Abstract: A method of limiting articulation of a chain joint in a chain assembly using plurality of chain plates. The chain plates prevent articulation of the chain assembly in one direction. The chain plates, as an example, include a neck portion and a body portion. The neck portion has a width less than a width between a pair of first side bars. The first side bars have end portions mounted on a chain barrel. The neck portion is attached to the first side bars. Also, a pair of second side bars are mounted on the chain barrel. The body portion of the chain plate has a width greater than a width between the second side bars. The body portion rest on top of a portion of the second side bars and prevents joint articulation of the second side bars in one direction during the movement of the chain assembly.

Abstract: A method for treating waste water and sewage by introducing high pressure wash water or other fluids including gas into a housing of a hydro-cyclone and creating a cyclone with an enhanced and controllable vortex for increased removal of putrescible materials. Waste water and sewage is introduced into the housing and into the cyclone vortex. By the very high centrifugal force generated, suspended inorganic grit is quickly separated from the wash water and organic matter. The water with organic matter is then discharged typically out of the top of the housing, for returning to a water treatment plant for further processing. At this time, the separated inorganic grit, as a concentrated grit liquid, is typically funneled downwardly by gravity through a bottom of the hydro-cyclone housing for waste discharge removal.

Abstract: A grit removal device, as may be used in a water or wastewater treatment plant, has a vortex grit collector and a mechanical conveyor for removing the grit from the collector. The grit collector includes a tank having an influent channel and an effluent channel, and a stirrer or other mechanism for inducing vortex flow within the tank. The tank has a sump located beneath it, wherein grit settles. A mechanical conveyor, such as a rotating screw, removes and dewaters grit from the sump to an exterior location. The conveyor is preferably offset from the horizontal. The invention also includes a method of grit removal employing the device.

Abstract: A grit removal device, as may be used in a water or wastewater treatment plant, has a vortex grit collector and a mechanical conveyor for removing the grit from the collector. The grit collector includes a tank having an influent channel and an effluent channel, and a stirrer or other mechanism for inducing vortex flow within the tank. The tank has a sump located beneath it, wherein grit settles. A mechanical conveyor, such as a rotating screw, removes and dewaters grit from the sump to an exterior location. The conveyor is preferably offset from the horizontal. The invention also includes a method of grit removal employing the device.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for clearing debris from fluid channels. In one embodiment, the device has a fixed screening member that is permeable in part wherein debris will collect. A movable scraper then scrapes along the screen and removes the debris therefrom and transports the debris to a desired location. In embodiments of the invention, the surface that comprises the screening member may be arcuate, and may be a surface of revolution. Different portions of the screening member may or may not be permeable. The invention may also include an overflow mechanism where overflow water is diverted into a separate unscreened fluid stream. Further, the invention may be suitable for use within a sump.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for clearing debris from fluid channels. In one embodiment, the device has a fixed screening member that is permeable in part wherein debris will collect. A movable scraper then scrapes along the screen and removes the debris therefrom and transports the debris to a desired location. In embodiments of the invention, the surface that comprises the screening member may be arcuate, and may be a surface of revolution. Different portions of the screening member may or may not be permeable. The invention may also include an overflow mechanism where overflow water is diverted into a separate unscreened fluid stream. Further, the invention may be suitable for use within a sump.

Abstract: A screening device useful in water and waste water treatment plants separates fluid flow into two streams. The screening device is perforated so that solids having a predetermined cross-section will be maintained within a first fluid stream, and a portion of the fluid flow that has been screened of solids will flow into a second split-off fluid flow. The streams may go to different locations; only the first stream need be processed for the solids. The screening device is preferably cylindrical or another surface of rotation or a section of such a surface, and rotates. These features help maintain the screening device free of solids, and supplemental cleaning devices may also be used.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a bar rack of the type used as a screen to remove solid objects from the inlet of a water or waste treatment plant. Such devices typically have rake and a motor to drive the rake up and down the screen; the motor being connected to the rake via a rake arm. The disclosed rake arm has a variable length in response to contact between the rake arm or the rake with an object fixed to the screen or resting on the channel floor. This variable length allows the motor to drive the rake without interruption to its normal operation. Such device has particular utility in a front cleaned rack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the fluid flow through a waste fluid inlet channel, such as for a sewage treatment plant, includes a weir that may be inserted into the channel. The weir may be one or more plates that serve to reduce the effective cross section of the channel. The plates may be shaped so that the channel is more restricted at greater depths, or may be combined to form such other shape, in order to provide desirable flow patterns. Plates may be added, removed, or exchanged with different sized plates, to accommodate a range of fluid volume at a desired flow rate. The plates may combine with a bar rack, and will not interfere with the cleaning thereof. The plates may be positioned to allow grit to flow through without impediment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the fluid flow through a waste fluid inlet channel, such as for a sewage treatment plant, includes a weir that may be inserted into the channel. The weir may be one or more plates that serve to reduce the effective cross section of the channel. The plates may be shaped so that the channel is more restricted at greater depths, or may be combined to form such other shape, in order to provide desirable flow patterns. Plates may be added, removed, or exchanged with different sized plates, to accommodate a range of fluid volume at a desired flow rate. The plates may combine with a bar rack, and will not interfere with the cleaning thereof. The plates may be positioned to allow grit to flow through without impediment.

Abstract: A grit chamber for removing grit and other dense inorganic materials from a waste water stream in a waste water treatment facility. The grit chamber includes an upper settling chamber and a lower grit collection chamber, separated by a divider with one or more holes therethrough near the center portion to allow grit to pass. The settling chamber is substantially cylindrical, but with a transition curve connecting the inlet to the cylindrical portion, to assist in the production of a forced vortex with a minimum of turbulence.

Abstract: A self-relieving bar screen, for intercepting debris moved by a liquid through a conduit into a space having a greater lateral dimension, includes a series of bars disposed in spaced lateral relation in a position normally opposite the discharge end of the conduit, with a lower, generally forwardly extending portion of each bar below the lower edge of the conduit and a generally upwardly portion extending up to opposite the upper edge of the conduit. The series of bars extend laterally past each side of the conduit but for a distance less than the width of the wall at which the conduit terminates. The side spaces thus provided permit liquid to flow to each side of the bars, in the event debris accumulates on the bars and may otherwise tend to obstruct the flow of liquid. The bar screen may be moved upwardly periodically with the debris collected thereby and emptied into a receptacle or the like, through a pivotal rake which is specially positioned.