Abstract: A single, reverse osmosis membrane system having a double-pass, product-staged design using first and second banks of membranes in series, with excessive pressure supplied by the pump to the feed to the first bank so that the concentrate flow from the first bank will be at sufficient elevated pressure to drive a turbocharger for increasing the low pressure product flow sufficiently to pass through the second bank of membranes, the excess pressure on the first bank being balanced by increased osmotic pressure from feedback of concentrate flow from at least one of the banks to the feed supply. Preferably, part of the concentrate flow from the first bank is dried on a double drum dryer or a single drum flaker for recycle use or disposal. The membranes for the first set are high rejection, high pressure membranes. The membranes for the second set are low rejection, low pressure membranes.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating or handling scrap anodes are disclosed, which process comprises the steps of transporting scrap anodes suspended vertically from a pair of rails with their shoulder portions mounted on said rails by means of pushing projections mounted on a chain conveyer at intervals and in a downwardly protruding manner, said rails being provided under said chain conveyer; thrusting up the lower ends of the scrap anodes by means of a rotating plate during this transportation so that said scrap anodes may take a nearly horizontal position, said rotating plate being disposed under the rails and adapted for rotating vertically; thereafter moving said scrap anodes onto a supporting means provided adjacent to the rails and adapted to move horizontally by a working cylinder; hereupon stopping the scrap anodes and separating said supporting means from the scrap anodes thereby allowing them to drop down while maintaining their nearly horizontal position; receiving them on a receiving stand; turn