Abstract: A microparticle filter suitable for filtering microparticles from effluent from a textile treatment apparatus. The filter comprises a filter chamber comprising chamber walls, an inlet and an outlet. The filter also comprises a filter medium contained within the filter chamber. The filter medium is configured to filter microparticles from the effluent forming a filter residue and providing a filtered effluent to the outlet. The filter comprises a filter residue collection chamber located external to the filter chamber, and a filter residue removal apparatus. The chamber walls comprise an opening and a moveable member movable between a first and a second configuration; wherein: in the first configuration the moveable member cooperates with the chamber walls to seal the filter chamber so entry of the effluent into the filter chamber is through the inlet only and exit of the filtered effluent from the filter chamber is through the outlet only.

Abstract: A method of treating a substrate with a solid particulate material and a treatment liquor comprising: agitating the substrate with said solid particulate material and said treatment liquor; and (a) separating the substrate from effluent comprising solid waste fragments derived from the substrate, said solid particulate material and the treatment liquor; (b) transferring said effluent to a hydrocyclone separator comprising an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet, wherein the effluent is fed into the hydrocyclone separator via the inlet; (c) separating the effluent in the hydrocyclone separator to produce a first stream and a second stream, wherein the first stream comprises said solid particulate material and exits the hydrocyclone separator via the first outlet and wherein the second stream comprises treatment liquor and solid waste fragments and exits the hydrocyclone separator via the second outlet; and (d) collecting the first stream after it exits the hydrocyclone separator via the first outlet.

Abstract: A method of treating a substrate with a solid particulate material and a treatment liquor comprising: agitating the substrate with said solid particulate material and said treatment liquor; and (a) separating the substrate from effluent comprising solid waste fragments derived from the substrate, said solid particulate material and the treatment liquor; (b) transferring said effluent to a hydrocyclone separator comprising an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet, wherein the effluent is fed into the hydrocyclone separator via the inlet; (c) separating the effluent in the hydrocyclone separator to produce a first stream and a second stream, wherein the first stream comprises said solid particulate material and exits the hydrocyclone separator via the first outlet and wherein the second stream comprises treatment liquor and solid waste fragments and exits the hydrocyclone separator via the second outlet; and (d) collecting the first stream after it exits the hydrocyclone separator via the first outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in the treatment of at least one substrate with a multiplicity of solid particles comprising: a) a housing (20) in which a drum (40) is rotatably mounted; b) a door (60) moveable between an open position wherein the at least one substrate can be placed in the drum and a closed position wherein the apparatus is substantially sealed; c) a separator (100) mounted in the door, wherein the separator comprises a perforated portion; d) a flow pathway pipe (110) mounted on or in the housing, wherein the flow pathway pipe comprises an outlet (140); and e) pumping means (210) configured to pump treatment liquor and a multiplicity of solid particles from a first location through the flow pathway pipe and out of the outlet towards the separator; wherein the separator is arranged to direct the multiplicity of solid particles into the drum and wherein the separator is further arranged to direct a portion of the treatment liquor to a location other than the drum.

Abstract: A friction grip for the handles of bats, rackets and the like which has a permanent tacky feel increasing in tackiness as the hands of a user heat up and perspire is provided by coating the handle with a composition having a synthetic rubber base, an anti oxidant such as zinc oxide, a hydrocarbon tackifier such as rosin, a thickener and anti-slip material such as flocked silica, a blend of slow and fast evaporating solvents, and a defoamer. The grip has an open pore surface, and is permanently bonded to the handle by a mere drying of the composition. The bat or racket handle is preferably composed of metal, such as magnesium, and coated with a plastics base paint providing a barrier between the grip material and the metal body.