Abstract: The invention aims at enabling, in a catalytic decarbonation apparatus, inert particles coated with calcium carbonate to be constantly and systematically extracted from the reactor, with no risk of clogging the discharge pipes. Therefor, said pipes (7?a, 7?b) have an inside diameter ranging between 40 and 60 mm and they have a downward incline up to their connection to an outside discharge conduit (8?), except, possibly, a horizontal portion starting from the orifice through which they emerge into the reactor (1?).

Abstract: The invention aims at enabling, in a catalytic decarbonation apparatus, inert particles coated with calcium carbonate to be constantly and systematically extracted from the reactor, with no risk of clogging the discharge pipes. Therefor, said pipes (7?a, 7?b) have an inside diameter ranging between 40 and 60 mm and they have a downward incline up to their connection to an outside discharge conduit (8?), except, possibly, a horizontal portion starting from the orifice through which they emerge into the reactor (1?).

Abstract: A receptacle has therein a lower bed of mixed anionic and cationic ion exchange resins and an upper bed of cationic ion exchange resins. The upper bed rests directly on the lower bed without any mechanical separation therebetween. Regeneration of the upper bed is achieved by removing the upper bed from the receptacle without removal of the lower bed. An output is located adjacent the boundary between the upper and lower beds. Pressure is exerted on the upper surface of the upper bed, and simultaneously a thin substantially horizontal spray of water is directed along a horizontal plane which is adjacent the boundary, thereby directing the water spray and the cationic resins of the upper bed through the outlet. The cationic resins are regenerated and returned to the receptacle to reform the upper bed. Prior to return of the regenerated cationic ions, the lower bed is dried by draining water therefrom to prevent the returning cationic resins from mixing with the resins from the lower bed.

Abstract: A treatment column includes a treatment zone which is completely filled with a bed of granular treatment material. A normal treatment operation includes passing a fluid to be treated in a downward direction through the bed of treatment material, thereby treating the fluid. Solid particles suspended in the fluid are removed by the upper portion of the bed of treatment material and are retained therein. Regeneration of the bed is achieved in a countercurrent direction within the treatment column. Retained solid particles are removed from the upper portion of the bed by periodically removing the upper portion only of the bed from the treatment column and transferring such upper portion to a separate washing column whereat the portion of the bed is cleaned and washed. The thus cleaned and washed treatment material is then returned to the upper portion of the treatment zone within the treatment column to replenish the bed.