Abstract: The filtration rate of asbestos-cement slurries formed from chrysotile asbestos fibres is improved by controlled heat treatment of the fibres at a temperature of about 400.degree. to about 600.degree. C. without loss of water of crystallization and fibre strength. The improved filtration rate allows an increased rate of production of asbestos-cement products.

Abstract: Removal of nitrogenous and carbonaceous contaminants is carried out in a single sludge two-tank system by a symbiotic two-step process whereby the second tank mainly oxidizes ammonia to nitrate and the first tank mainly reduces nitrate to nitrogen gas. The biological sludge is the same in both tanks but different reactions occur as the mixed microbial population moves through various environmental conditions in the tanks. Most of the carbonaceous material is removed in the first tank by a combination of biological uptake with cell growth and use of the carbon as a final electron acceptor in respiratory denitrification.

Abstract: This invention provides a fluid shear device for emulsifying or mixing liquids, and also useful for deaeration. A central chamber with a tangential inlet has a forward wall perpendicular to the chamber axis and a rearward wall with a reverse curve in profile such that the rearward wall is more parallel to the forward wall in its outer portion than its inner portion. This produces a number of advantages in terms of pressure energy released, which energy is then available for the shearing and mixing function.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for purifying liquid such as water, in which an ultraviolet light source irradiates air passing through a first chamber surrounding the source, and then irradiates the liquid passing through the second chamber surrounding the first chamber. The air from the first chamber is ozonated by the U.V. light, and this air is bubbled into the water in the second chamber to maximize the purification through simultaneous ultraviolet and ozone exposure.

Abstract: This invention provides a wrist implant as part of an apparatus including tools for assembly and disassembly of the implant. The implant includes a radial component adapted for insertion in the radius, the radial component supporting a pin member with a waisted central location, a ring of low-friction material with a part-spherical outer surface and a central passageway complementary with the pin member so that it can be snap-fitted thereover, and a metacarpal component adapted to be inserted in the third metacarpal and defining a receiving portion which has a part-spherical cavity adapted to receive the ring snugly but rotatably.

Abstract: Chromium or other metal carbides are recovered from chromates or equivalent soluble metal salts in substantially pure form by solid state carburization. The chromates may be derived from low grade ore to provide an overall non-smelting procedure which is non-polluting. The carbide may be formed into sponge metal.

Abstract: A waste water treatment apparatus has a cylindrical container, an inverted funnel in the container defining a flow path for liquid through the container, an inlet communicating with the container outside the funnel and an outlet communicating with the container inside the funnel, a riser tube centrally and axially located within the container and having liquid discharge means communicating with the upper end thereof and a gas feed tube for discharge of gas into the riser tube at its lower end to draw material into and up the riser tube for discharge from the discharge means into liquid in the container outside the funnel.

Abstract: Mercury present in liquid effluents, for example, the effluent from a caustic-chlorine plant using a flowing mercury cathode, is removed by first converting the mercury to a metallic or soluble form and thereafter contacting the solution with tin-coated iron strips having tin-iron interfaces in contact with the solution. The invention also is applicable to the recovery of mercury from existing accumulations in water body sediment.

Abstract: Chromium or other metal carbides are recovered from chromates or equivalent soluble metal salts in substantially pure form by solid state carburization. The chromates may be derived from low grade ore to provide an overall non-smelting procedure which is non polluting. The carbide may be formed into sponge metal.

Abstract: A waste water treatment system for the renovation of waste water includes a four stage treatment for removal of gross solids, suspended, colloidal and dissolved organic matter, dissolved nitrogenous material, phosphates odor, color, coliform and residual solids.

Abstract: Metal values present as oxides, hydroxides or carbonates in ores or processed concentrates thereof are converted to the corresponding carbide by a solid state reaction with carbon, the carbide then is separated in substantially pure form and may be used directly as ferroalloy or may be converted to the metal.

Abstract: An on-site waste disposal system utilizes controlled incineration of solid wastes and economic heat recovery from flue gases to dispose of solid wastes from a high population dwelling area, such as an apartment building, to decrease substantially the volume and mass of solid wastes to be disposed of and provide a cool clean flue gas. The heat generated by the self-sustaining combustion of the solid wastes is used to heat hot water for the apartment building and, preferably purify waste water from an on-site sewage treatment system.

Abstract: Suspended and dissolved biodegradable carbonaceous materials and nitrogenous materials present as contaminants in waste water, typically in raw domestic or municipal sewage, are substantially removed by a one-stage treatment. The waste water is contacted with a mixture of activated carbon and microorganisms, known herein as activated sludge, having molecular oxygen absorbed therein, which results in adsorption and biooxidation of the carbonaceous material, biooxidation of non-nitrate nitrogenous material to nitrate and depletion of the molecular oxygen whereupon biological reduction of the nitrate to nitrogen gases occurs. The nitrogen gases are vented and the resulting treated water is separated from the activated sludge. Regeneration of the activated sludge may be achieved by air stripping, after which the regenerated activated sludge material may be recycled. Further, the treated water may be subjected to clarification to complete the biological reactions and to remove residual suspended solids.

Abstract: Fluorinated hydrocarbons are formed by electrofluorination of the corresponding parent hydrocarbon, typically butane, with hydrogen fluoride. The cell is maintained under superatmospheric pressure and typically at approximately room temperature. Conduction-improving additives are omitted and the electrode gap, turbulence and electrical energy input are controlled to provide improved yield and current efficiency.

Abstract: Concrete blocks and similar inorganic non-metallic building components may be provided with a glass coating on an external surface by flame spraying. The surface to be coated usually is heated prior to spraying.