Abstract: A process for producing bio-diesel is described in which a consolidator in the form of a hydrocyclone is located between the processor or reactor and a separator to improve the efficiency of the overall formation of bio-diesel. The present of the consolidator in which the major constituents of the bio-diesel is in one part or in one flow both within the consolidator and the by-products are in another part of flowpath within the consolidator acts to condition the mixture from the processor so that more efficient separation can take place in the separator thereby reducing the time taken to achieve separation of the bio-diesel component from the by-product.

Abstract: A water purification unit is described having a number of sub-assemblies arranged in a more or less modular arrangement including a compression unit and a sterilization unit. The water purification unit is operated at a throughput rate less than the maximum throughput rate so that the flow rate of raw water being treated by the water purification unit is as at a predetermined in order to reduce the effects of blinding of the filter. The sterilization rate is calculated in accordance with the predetermined first flow rate so that the dosage rate of sterilization agent remains substantially constant thereby avoiding fluctuations in the dosage rate so that the treated water has an amount of sterilizing agent within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for separating contaminants from waste material including waste water derived from a chemical processing or manufacturing plant, such as the waste water from a coconut processing plant. The separation method and apparatus involves the use of a mixer to aerate a partially treated waste water material prior to mixing the aerated material with a new supply of waste water to aerate the waste water feed supply for admission to a separation vessel in which the contaminants of the waste water are collected as sludge at the top of the aerated zone for disposal. The treated waste water now substantially free of contaminants is collected in a clean zone for discharge or recirculation. Prior to discharge the partially treated waste water in the clean zone can be recycled through a recirculation loop containing the mixer. The recirculation loop can be operated independently of the rate of supply of new waste water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for separating contaminants from waste material including waste water derived from a chemical processing or manufacturing plant, such as the waste water from a coconut processing plant. The separation method and apparatus involves the use of a mixer to aerate a partially treated waste water material prior to mixing the aerated material with a new supply of waste water to aerate the waste water feed supply for admission to a separation vessel in which the contaminants of the waste water are collected as sludge at the top of the aerated zone for disposal. The treated waste water now substantially free of contaminants is collected in a clean zone for discharge or recirculation. Prior to discharge the partially treated waste water in the clean zone can be recycled through a recirculation loop containing the mixer. The recirculation loop can be operated independently of the rate of supply of new waste water.