Abstract: A filter (10) includes a receptacle (12) defining a chamber (14). A granular filtering medium (16) is contained in the chamber (14) of the receptacle (12). A disrupter arrangement (18) is mounted in the chamber (14) of the receptacle (12), the disrupter arrangement (18) serving to disrupt agglomeration of the granular filtering medium (16) within the chamber (14) of the receptacle (12).

Abstract: An apparatus (12) for treating water, in particular for removing surfactants from waste water, includes a vessel (14), defining an inlet (16) for receiving waste water containing air bubbles, and an outlet (20) for the exit of water, following treatment. Inside the vessel there is at least one tubular member (50) having a lower open end (52) into which the flow of waste water from the inlet may be directed in use. The tubular member (50) extends from the inlet towards a top of the vessel where an upper exit (54) from the tubular member is defined. In use, most un-aerated water entering the vessel through the inlet can exit the tubular member at the lower open end. Foam formed in the water by the air bubbles may travel up the tubular member to the upper exit, which is preferably located above the water level (60) in the vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus that treats waste water, in particular waste water containing surfactants and including grey water, for local reuse. According to the invention, the process comprises a) collecting waste water in a reservoir; b) injecting gas into waste water from the reservoir to form bubbles in the waste water; c) separating the bubbles, and any entrained contaminants, from the waste water; d) drying the separated bubbles and returning any water recovered from the dried bubbles to the waste water undergoing treatment; e) optionally repeating steps b) to d) to achieve the desired purification of the waste water; and f) collecting the purified waste water. The invention provides a robust process and a mechanically simple apparatus that does not require regular replacement of chemicals or filters, yet is capable of treating waste water locally, and in particular grey water for household reuse.

Abstract: A filtration system (10) includes a filter (12) comprising a receptacle defining a chamber and a granular filtering medium contained in the chamber of the receptacle, the receptacle further defining an opening (22). An injection pump (26) is in communication with the opening (22) for injecting waste water to be treated into the chamber of the receptacle, the injection pump (26) being configured to pump the water into the chamber of the receptacle at a first flow rate. A discharge pump (32) is also in communication with the opening (22) for discharging water from the chamber of the receptacle, the discharge pump (32) being configured to discharge the water from the chamber of the receptacle at a second flow rate which is lower than the first flow rate of the injection pump (26).

Abstract: A filter (10) includes a receptacle (12) defining a chamber (14). A granular filtering medium (16) is contained in the chamber (14) of the receptacle (12). A disrupter arrangement (18) is mounted in the chamber (14) of the receptacle (12), the disrupter arrangement (18) serving to disrupt agglomeration of the granular filtering medium (16) within the chamber (14) of the receptacle (12).

Abstract: An apparatus (12) for treating water, in particular for removing surfactants from waste water, includes a vessel (14), defining an inlet (16) for receiving waste water containing air bubbles, and an outlet (20) for the exit of water, following treatment. Inside the vessel there is at least one tubular member (50) having a lower open end (52) into which the flow of waste water from the inlet may be directed in use. The tubular member (50) extends from the inlet towards a top of the vessel where an upper exit (54) from the tubular member is defined. In use, most un-aerated water entering the vessel through the inlet can exit the tubular member at the lower open end. Foam formed in the water by the air bubbles may travel up the tubular member to the upper exit, which is preferably located above the water level (60) in the vessel.

Abstract: An evaporator (10) includes a substantially plate-like body member (12) defining an operatively outer surface (14) and an operatively inner surface (16), both surfaces (14, 16) being substantially smooth to inhibit detritus from attaching to the body member (12). The body member (12) is shaped to cause incoming fluid from which heat is to be extracted, in use, to follow an extended, circuitous path past the body member (12) initially along the outer (surface 14) of the body member (12) prior to the fluid impinging on the inner surface (16) of the body member (12).