Abstract: The efficiency of operation of vortex grit removal devices, typically used in wastewater treatment plants, is improved by measuring changes in the vertical level of liquid contained in the device as the grit removal operation progresses and using such level change measurements to automatically control the speed of rotation of the grit remover's rotor used to impart vortical motion to such body of liquid. Devices for performing such improved vortex grit removal operations are disclosed.

Abstract: A chromatographic separation apparatus having a packed column comprising a packed layer, a retained liquid layer above the packed layer, and liquid-feed piping connected to a space above the retained liquid layer and having a flow controller: comprising flow-liquid discharge piping being connected to the bottom of the packed column and having a flow controller, a liquid-level detecting element being provided at the top of the packed column, and a plurality of interface-detecting elements being provided at the inside wall of the packed column; and electrical connection being made so that a first electric signal of the height of the packed layer is transmitted from the interface-detecting element to a controller constituted of a signal converter, an electric current generator, an addition-computing element, and an adjuster; and a second electric signal is transferred from the liquid-level detector provided at the top of the column to the adjuster; and output signal is transmitted from the adjuster to the first

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing gray water from showers and the like and reclaiming the cleansed water for reuse comprises a receptacle and a conduit for delivering gray water to the receptacle. A sensor detects flow of gray water into the receptacle and injects cleansing agents into the flow in response to such detection. A drain conduit communicates with the upper portion of the receptacle for extracting floating contaminants from the surface of gray water therein and a valved conduit communicates with the bottom of the receptacle for selectively extracting sinking contaminates thereform. A pump is adapted to draw the resulting cleansed gray water from the receptacle and deliver it to a remote location for reuse as, for example, in flushing toilets.

Abstract: An apparatus for recycling autologous blood from a patient for reinfusion back to the patient comprising suction means, admixing means for admixing aspirated blood with a washing fluid, filtering means for filtering the admixture through an emboli filter and a membrane filter, monitoring means for measuring the amount of cellular component volume in the filtered blood, filtration means for removing excess fluid and particulates from the blood, and reinfusion means is disclosed. Embodiments for use during surgery for on-line purification and reinfusion on a real time basis are disclosed along with embodiments for use post-surgically when the wound site is closed and drainage tubing has been implanted at the wound site to draw off blood post-surgically. Methods for performing the autotransfusion process are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the automatic removal of water collecting in a fuel filter having a water separator. The evacuation takes place by means of a piston acted upon by a pressure medium, preferably a fuel pressurized by the pressure of the fuel pump, the piston being guided in the container of the fuel filter containing the water. It is particularly advantageous for an already existing drive to be usable for producing the pressure medium and that therefore a simple and inexpensive solution is offered for the removal of the water.

Abstract: A control system for an in-well pump for recovery of hydrocarbons which are lighter than water. Two electrical probes and a float switch are used to control the automatic raising and lowering of the pump within the well to always maintain its input within the hydrocarbon layer. The pump is also controlled so that it only operates when its input is within the hydrocarbons to assure that it does not pump water and that it is not operated in air.

Abstract: An automated chemical dispenser for the dispensation of a chemical into a liquid whereby premature contact of the chemical with the liquid's condensate is to be avoided. The device is, for example, especially well suited for the dispensation of sodium dichlor granules into swimming pool water as it is not susceptible to malfunction due to encrustment. A ganged valve arrangement is actuated from above to prevent any deposition of chemical on the actuation mechanism and thereby allows the chemical to freely drop into water filling a mixing basin situated directly therebelow. The actuation of critical valves at the proper moment and in a preselected sequence is governed by a controller that is preferably prompted by a sensor probe disposed within the dispenser that is capable of accurately monitoring the chemical's concentration within the pool.

Abstract: A method for treating water with ozone in which a countercurrent flow of liquids is established within a treatment vessel to insure intimate contact and substantial contact time between ozone and water. The ozone and water are first pre-mixed by passing the ozone through a diffuser into a moving stream of water and the mixture is circulated in a tortuous path through a coil and discharged at the end of the diffuser coil through a number of orifices into the lower portion of the treatment vessel in a generally upwardly and outwardly direction with respect to the vertical axis of the treatment tank. Treated water suitable for bottling and storage is withdrawn from the bottom of the treatment vessel at an elevation below that of the discharge orifices to establish a countercurrent flow between the incoming and outgoing fluids.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is provided a method and apparatus for removing hydrocarbons or other lighter than water pollutants from a water table by drilling a well to a depth below the surface of an underground water table; positioning a vessel having a negative buoyancy in fluid in the well; positioning an inlet into the vessel at a location below the surface of hydrocarbons floating on the surface of the water table and above the interface between the upper surface of the water and the lower surface of the hydrocarbon material; establishing a low liquid level in the vessel; establishing a high liquid level in the vessel; positioning the inlet to a pump in the vessel below the low liquid level; energizing the pump to remove liquid from the vessel when fluid reaches the high liquid level and deenergizing the pump when the surface of the liquid reaches the low liquid level but above the pump inlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new and improved apparatus for removing suspended matter from liquid. The apparatus has a single cell vertical cylindrical hydraulic flotation vessel which is provided with a separation wall to separate a lower gasification chamber from a middle degasification chamber and an upper gas chamber. A number of alternative arrangements are provided for controlling skim collection through controlling volume of liquid within the vessel and changing the volume of liquid through the use of adjustable timer which intermittently sends signals to outlet valves of the skim collection outlet or of the treated liquid outlet.The invention provides for alternative arrangement of introducing liquid into the vessel, so as to achieve more intimate mixing of gas and liquid introduced into the vessel.

Abstract: A sewage treatment plant for use aboard ship comprises a vacuum assisted fresh water flush system delivering sewage to a collection tank. Sewage is collected from the collection tank in batches for treatment. The sewage first enters a settlement tank and is then transferred to an aeration tank. After aeration, treated sewage is then transferred out in batches. The batch processing overcomes the difficulties of operating a continuous flow arrangement on a moving platform where liquid can move back and forth, which presents difficulties in controlling the level of biological activity. A controlled amount of sewage transferred to the aeration tank is diluted with grey water. A sludge storage tank is provided and suspended solids probes are provided in the aeration and settlement tanks such that sludge is automatically withdrawn from these tanks to the storage tank to maintain the level of suspended solids within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A floating layer recovery apparatus is disclosed for selectively pumping a liquid floating on groundwater. The apparatus preferably includes a first float which is buoyant in the floating layer attached by a guide to a bottom float which has neutral buoyancy in the groundwater. A middle float is slidably attached to the guide for upward and downward movement between the first and bottom floats. The middle float being an inlet is constructed to have an effective density in the assembly such that it rests at a point where its inlet is near the bottom of the floating layer. Coiled conduits disposed above and below the bottom float carry the floating layer liquid received by the inlet to a pump disposed below. The pump then pumps the floating layer liquid from the conduit to the ground surface. In a preferred embodiment, more precise control over the level of the inlet port is achieved by means of an adjustable inlet port means.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for removal of suspended matter from a liquid, such as used for treatment of oil containing water. A cylindrical horizontal vessel is divided into a single gasification chamber and a single degasification chamber by a partition which extends through the interior chamber of the vessel and allows fluid communication between the two chambers. A liquid to be treated is introduced through distribution header(s) adjacent a bottom of the vessel and/or an alternative inlet nozzle which is combined with a gas eductor in order to achieve a more intimate mixture of the gas and liquid. The gas eductor has its outlet slightly above the outlet of the distribution headers.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-contained residential and commercial treatment system which is capable of purifying waste water and then distributing the purified water by means of a sprinkler system or a drip feed irrigation system or of recycling the purified water in some manner.

Abstract: Apparatus for dewatering radioactive waste slurry solids. The apparatus includes a vacuum pump for applying a vacuum to a suitable flexible filter and collapsible membrane combination in which the slurry solids are contained so that the slurry solids are compressively dewatered when the vacuum is applied. The apparatus further includes a container for suitably storing the resulting dewatered slurry solids.

Abstract: A cyclone separator comprising an elongated separating chamber having a longitudinal axis of symmetry between opposite first and second ends, the separator including at least one feed inlet (3) adjacent the first end and at least two outlets (4), (5), the cyclone separator being characterized by the provision of control means (12) which is adapted to vary the cross-sectional dimension of the or one or more of the feed inlets (3).

Abstract: A system, method and device for continuous mass transfer in fluids, such as blond. A mass transfer device is connected in a closed path between a blood source and a reservoir. Pumps and valves are provided to move the blood through the mass transfer device sequentially in a first path from the blood source to the reservoir and in a second pass from the reservoir to the blood source. Material may be added to the blood flowing from the source. The mass transfer device may be a fractionating device, In that case the system and method may be used for plasma collection, or for displacement of water preparatory to freezing of the blood, or for the formation of washed blood cells from either whole blood or thawed blood. The system and method may be used for hemodialysis, in which case the mass transfer device is a dialyzer.The fractionating device includes interleaved blood plates and blood fraction collection plates separated by semipermeable membranes.

Abstract: In a suction apparatus (1) for sucking up wet and/or dry suction material there is a single suction chamber (6) having an approximately constant inside diameter over its entire height forming in the bottom region a preseparating chamber (9) for heavier parts and optionally liquid, as well as spaced above the same in the top area a filter chamber (10) for receiving a wet or a dry filter (11) for filtering before or after the preseparation. The main container (2) forming the suction chamber (6) and to be opened level with filter (11) is immediately adjacent to an electromotive exhauster unit (3) relative to which it can be tilted for emptying the preseparation chamber (9). So that the filter (11) is not subject to liquid or heavier parts to be preseparated, there is an adjustable fill level limiting device (25) with a limit switch (26) directly responding to the suction material, which switches off when the exhauster unit (3) responds and then automatically switches in again.

Abstract: A filter used for separating solids from liquids, the filter having a surface on which a filter cake is formed with the solids and being adapted to treat said cake. The filter utilizes a housing; a stirring apparatus disposed within the housing, said apparatus including stirring arms and a first motor for rotating the arms; and at least one second motor for raising and lower the apparatus. The second motor includes a hydraulic cylinder having a piston which is raised and lowered by hydraulic pressure. The piston is connected to the apparatus to raise and lower the apparatus in accordance with the movement of the piston. The cylinder has a first port above the piston and a second port below the piston. The piston is raised when the pressure applied at the second port is higher than that applied at the first port, and is lowered to lower the apparatus when the pressure applied at the first port is higher than that applied at the second port.

Abstract: A vending or dispensing system for providing purified water in response to a customer request is described. The water dispensing system has a water reservoir or tank containing first stage purified water and is provided with a subsystem for circulating water from the reservoir through a microbial sterilizer on at least a periodic basis for a predetermined period of time to maintain water quality within the tank. In one aspect, the water is passed through the microbial sterilizer before entering the tank for the first time as first stage water. Additional features described to insure water purity include flushing or rinsing the lines between a first stage water purification mechanism and the water reservoir prior to topping off the reservoir with purified water, and providing control mechanisms for ensuring that sump liquid cannot be suctioned back into the system.

Abstract: A waste water treatment plant of simple design and high efficiency which is particularly adapted for use in small communities is described. The plant comprises a reaction tank and an aeration tank, inlet means to admit raw waste water continuously into the reaction tank, a first airlift pump or a penstock to transfer waste water intermittently from the reaction tank to the aeration tank to displace treated waste water therefrom through an outlet, aerators to aerate the aeration tank when the first airlift pump or penstock is inoperative, a second pump for transferring sludge and waste water from the aeration tank to the reaction tank after the first airlift pump has ceased operation and before the aerator is actuated, and control means to stop the aeration in sufficient time before actuation of the first airlift pump or penstock to allow substantial settling of the sludge in the aeration tank.

Abstract: A liquid separator allows a mixture of oil and water to separate, then discharges the two fractions. A separating tank is automatically filled when a float indicates a low level. A second float is close to the bottom of the tank and has a density such that the float will just float in water. The presence of oil causes the second float to sink; and, a switch connected to the float operates either a water valve when the float rises, or an oil pump when the density is low. Lowering of the level by discharging fractions causes the first float to indicate a low level to fill the tank again.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for the biological purification of water by means of a closed percolating filter operated with pure oxygen and/or air, and an upward-flow filter disposed downstream of the percolating filter, with flotation filter material therein, saturation of the gas cushion predominantly containing oxygen in the percolating filter is controlled by selection of the operating pressure in such a fashion that the oxygen supply corresponds to the biochemical oxygen demand of the water on the one hand, while on the other hand a residual oxygen content dissolved in the water permits continuation with a biological fine purification operation in the upward-flow filter. The apparatus comprises a first chamber with the percolating filter, the water flowing downwardly therethrough, and a second chamber with filter material through which the water flows upwardly.

Abstract: Water clarifying apparatus has a cylindrical tank where particulate contaminants suspended in raw water are separated using flotation techniques. A set of concentric mutually spaced, conical plates are positioned in the flotation tank. The plates rotate about the tank, preferably in unison with a (i) header that distributes equal quantities of raw water to each annular zone in the tank defined by the conical plates and (ii) a scoop for removing the contaminants which form a floated sludge layer. A screw conveyor is located in a discharge pipe of the floated sludge scoop. A infrared sludge detection array in a window in the side wall of the tank senses the sludge-water interface. Air dissolving tubes operating in parallel have common feeds and discharges coupled through three way valves operated to pressurize a closed volume of water with high pressure air in one tube while reloading and discharging the other tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing and analyzing blood serum includes an input rack for holding test tubes containing whole blood specimens and separator gel, a centrifuge, an optical sensing unit for receiving centrifuged test tubes and generating output signals indicative of whether the centrifuging was successful and, if it was, the boundary position between the separator gel and the blood serum, and a computer connected to receive and analyze the output signals of the optical sensing unit. An aspirator/dispenser needle unit is positioned above the sensing unit and is capable of lowering a needle, under the control of the computer, to puncture the stopper of a test tube and then withdraw blood serum.

Abstract: A filter unit using a bump-type filter is disclosed. Briefly stated, a chamber has a fluid inlet conduit so that contaminated fluid, upon entering the chamber, is directed upwardly towards filter tubes and downwardly towards the bottom of the chamber. The fluid flow is diverted during startup so as to be directed only downward. A bump handle is disposed between two fluid outlet conduits such that one is opened and the other is closed and the reverse when the bump handle is in a first or second corresponding position. A plurality of microswitches are utilized so that the pump is not enabled during bumping or when a dump valve is open, but is enabled during system operation or startup.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of waste water above ground is disclosed. Effluent is deposited in a first tank wherein solids are broken down and liquified by a primary preconditioning unit. The preconditioned effluent is transferred to a second tank. A secondary conditioning unit in the second tank suspends liquid and solid particles in the tank air and vapor, vaporizes the suspended liquid and any entrained solid particulate material, and then discharges the vaporized material into the ambient atmosphere. An automatic control means senses vapor temperature and operates a stack damper and vacuum means which causes the vapor stream, thus preventing escape of non heat-treated vaporized materials. Another automatic control means activate the secondary treatment unit heater only when the liquid level of the second tank is within a preselected range.

Abstract: An interceptor for the continuous removal of solid matter from a mixture of solids and liquids includes a screening drum rotating while in operation in a given direction of rotation. The mixture is fed to the outer surface of the jacket of the drum, whereby the liquid enters the drum and solid matter remains on the outer surface of the drum jacket. A solids discharge device is provided adjacent the outer surface of the drum to remove deposited solid matter. At least the lower half of the screening drum is surrounded by a tank to which a mixture inlet is connected. A liquid outlet is connected to the interior of the screening drum. The level of the mixture in the tank is controlled in such a way that it is above the level of the cleansed liquid inside the screening drum. The mixture introduced into a flow chamber surrounding the drum jacket flows substantially in the same direction as the direction of rotation of the drum.

Abstract: A water purifier to purify drinkable water, comprising a packed filter chamber, jet type oxygen dissolution chamber, UV lamp sterilization chamber, water circulation and drainage structure, water supply structure and a control circuit. Such an arrangement removes high polymer hydrocarbon pollutants, low polymer trihalo-methane pollutants, and other soluble or insoluble pollutants such as mineral substances, metal salts or other impurities in the water.

Abstract: A filter centrifuge has a feeler arm which contacts the free surface of the centrifuge contents to signify by the angular displacement of the arm, the thickness of the layer of contents in the filter drum. On the contact surface of the filter arm, at least one sensor is provided which is responsive to a characteristic of the material constructed by the arm for signalling the nature of the material.

Abstract: Gaseous ozone is admixed and stored with water under such conditions that the density of ozone in the water is increased above the normally obtained and held stabily at such levels so that it may be efficiently transported through the processing plant being cleaned. Specifically, the present invention provides for the chilling of the ozone and water carrier to increase density and permit the subsequent increase in temperature to cause propulsion of the water and ozone through the plant to be cleaned in-place.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of removing lead contaminants from drinking water wherein the apparatus includes a first lead-separator tank which receives water from an incoming line. Lead particles are allowed to settle to the bottom of the first separator tank for sequential deposit in a waste tank. A second lead-separator tank receives water from the first tank by means of a mist spray. Lead particles are further precipitated and collected at the bottom of the second tank, and again are sequentially discharged into the drain tank. The second separator tank is connected to a third separator tank, whereby water from the second separator tank is siphoned off and transferred to the third separator tank. Any remaining lead particles in the last tank are again discharged into the waste-water tank. The lead-free water in the last tank is allowed to be directed to various outlets for drinking or cooking purposes only. The remaining or waste water from the waste tank is used for various other purposes, such as washing.

Abstract: A water backflow preventing system is provided for a given area having a sewer line for receiving rain and other water where the sewer line is incapable of carrying, without backup, a given fow rate of water. The sewer line is provided at a given point therealong with at least one overflow opening into which opening water which cannot be handled by the sewer line will rise and overflow. Water storage tank means are buried in the ground below the sewer line and into which the overflow water from said opening will drain and be temporarily stored. The storage tank means have a volume to store many thousands of gallons of water which cannnot otherwise flow in the sewer line. A pump is placed in the bottom of the storage tank means. Various float switches are placed in different parts of the system for controlling the pump.

Abstract: A device (10) for filtering and directing effluent to one of a plurality of angularly spaced drainfield trenches. The device (10) includes a housing (12) in which a core (14) is received. A filter medium (18) is inserted within the core (14) and extends around an inside of the core (14). Effluent channelled into the core (14) passes outwardly therefrom through a port (52) formed therein. This port is in registration with one of a plurality of ports (54) formed in the housing (12). Selective registration is accomplished by rotating the core (14) relative to the housing (12).

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and system for treating waste water. More specifically, for the removal of a floating component of the waste water from the remaining water relatively free of the floating component. The apparatus includes a separating chamber having a movable flow gate disposed at one side thereof. A preferred embodiment of the present apparatus includes a skimmer that is movable in both horizontal and vertical directions for facilitating the removal of the floating component of the waste water from the separating chamber. The present system includes an apparatus for treating waste water and sludge.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating a gas from a liquid includes a degassing tank for receiving a mixture of the gas and liquid. The tank permits the gas to separate from the mixture and rise to the top of the tank and permits the liquid to separate from the mixture and settle to the bottom of the tank. The apparatus includes a vacuum regulator for withdrawing the separated gas from the degassing tank, a level detector for measuring the level of fluid in the degassing tank and a controller responsive to the level detector for controlling the vacuum regulator and reducing the gas flow therefrom as the fluid level in the degassing tank increases.

Abstract: A waste water treatment system for high temperature hydrolysis of cyanides has a reactor operating at a sufficiently high temperature and pressure to effect hydrolysis of cyanide in the waste waters. A heat exchanger system is provided through which reactor effluent and reactor influent streams flow. The improved waste water treatment system includes a first tube in tube heat exchanger for an influent stream and a second tube in tube heat exchanger for an effluent stream. A heat exchange medium is circulated between the effluent heat exchanger and the influent heat exchanger to cool down the effluent and in turn use the heat to heat up the influent to the reactor. The heat exchangers are arranged such that the influent and effluent streams pass through the tube side of each heat exchanger to minimize clogging of the first and second heat exchangers, while at the same time providing for effective heat exchange in cooling the effluent and heating up the waste waters to be treated.

Abstract: A system for separating abrasive material from fluid used in fluid jet cutting includes a catcher tank, a settling tank and a pumping device which pumps fluid containing an abrasive material from the catcher tank and centrifugally separates an abrasive slurry from the fluid. A fluid conduit returns the fluid separated from the slurry to the cathcher tank. Another conduit directs the slurry to the settling tank where a portion of the abrasive material substantially settles from the slurry and, after settling has occurred, the slurry from which some of the abrasive material has settled is returned to the pumping device.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor for occluded water is provided to detect the surface water level as in a spray booth tank. The water level sensor may control the water level in the tank or it may be used to maintain a relatively constant outflow of water from the tank through a vertically movable weir. The weir is moved in response to changes in the liquid level detected by the sensor which includes an electronic signal sensor capable of detecting a level of a liquid relative thereto. The sensor is mounted in an elongated housing that has its lower end disposed in the liquid in the reservoir. The upper end of the housing is vented to the atmosphere to equalize the pressure between the interior thereof and the atmosphere ambient the housing. A flexible diaphragm is secured to the housing so as to seal the open lower end, and a substantially pure test liquid is held within the housing isolated from the liquid in the reservoir.

Abstract: The flow of waste water sludge flocculant to a dewatering system is regulated by a surface proximity sensor located downstream of the flocculant addition point. Depth, variability and continuity of a partially drained sludge mat are evaluated by a depth sensor signal processor/analyzer. Signal characteristics representative of an optimally flocculated sludge mat are referenced by the processor/analyzer to establish high and low control set-point values. A variable speed flocculant supply pump or flow control valve is adjusted in response to an operational signal from the depth sensor which exceeds the set-point range.

Abstract: Air holding spaces are incorporated into a ring attached by arms to a driveshaft supported on sealed bearings in a vessel containing saline water. Air compressed by a blower or air compressor, powered by external power (i.e. prime mover), is injected into the air holding spaces by injectors. The spaces ascend due to their buoyancy, imparting a rotary motion to the driveshaft. Energy developed is transmitted through the driveshaft to an electric generator powering the system control computer, sensors and valves. Energy is also used to rotate a water pump which draws in saline water and pumps it to a saline water tank at the top of the vessel, where it circulates through an array of water holding tubes of thermally conductive material. Heat generated by the compression of the injected air is conducted to the saline water. This heat and the molecular agitation of the water by the ascending air causes the water molecules at the surface to evaporate into the vapor state.

Abstract: Versatile filtering apparatus is provided, particularly for processing liquid or coolant used with metal-working machines. The apparatus is adaptable for processing coolant in a wide variety of coolant systems to meet a variety of requirements of metal-working machines in a plant. The apparatus includes a dirty liquid tank in side-by-side relationship with a clean liquid tank, a coalescing unit, a filtering unit, an automatic supply or fill valve for supplying liquid to the apparatus from the coolant system, and an automatic discharge valve for supplying processed liquid from the apparatus back to the coolant system. The coalescing unit separates free oils from the liquid and the filtering unit separates solid particles from the liquid. The processed liquid is then discharged back to the coolant system along with fresh coolant.

Abstract: A device for collecting and discharging solid matter from a liquid-solid mixture in a waste collecting stream having a grid structure including alternate stationary and displaceable bars, the displaceable bars being interconnected so as to rotate as one unit, and a drive mechanism used to impart rotational motion to said displaceable bars.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vacuum extraction system in which one or more vacuum extraction vessels are suspended in one or more well bores and each is connected to a vacuum pump. In one embodiment, each extraction vessel has a vessel chamber, a top inlet port with an adjustable metering valve, a vent pipe, a liquid level sensor in the vessel chamber, and an outlet port connected to the vacuum pump through a controller. The controller responds to the level of liquid in the vessel chamber to connect and disconnect each of the outlet ports of each of the extraction vessels to and from the vacuum pump. The controller also activates and deactivates the vacuum pump. In another embodiment, the extraction vessel is suspended for reciprocation in the well bore in order to skim liquid hydrocarbons floating on the ground water.

Abstract: A method and related system are disclosed for controlling the operation of a fixed rate pumped hydrocyclone liquid separation unit to maintain a desired back-pressure therein. A pressure control valve and a liquid level control valve are connected to a separated liquid discharge conduit extending from at least one hydrocyclone. The pressure control valve operates in response to the pressure of the liquid introduced into the hydrocyclone and the liquid level control valve operates in response to the liquid level within a liquid holding vessel that supplies the liquid through a fixed rate pump to the hydrocyclone.

Abstract: Self-standing apparatus for filtering supply water to provide purified water includes a base subassembly and two container subassemblies. One container subassembly provides supply water to filtering apparatus located in the base subassembly. The second container holds purified water which passes through a semipermeable membrane filter in the base subassembly. Concentrate from the membrane filter flows back to the supply water container for ultimate recirculation. The base subassembly and the container subassemblies have automatically closing valves which render each container water-tight when separated from the base subassembly, and which open to provide communication between the containers and filtering apparatus within the base subassembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removal or reduction of inorganic contaminants, hardness, radionuclides, organic contaminants, odor, turbidity, discoloration, and objectionable taste from water, subjects the water to lime-phosphate softening, aeration, sedimentation, filtration and ion exchange in an automatic cycle especially suited for home and small commercial usage. The raw water, such as well water, is first subjected to a cold lime softening and aeration treatment, then to a phosphate treatment followed by settling and filtering. The thus treated water is supplied to a pressurized tank feeding a conventional ion exchange water softening unit as the water is tapped for use. No heat input is needed but the treated water can be heated as desired for use. An electrical control system regulates the water and chemicals input agitation, aeration, the time of chemical treatment in successive stages and the maintenance of a desired head pressure for the treated water.

Abstract: In order to separate liquids from slurries containing particulate material, and particularly from slurries of water and spent ion exchange materials which are used for water conditioning in the operation of nuclear power plants and must be disposed of without any significant volume of free standing water therein, a vessel is provided which is filled with the slurry. The bottom of the vessel is conical and defines a region for the collection of water which passes thereto radially through a structure which filters the water and supports a bed of the particulate material thereon. A discharge tube extends longitudinally of the vessel into the region. A level sensor is disposed alongside the tube. A passage into the top of the vessel is provided for blowing air through the bed to force interstitial water through the bed into the region.

Abstract: A solid-liquid separating apparatus for obtaining a liquid component, for example, from a used solid-liquid mixture for reuse of the same, which includes a filtering member having a hollow cylindrical shape made of a hard porous material such as porous ceramics, sintered metal, layered metal net, sintered resin, unwoven cloth, and the like. The hard porous material is provided with continuous air holes and a device is provided for reducing the pressure in the inner hollow space of the filtering member during the rotation thereof. A scraper is provided for scraping a solid component remaining on the filtering surface of the filtering member after the liquid component is sucked into the inner space of the filtering member. The separating apparatus further includes a cutter for effectively removing the solid component and a device which allows reuse of the mixture with solid particles evenly distributed therein.

Abstract: A water quality monitor computer (10) repeatedly accesses transducers (12) which monitor physical properties of a water system, such as total dissolved solids, pH, and the like. The water quality monitor computer determines from the monitored water conditions when bleeding or the addition of water treatment chemicals is required. An energy and water management computer (20) periodically accesses the water quality computer and operates valves and pumps (22) to bleed the system or add chemicals, as is appropriate. The management computer further monitors the quantity of chemical supplies on hand with chemical inventory transducers (24), the amount of electrical energy consumed with kilowatt transducer (28) and the like. The energy and water management computer controls energy usage and stores energy and chemical consumption data in a memory (40).