Abstract: A backwash header for a cloth filter disk includes a body having a length a diameter, first and second ends, a longitudinal axis, and an exterior surface, the body defining at least one internal cavity. The body includes at least one suction slot configured to allow fluids and solids to enter the internal cavity from outside of the exterior surface. A structure is attached to a portion of the exterior surface of the body around and extending away from the suction slot to form a chamber defined by the structure and a portion of the exterior surface near the suction slot. The structure is configured to allow fluids and solids to enter the chamber and then the suction slot and cavity from a material being cleaned. Cloth disk filters and methods of treating water and wastewater using the backwash headers and cloth disk filters.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating water and wastewater include the step of flowing a suspended solids stream generally upward through a sludge blanket region of a cloth disk filter vessel, thus forming a partially treated effluent composition and a solids-enriched sludge blanket. The partially treated effluent composition is allowed to flow generally upward to a cloth filter zone in the vessel after contacting the sludge blanket. The methods include flowing the suspended solids stream through one or more distribution headers positioned in the sludge blanket. An option is to provide a sludge concentration zone in the sludge blanket region, allowing sludge to flow into the sludge concentration zone to form concentrated sludge. Other methods and apparatus include backwash assemblies that backwash substantially the entire filter cassette surfaces, with or without use of a sludge blanket zone. Either the backwash assemblies or filter cassettes move in the latter methods and apparatus.

Abstract: A liquid filtering apparatus is placed in a vessel having a bed of filtration material, the bed comprising at least two different sizes of filter media wherein the filtration material is stratified using upper and lower spaced apart inverted cones so that the unfiltered liquid first contacts coarse grained filtration material and then finer grained filtration material. The apparatus includes an intake for introducing unfiltered liquid that includes a washbox, an airlifting tube extending from the washbox and including an intake end and means for introducing a primary gas to the airlifting tube, the airlifting tube passing through a central pipe, which extends from just below the washbox to a position just above the intake end. The apparatus is devoid of screen cartridges. Methods of filtering and cleaning the filtration material are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating wastewater are described, one method embodiment including the steps of flowing a stream comprising mixed liquor suspended solids and fixed growth solids to a high rate clarification stage, forming a clarifier effluent, a first waste activated sludge stream, and a return waste activated sludge stream. The high rate clarifier effluent stream then flows to a membrane stage that includes a membrane media, producing a membrane reject (retentate) stream and a treated effluent (permeate) stream. Optionally, the methods include routing a screened raw wastewater to an anaerobic and/or aerated anoxic stage and introducing a gas comprising oxygen to the wastewater during the aerated anoxic stage, and optionally allowing the product of this stage to flow to an aeration stage prior to the high rate clarification stage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating wastewater are described, one method embodiment including the steps of flowing a stream comprising mixed liquor suspended solids and fixed growth solids to a high rate clarification stage, forming a clarifier effluent, a first waste activated sludge stream, and a return waste activated sludge stream. The high rate clarifier effluent stream then flows to a membrane stage that includes a membrane media, producing a membrane reject (retentate) stream and a treated effluent (permeate) stream. Optionally, the methods include routing a screened raw wastewater to an anaerobic and/or aerated anoxic stage and introducing a gas comprising oxygen to the wastewater during the aerated anoxic stage, and optionally allowing the product of this stage to flow to an aeration stage prior to the high rate clarification stage.

Abstract: Semi-submersible floating decanters and methods of use are provided. The decanters are moveable between a non-decant position and a decant position, and include a float forming an internal cavity, the float having a central annulus, a weir having an inlet opening and positioned within the center of the annulus and fixedly connected to the float forming a passage between the float and the weir, and a discharge conduit connected to the weir for discharging a supernatant fluid therefrom. A depth adjusting mechanism is provided for moving the decanter within a liquid between a non-decant position wherein the inlet opening is above the surface of the liquid and a decant position wherein the inlet opening is positioned within the supernatant to allow the supernatant to be withdrawn, the depth adjusting mechanism including a pumping mechanism for moving a fluid relative to the internal cavity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating wastewater are described, one method embodiment including the steps of flowing a mixed liquor suspended solids to a high rate clarification stage, forming a clarifier effluent, a first waste activated sludge stream, and a return waste activated sludge stream. The high rate clarifier effluent stream then flows to a membrane stage that includes a membrane media, producing a membrane reject (retentate) stream and a treated effluent (permeate) stream. Optionally, the methods include routing a screened raw wastewater to an anaerobic and/or aerated anoxic stage and introducing a gas comprising oxygen to the wastewater during the aerated anoxic stage, and optionally allowing the product of this stage to flow to an aeration stage prior to the high rate clarification stage.

Abstract: A floating decanter and method for charging supernatant from a vesel without drawing floating solids or scum into the discharge. The decanter includes a weir (16) having a central opening, and a solid bottom side, a float (12) adjacent to an outer edge of the weir, a weir lift and drive (14) having at least two screw jacks (20) attached to the float and a attachment arm (26) extending to the weir, and an discharge pipe (32) attached to the bottom of the weir. The weir is lowered with respect to the float to discharge supernatant.

Abstract: An improved vertical filtration unit includes a bell-shaped lower end for the air-lift tube, an injection ring for introducing air into the air-lift tube at a considerable volume, and a washbox with a more efficient scrubbing arrangement for washing dirt particles from the filtration material. The bell-shaped lower end makes the transporting of a mixture of dirty filtration material and water to the top of the filtration unit more efficient than with the conventional straight tube bottom. The tube receives compressed air from two horizontally positioned inlets positioned 180.degree. from each other. The flat and round target plate makes the scrubbing of filtration material more efficient, while a baffle prevents the filtration material from being ejected from the washbox.

Abstract: An improved vertical filtration unit includes a bell-shaped lower end for the air-lift tube, an injection ring for introducing air into the air-lift tube at a considerable volume, and a washbox with a more efficient scrubbing arrangement for washing dirt particles from the filtration material. The bell-shaped lower end makes the transporting of a mixture of dirty filtration material and water to the top of the filtration unit more efficient than with the conventional straight tube bottom. The tube receives compressed air from two horizontally positioned inlets positioned 180.degree. from each other. The flat and round target plate makes the scrubbing of filtration material more efficient, while a baffle prevents the filtration material from being ejected from the washbox.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for composting of organic matter. A ram advances the entire mass of organic matter within the composting chamber to create an evacuated space in the composting chamber, which evacuated space is of substantially greater volume than the volume of an incremental inlet space. The incremental inlet space is a space in the composting chamber defined by a projection of an inlet opening into the composting chamber. After the creation of the evacuated space, a new charge of organic matter is fed through the inlet opening. The ram then moves this new charge of organic matter into the evacuated space in the chamber to join the existing mass of organic matter already in the chamber. The ram also lightly compresses the new charge to a predetermined density or porosity. Typically, the extent of compressive force applied to the new charge is less than that required to move the entire mass of organic matter through the chamber.

Abstract: A composting method is disclosed for accelerated decomposition of organic matter. The organic matter is deposited into a chamber of a vessel. A ram moves through a relatively short stroke within one end of the vessel so that organic matter deposited in the vessel at one end may be moved through the chamber and discharged at the other end as a result of each successive charge of matter pushing the preceding charge forward through the vessel by the action of the ram. An optimum range of compaction density for the particular organic matter being processed is determined. Also, an angle of disposition for the vessel relative to the horizontal is established for the particular organic matter being processed. This angle of disposition is established so as to cause the amount of compressive force necessary to move the organic matter through the vessel to be such as to achieve the optimum range of compaction density.

Abstract: A beltpress controller performs on-line measurements of output sludge cake thickness. A controller takes a product of the measured cake thickness with belt speed, moisture content and belt width to determine a rate of dry solid output per unit time. The calculated rate is compared with a desired rate and the sludge flow rate is adjusted by adjusting the speed of a sludge feed pump to obtain the desired dry solid output rate. In systems which mix polymer with the sludge to increase the dewatering efficiency, the sizing of a mixing orifice through which the sludge and polymer is provided is adjusted to maintain a substantially constant mixing energy. This prevents errors in the streaming current detector which measures the amount of excess polymer in the filtrate and the controller adjusts the speed of a polymer dosing pump accordingly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for composting of organic matter. A ram advances the entire mass of organic matter within the composting chamber to create an evacuated space in the composting chamber, which evacuated space is of substantially greater volume than the volume of an incremental inlet space. The incremental inlet space is a space in the composting chamber defined by a projection of an inlet opening into the composting chamber. After the creation of the evacuated space, a new charge of organic matter is fed through the inlet opening. The ram then moves this new charge of organic matter into the evacuated space in the chamber to join the existing mass of organic matter already in the chamber. The ram also lightly compresses the new charge to a predetermined density or porosity. Typically, the extent of compressive force applied to the new charge is less than that required to move the entire mass of organic matter through the chamber.

Abstract: A temperature monitoring method and apparatus for monitoring the temperature within a mass of organic matter moved through a composting vessel. An elongated, stationary probe extends through the vessel from one end toward another end thereof. A plurality of temperature measuring devices are mounted along the probe. The probe may extend through a compaction ram and be provided with a sleeve for accommodating movement of the ram relative to the probe. A decoupling device provides for decoupling of the probe from a mounting base and an extraction device permits the probe to be extracted from the vessel for replacement thereof. The probe provides a method of monitoring temperature in the mass and a method of composting by monitoring temperature in the mass and regulating the temperature of the mass in response thereto.

Abstract: A composting method and apparatus is disclosed for accelerated decomposition of organic matter. The organic matter is deposited into a chamber of a vessel. A ram moves through a relatively short stroke within one end of the vessel so that organic matter deposited in the vessel at one end may be moved through the chamber and discharged at the other end as a result of each successive charge of material pushing the preceding charge forward through the vessel by the action of the ram. The vessel includes a set of orifices in a floor of the chamber for introducing pressurized air into the vessel. During the normal composting operation, pressurized air passes through these orifices at a relatively low intensity to aerate the organic matter.

Abstract: A bed of particulate material of varying sizes is located within a vessel. This bed comprises an upper and lower region. Particulate material is supplied continuously to the center of the upper region so as to form a peak shape which descends downwardly and radially outwardly from the center. Liquid to be filtered is introduced to this peak shape and is filtered downwardly through the bed. A majority of the filtered liquid passes through a screen located between the upper and the lower regions into a screen filtrate enclosure. The remaining liquid continues to the lower region. This liquid and dirty particulate material are transported by an air lift tube from the lower region to a position above the upper region. At this position, the particulate material is washed and supplied to the center of the upper region. The remaining liquid and filtered particles are removed from the vessel.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus is provided for growing biomass from a supply of nutrient in a manner which permits precise control of the biomass growth environment. A reaction vessel includes a media-free compartment and a media compartment which retains biomass support bodies. A screen separates the two compartments. Nutrient is circulated through the media compartment, passed through the screen and is oxygenated and/or re-circulated between said compartments. As shown in FIG. 3, additional pairs of media-free and media compartments can be connected in series to provide a single reaction vessel. Suspended or packed biomass support bodies can be used and can be continuously or intermittently removed for cleaning.

Abstract: A squeeze plate apparatus for a belt press is provided. The apparatus has a squeeze plate operatively connected to a rotating pipe. The pipe is mounted to the frame of the belt press. The vertical spacing between the squeeze plate and the pipe varies during rotation of the pipe so that the squeezing action of the plate can be selectively varied.

Abstract: A dewatering method and apparatus is disclosed which uses a ramp at one end of a perforate conveyor in which the incline of the ramp may be adjusted while the dewatering operation is taking place. The ramp receives material to be further dewatered after the material has moved along the length of the perforate conveyor. The ramp causes the material to roll back upon itself as the material tends to move up the ramp, which rolling back action enhances dewatering. An actuator is coupled with said ramp for effecting movement of said ramp with respect to the conveyor to adjust the incline of the ramp with respect to the upper surface of the conveyor. In this way, the operator may readily optimize the rolling back action of the material to be dewatered to, in turn, thereby provide optimum dewatering. The ramp is also capable of being completely lifted out of the flow of material to be dewatered while the apparatus is in operation and while the dewatering process is being carried out.