Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving high quality treatment of organic waste water (both domestic and industrial types), which can also be used to treat organically contaminated water supplies or to reduce hazardous organic wastes (cyanides, PCBs, etc.)The apparatus operates at elevated pressures (up to about 35 psig), at high levels of dissolved oxygen (over 5 PPM), and at high concentrations of activated sludge (about 10,000 mg/l, MLSS). It consists of four separate process compartments (2 aeration compartments, a separator and a clarifier) which are contained within three vessels or alternatively in two vessels. The process compartments are linked in series by passageways and by piping and are maintained at a uniform pressure using a common manifold.The process is designed for simplicity of operation, compactness, and maintenance by a single part time attendant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a continuous stream of organic wastewater using highly concentrated activated sludge (10,000 mg/l MLSS), elevated atmospheric pressure, and high levels of dissolved oxygen. The apparatus consists of three pressurized vessels linked in series by piping, and maintained at equal pressure by means of a common manifold.The first vessel receives the mixed liquor consisting of macerated sewage and return activated sludge and thoroughly aerates it with diffused air bubbles. The liquor then flows by gravity into the second pressurized vessel where flocculation and further aeration occur. From an overflow/transfer box in vessel 2, the liquor flows by gravity into the bottom tier of the third vessel which functions as a cyclone separator. The concentrate is drawn from the bottom of the vessel by a return sludge pump and recycled to the first vessel. The centrate rises into the upper tier of the third vessel where it is clarified and discharged as tertiary quality effluent.