Abstract: A sludge reduction system that reduces the volume of solids contained in a fluid medium such as a wastewater stream. The system reduces the disposal burden and reduces odors by oxidizing organic material such as raw or activated sludge in an ozone oxidation zone and then separating the concentrated sludge for extraction in a concentrated sludge extraction zone. The sludge reduction system is particularly useful in applications such as cruise ships because (1) the reduction of sludge saves space and energy costs, and (2) the reduction of odors permits shipboard treatment rather than holding in tanks for later discharge.

Abstract: Shipboard wastewater undergoes treatment within an automatic system based on membrane bioreactor technology. Bacteria that are naturally present in the raw waste stream break down during treatment and consume organic material in the wastewater. Membranes in a bioreactor within which the wastewater is treated provide a physical barrier, retaining the bacteria and other solids while producing an effluent sufficiently clean to be discharged directly overboard. To ensure adequate treatment, a flow-through ultraviolet disinfection unit is employed in the system downstream of filtration. Inorganic and other non-biodegradable material that accumulates in the bioreactor with time is removed automatically to maintain the desired solids concentration in the bioreactor.

Abstract: The invention features implementation of a flat triangular blade which has wo cutting edges and a sharp point. The blade is caused to move pointwise across a cylindrical can's diameter, with the plane of the blade perpendicular to the can's axis, so that the point pierces the can, the two cutting edges slice through the can in both directions around the can's circumference, and the point again, diametrically oppositely, pierces the can. The inventive removal of the residual contents and propellants from a spent aerosol can is optimally effective, because the invention divides the can into two separate parts, concomitantly subdividing the can's internal components.

Abstract: A pulper includes a pulping chamber, a pulping mechanism, and a non-pulpas collection chamber attached to a bottom of the pulping chamber below a top of the pulping mechanism in an annular area outside of the pulping mechanism. The collection chamber includes a container with openings at first and second ends; a basket having an opening at a first end and disposed inside the container wherein at least a bottom portion of the basket includes perforations; a pipe connection located at the second end of the container; means for removing the basket from the container; and means for preventing material from entering a space between the basket and the container; wherein the first end of the container is inserted into the pulping chamber. The collection chamber does not interfere with the fluid flow around the pulping mechanism and can collect a relatively large amount of non-pulpables without requiring pulper shutdown.

Abstract: A pulper includes a pulping chamber, a pulping mechanism, and a non-pulpas collection chamber attached to a bottom of the pulping chamber below a top of the pulping mechanism in an annular area outside of the pulping mechanism. The collection chamber includes a container with openings at first and second ends; a basket having an opening at a first end and disposed inside the container wherein at least a bottom portion of the basket includes perforations; a pipe connection located at the second end of the container; means for removing the basket from the container; and means for preventing material from entering a space between the basket and the container; wherein the first end of the container is inserted into the pulping chamber. The collection chamber does not interfere with the fluid flow around the pulping mechanism and can collect a relatively large amount of non-pulpables without requiring pulper shutdown.

Abstract: A solid waste pulper including a pulping chamber, oriented at an angle, hng a first inlet port for introducing solid waste material to be pulped, and a second inlet port in the pulping chamber for introducing water into the chamber. A blade assembly, preferably formed of a plurality of rotatable blades and a plurality of fixed blades, is mounted in the chamber for pulping the solid waste material introduced in the chamber, the water mixing with the pulped waste material to form a slurry. A sizing ring is provided in the pulping chamber through which the slurry must pass to be discharged, the sizing ring having a predetermined area for limiting the size of the pulped waste material in the slurry which can be discharged from the pulping chamber.