Abstract: An endless belt for supporting a continuous web of filter media and moving it through liquid filtration apparatus where a pressure differential is applied across the belt and media. The belt may be fabricated at relatively low cost while retaining the required tensile strength. The belt is formed from a plurality of unique, unitary portions termed "hinge members" which are arranged in longitudinal columns and lateral rows, a plurality of links between each pair of laterally adjacent hinge members and connecting rods extending the full width of the belt through aligned openings in looped portions of the hinge members and openings in the links. The hinge members are preferably formed from a continuous strip of sheet metal by stamping and bending operations, with the links providing added tensile strength.

Abstract: A distillation system for recovery of volatile components of contaminated liquids used in an industrial process includes a tube assembly including outer tubes to which hot bottoms liquids are supplied and inner tubes to which process liquids are supplied for transfer of heat from the bottoms to the process liquids. From the tube assembly the two liquids are discharged into the still through separate, elongated, parallel discharge pipes. The process liquids discharge pipe is positioned above the bottoms liquids discharge pipe and an elongated, metal, angle plate is positioned as an inverted V between the two discharge pipes. Efficiency is improved over prior systems wherein process liquids are added to the still without being preheated by the bottoms fluids, and without the unique still intake manifold.

Abstract: Liquid filtration apparatus including an endless chain movable in upper and lower runs through a tank and carrying a continuous web of media on the upper run which passes over a guide roller at the upper rear of the tank, under relatively large diameter guide wheels and over driven guide sprockets at the upper front of the tank. The chain and media also pass over an idler roller between the guide wheels and the driven sprocket. The shaft of the idler roller is adjustably positioned in horizontal slots in the tank side walls to change the vertical angle of the media as it exits the pool of dirty liquid. When the media is at a steep angle a greater head of dirty liquid may be maintained, but contaminants may fall off the media, in which case the idler roller position is moved farther away from the guide wheels to provide a more gradual angle of media travel.

Abstract: Used media from a liquid filtration tank is wound on a reel assembly having a pair of flat, circular end plates, a central spindle and a pair of hollow rods. End portions of the spindle extend through central openings in the end plates which may be releasably engaged with the spindle by set screws. The spindle end portions are cut away on one side to allow radial movement on and off a pair of spaced, axially aligned, rotatably supported stub shafts to which the end portions may be releasably attached by hitch pins extending through aligned openings in the spindle end portions and stub shafts. A pair of lugs are affixed to and extend inwardly from the inner surfaces of the end plates, equally spaced on diametrically opposite sides of the central opening. The lugs extend into the ends of the hollow rods when the reel assembly is rigidly assembled, and are released from the rods by releasing the engagement of one or both end plates with the spindle and removing the end plate.

Abstract: A mechanical sludge dewatering system including a plurality of first rollers, one or more second rollers and a liquid-permeable, endless belt passing between the first and second rollers from an inlet to an outlet end. At least some of the rollers of the first set are tapered from their ends to a smaller diameter at the center, the amount of taper decreasing from the roller at the inlet end to that at the outlet end, the opposing one or more second rollers being of constant diameter. The sludge carried on the belt passes through the cavities defined by the tapered first rollers and the cylindrical second roller(s), which decrease in cross section from the inlet to the outlet end, thereby squeezing water from the sludge. The first rollers each have grooves around their periphery adjacent each end, and the belt carries a protruding strip along each side, the belt being laterally constrained by the strips riding in the grooves.

Abstract: A labyrinth seal incorporated in liquid filtration apparatus to prevent migration of unfiltered liquid carrying solid contaminants and air which may be entrapped in such liquid past the lateral edges of a filter media carried on an endless conveyor into an underlying chamber for receiving filtered liquid. The seal includes a pair of low friction strips and an underlying seal support fixedly attached in superposed relation along both interior sides of the tank and extending between positions where the conveyor enters and exits the unfiltered liquid. The seal further includes one layer in a first embodiment, and two, superposed layers in a second embodiment, of fluid-impervious material affixed to each lateral edge of the conveyor chain or belt about the entire periphery thereof, and movable therewith.

Abstract: A liquid filtration system for separating contaminants from liquids such as coolants used in maching operations. The invention provides the following: (a) filtration apparatus wherein filtered liquid may be withdrawn at a substantially constant rate from a chamber, although supplied thereto at a variable rate, by means of a level-responsive throttling valve in the line to the vacuum pump; (b) the invention is concerned with filtration apparatus employing parallel endless chains with transverse flights which support and transport a strip of filter material in such a way that the length remains constant (i.e.

Abstract: An improved hydrocyclone clarifier for removing contaminants from a liquid, wherein the contaminants are of higher density than the liquid. The cylindrical body, downwardly directed conical baffle, clean flow outlet at the top, and contaminated liquid return line at the bottom are provided as in prior devices of this type. In addition, an outflow line for contaminated liquid is provided on the side of the cylindrical body, and includes an adjustable orifice and flow rate or pressure sensor. Clogging is evidenced by a drop in flow or pressure and automatically initiates a cycle. Also, timing means is provided to initiate a purge cycle, if none has been performed in response to clogging within a predetermined time period. The improved hydrocyclone clarifier is also disclosed in a recirculating purification system including settling tanks.