Abstract: Liquid purification apparatuses and methods; an open filtration, treatment and siphon apparatus and process; a porous mass formation apparatus and process; and a liquid-solid separation apparatus and a process using a siphon member. In one embodiment, a liquid or liquid containing mass, gel, or mud having solids is contained in or introduced into an upper vessel. The liquid and particles of undissolved solids are drawn away from the upper vessel by siphonage. Particles of solids may either settle to the bottom of the upper vessel, remain in the liquid or mass, or float to the top of the surface in the upper vessel. Particles of undissolved solids may be deposited in a siphon member of porous media as the liquid and particles of undissolved solids flow through the porous media.

Abstract: A siphon fluid-solid separation apparatus and a process, wherein a liquid having undissolved solids is introduced into an upper vessel. The liquid and smaller particles of undissolved solids are drawn away from the larger particles of undissolved solids by siphonage. In one embodiment, the larger particles of undissolved solids settle to the bottom of the upper vessel. The smaller particles of undissolved solids are deposited in a porous medium as the liquid and smaller particles of undissolved solids flow through the porous medium by siphonage.