluid communication with one or more flow channels below the floor and with the permeable upper surface supporting the biofilter media. The biofilter can include a shaped drain assembly positioned above the shaped underdrain assembly and located within or above the biofilter media. The shaped drain assemblies can control the flow and mixing of two or more flow species into the biofilter media.

Abstract: A sieve panel and related methods of construction for dewater slurries with shaped-wire elements that have a variable tilt arrangement along the sieve panel. Each of the plurality of shaped-wire elements can be selectively oriented when mounted to a support member to define a desired tilt angle of the shaped-wire element relative to the support members Tilt angle can be selectively varied between an upper end and a lower end of the sieve panel to enhance dewatering characteristics of the sieve panel. The sieve panel can be fabricated such that an upper portion and a lower portion are essentially mirror images of each other such that the sieve panel can be flipped after leading edges of the individual screening elements have suffered wear leading to a degradation in dewatering performance. By flipping the sieve panel, an effective service life of the sieve panel can be essentially doubled.

Abstract: A support grid assembly for use in a pressure vessel includes one or more screen panel assemblies that are flexibly, fluidly coupled to a central fluid manifold. Each screen panel assembly is operably slidably inserted into a central fluid manifold, whereby a flexible connection fluidly individually seals each screen panel assembly to the central fluid manifold. Through the use of a flexible connection, each screen panel assembly can individually slide, rotate or otherwise shift relative to the central fluid manifold and into engagement with a vessel floor regardless of inconsistencies in the vessel floor.

Abstract: Screen intake assemblies and related methods of fabrication and operation that improve both operational performance and structural strength. The screen intake assembly can include one or more screen portions that run substantially and continually along the length of the screen assembly to provide increase fluid intake and uniform flow. The screen intake assembly can comprise a central manifold having an exterior manifold screen portion to provide additional filtering capacity. The screen intake assembly can be used alone or in combination with internal flow modifier structures to increase fluid intake and uniformity. Internal flow modifiers can include a perforated flow modifier pipe, an internal flow modifier pipe, and/or converging flow modifiers. The screen intake assembly can include cleaning systems that operate continuously or on demand.

Abstract: A utility conduit and related methods of assembling lengths of utility conduit with a mechanical spline connector. The utility conduit includes opposed male and female ends, wherein the male end is slidably insertable into the female end of adjacent conduits. The female end includes one or more circumferential sealing channels into which a seal member is positionable and an internal spline groove that is circumferentially defined inside the conduit. The female end includes a wall bore through a conduit wall that intersects with the internal spline groove. The male end includes an exterior spline groove on an exterior of the conduit. A spline can be inserted through the wall bore and into a space cooperatively defined by the internal spline groove and the external spline groove. The spline is inserted such that the spline occupies the space cooperatively defined by the internal spline groove and the external spline groove.

Abstract: A length of pipe and methods of connection that provide a flush, continuous external wall on adjacent lengths of pipe. Each individual length of pipe includes opposed male and female ends. Generally, the female end is dimensioned such that the male end of an adjacent length of pipe is slidably insertable into the female end. When the male end has been fully inserted into the female end, an exterior surface on each of the adjacent lengths of pipe is arranged to define a flush engagement such that an assembled exterior surface defines a continuous, planar surface absent any projections or enlargements. By avoiding any diameter increase at a connection point, the resulting pipe can be more easily installed and/or positioned via sliding or lifting there are no enlarged or projecting portions that can hinder movement of the assembled pipe.

Abstract: A vacuum sewage system includes a check valve having a body, a sealing member and a cover. The body includes a housing. The sealing member has a first section and a central section connected to the first section. The central section of the sealing member has a sealing surface. The cover has an interior chamber, a connector having a passageway in communication with the interior chamber, and a front wall having a central section. The central section of the front wall has a sealing surface. The central section of the sealing member is moveable from a first position in which the sealing surface of the sealing member is in contact with the sealing surface of the central section of the front wall of the cover to a second position in which the sealing surface of the central section of the sealing member is spaced apart from the sealing surface of the central section of the front wall of the cover.

Abstract: An intake screen assembly including an intake member, a screen support member, and a screen member coupled to the screen support member. The screen member may be formed from a material, such as copper-nickel, that is different from a material, such as stainless steel, used to form the intake member and/or the screen support member. The intake screen assembly may include corrosion protection members for preventing contact between the components of the screen assembly that are formed from dissimilar materials. The assembly may be formed by coupling the screen support member to the intake member, and coupling the screen member to the screen support member.

Abstract: A vacuum sewage system includes a sump pit for receiving sewage, a valve pit, a valve, a sensor-controller, a first sensor pipe, a sump breather and a second sensor pipe. The sensor-controller activates the valve so as to discharge sewage from the sump pit. The first sensor pipe communicates pressure to the sensor-controller as the level of sewage rises within the sump pit. The second sensor pipe communicates pressure to the sump breather to move the sump breather from a first state to a second state to prevent sewage from entering the sensor-controller and valve. Alternatively, the system may be provided with a single sensor pipe that communicates pressure to both the sensor-controller and to the sump breather.

Abstract: Systems and related methods for purging air burst supply piping of accumulated water prior to delivering pulses of pressurized air to an interior of a screen intake through the air burst supply piping. The systems and methods can include a purge compressor delivering a purging air supply at a head pressure slightly above a head pressure of water in the air burst supply piping, wherein the head pressure of the water is equivalent to a depth at which the intake screen. The system and methods can also include a purge line arranged in a parallel orientation to an air burst supply line, wherein both the purge line and the air burst supply line are operably coupled to a pressurized air tank.

Abstract: A support grid assembly for use in a pressure vessel includes one or more screen panel assemblies that are flexibly, fluidly coupled to a central fluid manifold. Each screen panel assembly is operably slidably inserted into a central fluid manifold, whereby a flexible connection fluidly individually seals each screen panel assembly to the central fluid manifold. Through the use of a flexible connection, each screen panel assembly can individually slide, rotate or otherwise shift relative to the central fluid manifold and into engagement with a vessel floor regardless of inconsistencies in the vessel floor.

Abstract: A vacuum sewage system includes a collection station, a variable speed vacuum pump, a variable speed drive, a control system, a sewage pump, a collection tank, a valve pit, a first conduit extending from the collection station to the valve pit, a second conduit extending from the valve pit and terminating in a closed end, a sensor located adjacent the closed end of the second conduit, and a valve located in the valve pit for selectively permitting sewage and waste water to flow from the valve pit toward the collection station upon activation of the valve. The control system, variable speed drive and sensor may be utilized to adjust the vacuum level and vacuum level range at the collection station so as to reduce the speed and operation time of the variable speed vacuum pump while maintaining the desired vacuum level in the vacuum sewage system.

Abstract: An underdrain assembly for filtering particulates from a fluid having an upper structure connected to a bottom plate. At least one flow control vane is positioned between the upper structure and the bottom plate for directing and managing fluid flow through the assembly. The upper structure can have first and second filtration members, the second filtration member positioned between the first filtration member and the bottom plate. The second filtration member can have a shape that restricts fluid flow within the underdrain. The underdrain can have air and water inlets. The water inlet can have an end with a plate covering an upper portion thereof. The end can also include an opening having an angular cut forming an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the water inlet. Thus arranged, air is prevented from migrating out the water line. A resilient mounting arrangement for the underdrain is also disclosed.

Abstract: Screen intake assemblies and related methods of fabrication and operation that improve both operational performance and structural strength. The screen intake assembly can include one or more screen portions that run substantially and continually along the length of the screen assembly to provide increase fluid intake and uniform flow. The screen intake assembly can comprise a central manifold having an exterior manifold screen portion to provide additional filtering capacity. The screen intake assembly can be used alone or in combination with internal flow modifier structures to increase fluid intake and uniformity. Internal flow modifiers can include a perforated flow modifier pipe, an internal flow modifier pipe, and/or converging flow modifiers. The screen intake assembly can include cleaning systems that operate continuously or on demand.

Abstract: A utility conduit and related methods of assembling lengths of utility conduit with a mechanical spline connector. The utility conduit includes opposed male and female ends, wherein the male end is slidably insertable into the female end of adjacent conduits. The female end includes one or more circumferential sealing channels into which a seal member is positionable and an internal spline groove that is circumferentially defined inside the conduit. The female end includes a wall bore through a conduit wall that intersects with the internal spline groove. The male end includes an exterior spline groove on an exterior of the conduit. A spline can be inserted through the wall bore and into a space cooperatively defined by the internal spline groove and the external spline groove. The spline is inserted such that the spline occupies the space cooperatively defined by the internal spline groove and the external spline groove.

Abstract: A support grid assembly for use in a vessel. The support grid assembly includes panels each including a first wall including a media-supporting screen and a second wall to be supported by the vessel wall inner surface. A manifold is coupled to the panels and is in hydraulic communication with vessel outlet. The manifold and the panels permit fluid to flow through the screen in each panel, through the panels, into the manifold, and through the manifold to the outlet of the vessel, as well as in the reverse direction. At least a portion of the first wall may slope downward toward the manifold, and at least a portion of the second wall may form a bottom surface that is curved to substantially conform to a curvature of the vessel wall inner surface. The panels may be arranged in a circular configuration extending radially from the manifold.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for connecting adjacent pipes. The pipe coupling has a connection type at each end that may be male or female. A female end may have an interior surface defining a receiving chamber. An interior circumferential groove is formed in the interior surface in which a band is seated. A plurality of rigid fingers is extends from the band into the receiving chamber. The receiving chamber receives a male end of an adjacent pipe, the male end having an exterior surface. An exterior circumferential groove is defined on the exterior surface to receive the plurality of rigid fingers. A variety of connection types and combinations are disclosed. The female end may define a sight window to permit viewing of the position of a male end of an adjacent pipe. The receiving chamber may have a reduced diameter proximate to the middle of the coupling to improve sealing.

Abstract: A screen assembly including at least upper and lower portions each with screen elements having different orientations. The upper portion includes a first plurality of screen elements and the lower portion includes a second plurality of screen elements. The upper and lower portions are coupled together to form a truncated conical arrangement. At least one screen element of the first plurality of screen elements has a different angular orientation relative to a plane that is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis than at least one screen element of the second plurality of screen elements has relative to the plane. In some such embodiments, the screen elements of the second plurality of screen elements are each oriented to be in a respective plane that is substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. The screen assembly may be configured to separate a liquid component and a solid component from a slurry.