Abstract: Provides a self-cleaning conic reaction chamber having specific multiple conduit connections, sealable closure, internal mixer, external vibrators and dependent sludge accumulator which chamber can be flow connected to readily available handling units to form a stepwise acid/iron/alkali assembly for treating contaminated liquid such as sewage or other waste water so as to obtain uncontaminated liquid and sterile sludge. Stepwise flow can be automated by adding stepping timer and electronic controller responsive to pH probes and pressure-, liquid level- and turbidity-sensors plus remote controlled valves, pumps, blowers and metering devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for step-wise purification treatment of contaminated polar liquid, such as water, by the procedure of U.S. Pat. No. 4,224,148, comprising successive flow-connected container units, electrically insulated from the ground, the sequential units providing: (a) macerating/distributing means for producing suspension of selected small-particle-size contaminant which will accept a galvanic charge, (b) means for maintaining acidic pH of 2 to 2.5 in presence of gaseous oxidizing agent, (c) source of soluble metal ions adapted to impart a galvanic charge on the small particles, plus subsequent aeration means, (d) means for introducing alkaline reagent while air blowing to restrain precipitation, (e) means for alkaline flocculation of separable particles, including pH control means and switch means for electrically grounding the liquid medium.

Abstract: Solid and/or dissolved contaminants are separated from a polar liquid such as water by providing in the contaminated liquid medium a galvanically charged particulate dispersion of defined size, concentration, density and free surface energy, and then flowing such loaded medium through successive treatment zones of an electrically insulated apparatus at a rate defined by dimensionless parameters such as Reynolds Numbers so as to prevent phase separation. Gaseous oxygen adheres to particle surfaces and oxidation is further promoted by bringing medium to pH 2.0 to 2.5 as with sulfur dioxide gas, plus exposure to action of heavy-metal ions such as ferrous/ferric. After air blowing, medium is neutralized and brought to pH 10-11 with continuous aeration of suspended flocculant, then treated with soda ash and optionally additional particulate (recycled sludge), and the contaminant matter then allowed to precipitate with concurrant galvanic grounding of the medium.