Abstract: A method for filtering solids from a slurry includes placing a filter assembly into a filtration tank containing the slurry. The filter assembly includes a plurality of filter cells each having a filter medium at an exterior and a cavity at an interior. The solids are filtered by moving the slurry through the filter mediums into the interiors of the filter cells to form a filter cake at the exteriors of the filter cells. The filter assembly is moved while applying a vacuum to the interiors of the filter cells through a vacuum transfer system including a mobile part and a stationary part. The mobile part moves along with the filter assembly and is sealed with respect to the stationary part.

Abstract: A direct-fired evaporator includes a closed vessel into which a slurry feed of a slurry is provided. The vessel includes an outlet for concentrated product and an outlet for solvent vapor. A furnace extends through the vessel under a level of the slurry. A burner is positioned at an entrance to an interior of the furnace. An agitator is disposed in the vessel so as to agitate the slurry around an outer wall of the furnace. Flue gases from combustion are used as a heat-transfer medium for evaporating the slurry. The direct-fired evaporator can be used as a first effect in a multi-effect evaporation system.

Abstract: A method for filtering solids from a slurry includes placing a filter assembly into a filtration tank containing the slurry. The filter assembly includes a plurality of filter cells each having a filter medium at an exterior and a cavity at an interior. The solids are filtered by moving the slurry through the filter mediums into the interiors of the filter cells to form a filter cake at the exteriors of the filter cells. The filter assembly is moved while applying a vacuum to the interiors of the filter cells through a vacuum transfer system including a mobile part and a stationary part. The mobile part moves along with the filter assembly and is sealed with respect to the stationary part.

Abstract: A filter system for filtering solids includes a filtration tank for receiving a slurry containing the solids to be filtered. A filter assembly including a plurality of filter cells each having a filter medium at an exterior and a cavity at an interior is lowered into the filtration tank using a transport device carrying the filter assembly. A vacuum transfer system is connected to the filter assembly so as to transfer a vacuum to an interior of the filter cells. The vacuum transfer system is operable to perform the filtering and to retain the filtered solids while the transport device moves the filter assembly relative to the filtration tank.

Abstract: A direct-fired evaporator includes a closed vessel into which a slurry feed of a slurry is provided. The vessel includes an outlet for concentrated product and an outlet for solvent vapor. A furnace extends through the vessel under a level of the slurry. A burner is positioned at an entrance to an interior of the furnace. An agitator is disposed in the vessel so as to agitate the slurry around an outer wall of the furnace. Flue gases from combustion are used as a heat-transfer medium for evaporating the slurry. The direct-fired evaporator can be used as a first effect in a multi-effect evaporation system.

Abstract: A filter system for filtering solids includes a filtration tank for receiving a slurry containing the solids to be filtered. A filter assembly including a plurality of filter cells each having a filter medium at an exterior and a cavity at an interior is lowered into the filtration tank using a transport device carrying the filter assembly. A vacuum transfer system is connected to the filter assembly so as to transfer a vacuum to an interior of the filter cells. The vacuum transfer system is operable to perform the filtering and to retain the filtered solids while the transport device moves the filter assembly relative to the filtration tank.