Abstract: A system and apparatus are disclosed for removing particles from suspension in a liquid, particularly for removing tall oil soap particles from black liquor. The black liquor flows along a fluid flow path (10) which runs between a source of black liquor and a skimming tank. Two electrodes (16, 18) are disposed one downstream of the other within the fluid flow path (10). A power supply (26) applies an electrical potential between the electrodes (16, 18). The downstream electrode (18) is connected to earth ground (36). It has been found that this earth ground connection (36) provides substantial improvements in the quality and quantity of recovered tall oil soap.

Abstract: An apparatus for a wheeled vehicle for slashing pine trees to enhance the production by natural means of terpenoid materials, and comprising a tree slashing device pivotally mounted at the end of an arm extending from the vehicle, and irritant applicator also carried on said tree slashing device for applying an irritant material to the freshly slashed wound in the stem of the tree.