Abstract: Insoluble material is separated from a coal liquefaction product by gravity settling in at least two gravity settlers, with overflow from a previous settler being used as feed to the subsequent settler. A promoter liquid having characterization factor of at least 9.75, a 5 volume percent distillation temperature of at least 250.degree.F and a 95 volume percent distillation temperature of at least 350.degree.F. and no greater than 750.degree.F. is employed in each settler.

Abstract: A method and separator for removing sugar crystals from a syrup. The syrup is continuously delivered to a space defined by an inner conical first perforated wall subjected to air pressure and an outer conical second perforated wall coaxial with the inner conical wall and subjected to a vacuum from outwardly of the space containing the syrup. The perforations subjected to a vacuum are restricted by projections on a plate that extend axially into corresponding perforations and are movable axially therein to maintain these perforations unobstructed by sugar crystals. Rotationally driven scrapers scrape the inner surfaces of the second perforated wall in synchronism with the projections extending into the perforations.

Abstract: Method and means for separating emulsified and entrained oils from water, machine coolants, and substantially any other liquid comprising initially directing a flow stream into an inlet trap for removing relatively large particles from the flow stream, passing the flow stream through a centrifuge for removing substantially all of the entrained solids in the flow stream, moving the flow stream through a de-emulsifier for coalescing of the emulsified oil into droplets sufficiently large for processing in a separator and for filtering any remaining solids from the flow stream, providing a backwash action from the de-emulsifier for recycling of said finally removed solids through the centrifuge, passing the flow stream through a separator for separation of the oil from the other liquid components of the flow stream whereby the separated oil and clean effluent may be removed from the system.

Abstract: An oil-water separating method and apparatus utilizing the Coanda Effect separating oil from an oil-water mixture in a continuous manner. The device comprises a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port and a pair of offsetted walls. The oil-water mixture enters the housing parallel to the offsetted walls. A pair of concavely curved walls having an apex adjacent the inlet port splits the entering oil-water mixture into two sub-jets. Each sub-jet enters a bounded region where oil is separated from the water before the oil-water mixture exits the housing.

Abstract: A system for filtering hydraulic fluid wherein a high flow rate of uncontaminated fluid is required. A filling facility is provided for initial filling or for the addition of make-up fluid to the system which facility assures that such added fluid must pass through a filtration unit prior to integration with fluid already in the system. A by-pass valve is provided to provide pressure relief in the event that the filtration unit becomes clogged during use. The valve, along with an accompanying coarse filtration unit, are readily manually removable from the system for cleaning or repair.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for the moving-bed ion-exchange treatment of a salt-containing solution, especially for the treatment of the effluence of a fertilizer plant. The ion-contaminated aqueous solution is conducted through a first zone in an upright column containing the ion-exchange resin to remove contaminating ions. The liquid free from the contaminating ions is led from this zone and the bed is hydraulically displaced to a second zone in the bight between the aforementioned column and a second vertical column. In the bight, the bed is confined between two valve members and is rinsed and cooled with a rinsing and cooling liquid. The resin is then hydraulically displaced into the second column where it is treated with a regenerating solution, is then rinsed and is hydraulically transported to the first column.

Abstract: The invention is directed to process and apparatus for automatically restoring to usefulness spent cleaning and/or drying liquids comprising an aqueous phase and an oil phase, the latter comprising 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane, as the principal component, and a surfactant, said process and apparatus characterized in that electrical conductometric means, liquid level sensing means and time programmed means cooperate and automatically direct separation and removal means in the separation and removal of the aqueous phase from the oil phase, said process further characterized in that, optionally, at least one of the group consisting of 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane, surfactant and water is added to the oil phase, the amount of water added being insufficient to produce an aqueous phase, to restore the oil phase to usefulness as a cleaning and/or drying liquid.

Abstract: An oil-in-water monitor for monitoring the effluent of an oil-water separator. A pressure vessel coalesces oil from the effluent and gathers the oil in a collection section which is automatically emptied after an hour. If more than a predetermined amount of oil is gathered in the hour, an oil-sensing probe sends a signal to activate a warning light valve which permit pipes to return the effluent to the separator.If the effluent becomes too turbid, a turbidity senser activates an alarm and the valves which permit pipes to return the effluent to the separator.If the coalescer unit clogs, an indication is given by a differential pressure gauge.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating feed solution, such as chrome or nickel plating rinse solutions, into a concentrated liquor portion and a solvent portion, comprising vertical shell and tube evaporator means for generating a stream of vapor and entrained droplets; first impingement means for separating a first liquor portion from the stream; second impingement means for separating a second liquid portion from the stream; mesh entrainment pad means for separating a third liquor portion from the stream to form a stream consisting essentially of pure solvent vapor; reduced pressure generating means for drawing the stream from the evaporator tubes through the impingement and mesh entrainment pad; capacitance means for accumulating a preselected volume of the first, second, and third liquor portions above the lower end of the evaporator; and conduit means for recycling liquor from the capacitance means to the evaporator means.

Abstract: In a system for removing oil from oily water which employs an oil droplet coalescer, a ceramic dewaxer is inserted before the coalescer to remove waxes, asphalts, and similar materials which would otherwise quickly clog the fine holes of the coalescer. The "dirty" ceramic elements of the dewaxer may be easily and efficiently regenerated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter provided with a filter bed consisting of a granular material, which does not comprise layers of coarser material. In the filter bed at least one liquid distributor is arranged which defines an expansion space otherwise defined by areas of repose for the bed material, in which space at least one outflow opens above the areas of repose. The distributor is so designed, that the liquid can flow out of the openings with great energy and fill the cavity and fluidize the whole bed, which enables homogenous rinsing of the bed. The opening of the distributor is larger than the mean grain size of the filter bed material and allows fiber, pieces of plastic and similar impurities to pass through the distributor and be removed from the filter.

Abstract: The separation of a sample of blood into serum and clot portions is accomplished by means of a sealant consisting essentially of a silicone fluid and silica dispersed therein. The separation is accomplished by inserting a device containing a supply of the sealant into a container holding a sample of the blood, the device being characterized by a nozzle portion which extends into the sample. The container and device are centrifuged so that it separates into serum and clot portions and the sealant, having a specific gravity of at least 1.026, separates the two portions.

Abstract: Gravity settler comprised of a conical vessel positioned in the lower portion and surrounded by an ellipsoidal (preferably a sphere) housing whereby the settler has a spherically shaped upper portion and conically shaped lower portion. The settler is particularly suited for separating solids from a coal liquefaction product.

Abstract: Oil and other contaminants are removed from a surface of liquid e.g. in a settling tank of an internal combustion engine by a system incorporating a pump for circulating liquid through an annular nozzle disposed above the surface by floats. The nozzle directs a stream of liquid on to the surface and this stream carries contaminant below the surface where it is received by a nozzle communicating with a source of suction.

Abstract: There is disclosed a plunger and filter assembly for insertion into the end of a collector cylinder whereby the cylinder with the assembly may be inserted into a vial to skim off the fluid contents therein. A plunger member has a cylindrical shape and a central opening therethrough, one end of the plunger having a smaller diameter than the other end thereof for insertion into one end of a collector cylinder. The other end of the plunger member has a diameter larger than the collector cylinder to engage and seal the plunger member with the interior wall of a vial into which the collector cylinder with the plunger member installed therein may be inserted.

Abstract: An improved system for dewatering dilute slurries is disclosed. The system includes a spring-loaded sludge feed tray incorporating an adjustable flow splitter plug, along with spring-loaded sludge side guides. The sludge-cake compression section provides for a compression roller which is adjustable between two positions as a component in the backflushing of the sludge carrier screen using cake effluent. Also, a particular screen sludge solids loading range is employed which results in a significant improvement in performance and capacity of the dewatering system.

Abstract: Sludge containing metal hydroxide is first subject to a separation treatment where solid particles are removed, and then dewatered to obtain a greater concentration of the metal hydroxide. The dewatered sludge attains a thixotropic character whereupon it is applied to a carrier in a film-like manner. The film is heated and then sintered so as to achieve a metal oxide that is harmless and easily handable. The separation and dewatering steps of the process are carried out in a first apparatus having a suction drum surrounded by a filtering cloth that removes the water contained in the sludge and transfers it to a second apparatus having a rotating carrier for receiving on the circumference thereof the metal hydroxide in a film form, whereupon the film is heated during rotation of the carrier and sent to a sintering apparatus for conversion to a metal oxide in a granular or powder form.

Abstract: A filter assembly for trapping particulate contaminants in a flow of fluid includes a porous cylindrical filter element, a cylindrical screen and a by-pass valve for preventing flow blockage in the event the filter should become clogged. These components are arranged in a configuration which avoids difficulties encountered with prior systems by situating the screen downstream from both the filter element and the by-pass valve and in a separate compartment from the filter. Fluid which may be diverted from passage through the filter by the by-pass valve continues to pass through the screen so that relatively large contaminants continue to be entrapped but the diverted fluid does not pass by the contaminated surface of the clogged filter and thereby pick up previously trapped matter. Either the filter or the screen may be replaced, cleaned, or otherwise serviced without disturbing the other.

Abstract: An activated sludge treatment method and apparatus for the processing of sewage and other wastewater wherein a screening system is employed in combination with an aeration basin and a secondary clarifier. The screening device here employed is positioned to receive all or a part of the flow from the aeration basin for the removal of solids from this flow. The screened effluent is then directed to the secondary clarifier for the settling of remaining particles. The concentrate may be returned to the aeration basin as activated sludge or removed from the system as a means for controlling the amount of solids in the treatment system. The screening device includes a rotating screen structure having a distribution system located within the screen structure for distributing effluent from the aeration basin to the inner surfaces of the screens. Effluent passing through the screens is collected and directed to the secondary clarifier.

Abstract: Apparatus for dewatering agricultural effluent slurries comprises an endless belt dewatering screen of thin flexible inextensible material, and opposed pressure rollers to apply wringing pressure to the screen and slurry thereon. A rotary brush is provided to remove dewatered material from the screen and the slurry is aerated before entry on to the screen.