Abstract: A flow distribution and control device for connection to a fluid supply includes an inlet assembly and an outlet assembly. A valve member is positioned in a flow path between the inlet and outlet assemblies and moves to an open position in response to increased differential pressure between the inlet and outlet assemblies. Discharge holes selectively permit communication between the inlet and outlet assemblies when the valve member is in the open position. A cylindrical flow distribution ring seated in the outlet assembly defines a radial collector gap that has a larger diameter than that of adjacent radial interior surfaces of the ring and inlet assembly. The flow path is open when the valve member is in an open position and at least one of the discharge holes is exposed to the collector gap.

Abstract: The following specification describes a hydrocyclone having a porous media forming a wall portion of the hydrocyclone for separating dissolved salt and other impurities from a water stream under centrifugal force.The hydrocyclone has an overflow port adjacent the cyclone base to provide an exit for the water stream containing a low proportion of salt and an underflow port adjacent the cone apex to provide an exit for a water stream containing a higher proportion of salt.

Abstract: Between the vertical tube walls and the blades of the rotating impeller are four vanes attached to the tube walls. In the area radially about the impeller, the vanes are pitched in a direction opposite to the pitch of the impeller blades. The impeller is rotated in a direction such as to force the water downwardly. The top of the tube is below the normal surface of the water and the vanes are inclined from the top to the bottom of the tube. The impeller is rotated at a speed sufficient to produce a vortex from the top of the tube to approximately the top of the impeller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring fluid flow by optically detecting the deflection of a tube extended transversely across a vessel normal to the direction of flow. A light source directs a beam of light axially into one end of the tube and the intensity of the beam is measured at the other end. Fluid flowing in the vessel tends to deflect the tube in the direction of flow thereby intercepting a portion of the beam and decreasing the intensity of light at the other end as a function of the rate of flow through the vessel.