Abstract: A porous polysulfone membrane and process for the preparation of porous polysulfone media suitable for use in filtration comprises blending polysulfone with a particulate solid or with said particulate solid and a second polymer, extruding the resultant blend to form an article and leaching the particulate solid and second polymer from the article.

Abstract: A crossflow filtration assembly includes a plurality of crossflow filtration modules connected in series, a pump for introducing a solution containing large components and small components, and a pump for circulating the solution between the series-connected modules. Each module has an inlet for receiving the large and small components in solution, a semipermeable membrane for passing only the small particles in solution to be discharged from the assembly, and an outlet for passing the large components in solution to be circulated to the inlet of the next series-connected module. Prior to entering the next series-connected module, the large components in solution are diluted by incoming solution.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the coagulant dosage rate includes a charge sensor located adjacent a coagulant pump for measuring the net electrical charge on coagulated water before water treatment and a turbidity meter for measuring the effluent turbidity after water treatment. A programmable controller responds to the output signal of the charge sensor to continuously adjust the dosage rate to maintain a set point of charge value in the coagulated water corresponding to a desired effluent turbidity. To maintain calibration of the charge sensor, the controller is also responsive to the output signal of the turbidity meter to adjust the charge value set point as required so that the it corresponds to a preselected effluent turbidity.

Abstract: In an elongated, inclined tubular lift pump for fluids such as sewage and the like having apparatus at the upper end for rotation thereof and a support adjoining the lower end thereof, said support including a wear ring encircling the tubular housing and roller enaging said wear ring, said wear ring being secured to said tubular housing by a plurality of blocks positioned on opposing sides of said wear ring and secured to the tubular housing, each of said blocks having an inclined slot and pins carried by the sides of said wear ring and engaging said slots to permit rotation of said wear ring relative to said tubular housing with changes in temperature differentials between the wear ring and tubular housing while maintaining concentricity of the wear ring and housing and thus relieving stress on said tubular housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a primary filter press to insure the attainment of a desired quality cake in the press including a conduit for feeding a slurry or composition to the filter press, transducers responsive to the volume of slurry delivered to the filter press, the rate of flow, the pressure at the inlet to the press and the characteristics of the slurry solids for producing electric signals proportional thereto, relating at least certain of the signals to compute a quantity K indicative of the quality of the cake being formed in the press when the pressure to the filter press attains 90% of the terminal pressure and modifying the characteristics of the slurry to achieve the desired volume of K. The invention further comprehends the use of a pilot filter press of significantly smaller size than the primary press and fed by the same slurry and operated in the same manner.

Abstract: Doctor blade cleaning apparatus for the removal of solids accumulating thereon which includes a cleaning blade movable through an arcuate path and activating devices for moving the cleaning blade at least over the surface of the doctor blade and to a position away from the doctor blade for the discharge of solids removed therefrom.

Abstract: A bearing support for cylindrical lift pumps wherein the support comprises an elongated carriage positioned transversely of the pump, a pair of spaced parallel rollers on said carriage and pivots for supporting the carriage on a base. With the pressure of the pump on the rollers, the carriage will tilt to permit the rollers to maintain line contact with the pump and the carriage is arranged to provide for independent deflection of the rollers to compensate for deviation of the pump from a true cylindrical configuration.

Abstract: A bearing structure for supporting at least one end of the cylindrical housing of a cylindrical lift pump for handling large volumes of fluid, particularly sewage, and, in particular, to bearings for carrying the load of the pump which bearings include at least two supports for engaging a wear ring or track carried by the cylinder with each support disposed on opposite sides of a vertical axis bisecting the cylindrical housing and having at least two coplanar rollers carried by a first base member which is in turn pivotally carried by a second fixedly positioned base member for tri-axial motion relative thereto.

Abstract: A cone pump, fundamentally in design based on an Archimedes screw, comprising a tubular member having a helical screw mounted therein, integrally joined thereto, the flights of the screw being radially inclined to the longitudinal axis of the tube, the entire structure having a central longitudinal opening, the end discharge being characterized by a liquid seal, the structure being designed to have its lower or intake end immersed in liquid, and carrying solids such as watery sewage sludge, and, by rotation, to lift the sludge through elevations as high as 20 and 30 foot head (6 to 10 meters) through an angle of elevation of from 30.degree. to 50.degree., the preferred range being 36.degree. to 45.degree..