Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material made of non-metallic inorganic grains and plastics particles. The composite material is particularly suitable as a carrier material for bacteria for use in sewage treatment plants. It is characterized by a large surface suitable for the colonization of bacteria and also by a density which allows the composite material to be suspended in the medium present in the sewage treatment plant. A further advantage of the composite material according to the invention is the property that due to the surface structure of the composite material adhering sludge and saturated bacteria can fall off its surface, and this thus allows regeneration of the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an inert porous material for desalination of water and in particular of sea water. In the method according to the invention, the inert porous material is impregnated with the saline water and brought into contact with dry air, which becomes enriched with water. This water-enriched air is cooled and the water it contains is condensed out and collected. The present invention also relates to an apparatus that is suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material made of non-metallic inorganic grains and plastics particles. The composite material is particularly suitable as a carrier material for bacteria for use in sewage treatment plants. It is characterized by a large surface suitable for the colonization of bacteria and also by a density which allows the composite material to be suspended in the medium present in the sewage treatment plant. A further advantage of the composite material according to the invention is the property that due to the surface structure of the composite material adhering sludge and saturated bacteria can fall off its surface, and this thus allows regeneration of the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerator consisting of a porous plastic moulded body with pores that are smaller on the air outflow side (A) than on the air inflow side (B) lying opposite. The inventive aerator is particularly suitable for use in sewage treatment plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic moulded body which comprises irregularly sintered granulate plastic particles having a density of 0.6 1.2 g/cm3 and a bulk density (DIN-ISO 60) of 150-250 g/l. The inventive plastic moulded bodies are extremely well-suited for use as a pre-filter material in the form of a bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerator consisting of a porous plastic moulded body with pores that are smaller on the air outflow side (A) than on the air inflow side (B) lying opposite. The inventive aerator is particularly suitable for use in sewage treatment plants.

Abstract: A ceramic material, includes SiO2 and Na2O and/or K2O. The material is characterized by a porosity of over 60% and by pores, more than 70% of which have a pore size ranging between 0.1 and 15 &mgr;m. The ceramic material can be used as filtering material, for water storage and as adsorbent material.

Abstract: A ceramic material, includes SiO2 and Na2O and/or K2O. The material is characterized by a porosity of over 60% and by pores, more than 70% of which have a pore size ranging between 0.1 and 15 &mgr;m. The ceramic material can be used as filtering material, for water storage and as adsorbent material.