Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary switching device having a conical chamber permitting modification of the supply to the apparatus to which it is allocated, by reversing the fluids or the directions of circulation of the fluids in the ducts.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for feeding a rotary filter with suspension by continuous flow to separate the solid and liquid phases of the suspension. The rotary filter apparatus includes at least one disc having filtering surfaces formed of a plurality of sectors fixed on a hollow horizontal driveshaft passing through the axis of the disc. The sectors are arranged to dip sequentially into a trough containing the suspension. The driveshaft serves for discharge of the liquid phase, and includes distributor means providing filtration, drainage and blowing stages acting sequentially on the sectors during the rotation of the discs.

Abstract: A filtration sector for making up a filtration disc comprising a rigid frame imparting its shape thereto, supports for filter cloth within the frame and a member for connection to a hollow driveshaft of a rotary filter, said shaft containing liquid and gaseous fluid collectors, which is characterized in that said sector is of an increasing internal thickness from its peripheral end to its end in the vicinity of the hollow driveshaft (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a liquid phase which may include solid materials between a fixed wall and a rotary member passing therethrough. A seal is thereby provided which eliminates friction while accepting limited leakage of the liquid phase. The apparatus includes:(a) a partition member which is fixed with respect to the rotary member and the periphery of which has at least one planar surface which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotary member. This forms a bearing surface, and a surface which is concentric to the axis and which is joined to the bearing surface;(b) a retaining ring which is positioned on the planar surface and the concentric surface of the partition member, and which is fixed with respect to the rotary member; and,(c) a collar joined to the wall and having an inside diameter that is at least equal to the outside diameter of the ring.