Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an installation for separating out an effluent made up of a multi-phase fluid mixture. According to the invention, said installation includes gravity separator means whose geometrical separation characteristics can be adjusted during said separation operation. According to the invention, the method makes it possible to adjust the geometrical separation characteristics of the separator as a function of how the multi-phase composition of the effluent varies over time.

Abstract: A method for separating a volume of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component is performed in a centrifuge cooperating with a separation bag containing the volume of composite liquid. The separation bag is connected to at least a first component bag and a second component bag. The separation bag is spun so as to centrifuge the volume of composite liquid and cause the sedimentation of the at least first and second components. When the at least first and second components have sedimented, the first component is transferred at at least one first transfer flow rate into the first component bag. When the first component has been transferred into the first component bag, the second component is transferred into the intermediate component bag at at least one second transfer flow rate that is different from the at least one first transfer flow rate.

Abstract: A system for the chemical treatment of wastewater may be discharged in a night spray system, an on demand system or a dosing system. Tank 12 receives wastewater, and a discharge pump 16 pumps wastewater from the tank in the night spray system. A sensor 24 deactivates the discharge pump when the wastewater level reaches a predetermined low level, and in some applications activates the discharge pump when the wastewater level reaches a predetermined high level. A liquid disinfectant pump 38 pumps liquid disinfectant to the tank, and a controller 30 activates a liquid disinfectant pump for a selected time interval as a function of the discharge system.

Abstract: A gas/liquid phase separator includes a fluid inlet, a vapor outlet, a liquid outlet, and first and second valves disposed in fluid communication with the liquid outlet. Both valves are controllable in response to a fluid level in the gas/liquid phase separator. Both valves are further disposed in parallel fluid communication with each other. A method of controlling a liquid level in the phase separator includes sensing an amount of liquid in the phase separator, sensing a system pressure, and selectively opening a valve disposed in fluid communication with the phase separator to drain the liquid.

Abstract: A device and method for an extracorporeal blood treatment is described. The device comprising at least one exchanger equipped with at least one first inlet for the blood to be treated, a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet, an input line for blood to be treated connected to the first inlet of the exchanger, a blood output line (or venous line) connected to the first outlet of the exchanger, at least one treatment unit comprising at least one first fluid inlet and at least one first fluid outlet, the second outlet of the exchanger being in fluid communication with the first inlet of the treatment unit, where the first outlet from the treatment unit is in fluid communication with the input line and the second outlet of the treatment unit is in fluid communication with a first waste liquid discharge line.

Abstract: A settling grid separator apparatus and method of use which provides deep dehydration of high flow rate sludge in an environmentally friendly and energy efficient manner. The apparatus and method comprise and utilize an efficient mixing of the sludge with a flocculating agent or polymer solution, and sludge flow quieting techniques to reduce disturbances and promote flocculation of clustered solids. Free surface liquid rejection, a series of traps, and pressurized filtering utilize gravimetric, hydrometric, and densimetric techniques to separate liquid from suspended solids. Gravitational forces are utilized throughout the apparatus and method to promote separation of higher density solids from the lower density liquid carrier. Upon separation, solids with a minimal liquid content are controllably discharged for proper disposal or recycling.

Abstract: A water purifying system includes a base having a storage tank removably engaged with a recess defined in an outside of the storage tank. A purifying device is received in the base and a connection hose is connected between the purifying device and the storage tank. A high level device is located in the storage tank and a low level device is connected to an outlet pipe connected between the storage tank and a pumping device which pumps the purified water in the storage tank to a faucet. The storage tank can be conveniently disengaged from the base so as to be cleaned up.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the thickening of pulp suspensions. A low consistency pulp suspension is fed to a pre-thickener (10) through an inlet conduit (18). A layer of thickened pulp, formed on a filter surface (22), is pushed along the filter surface by a cleaning member to the discharge end of the pre-thickener and is discharged through the outlet (20). The cleaning member comprises a rotating shaft (30), on which shaft at least one screw thread (32) is fixed so as to leave a free space between the shaft and the screw thread. Essentially non-thickened pulp is allowed to flow through the apparatus via this space.

Abstract: An oxidation filtration system for cleaning groundwater, the system having an aeration tower and a filtration tank. Within the filtration tank is an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Contained within the lower chamber is a plurality of Styrofoam™ filter media. Separating the upper chamber from lower chamber is a filter media mash which keeps the filter media from entering into the upper chamber. The aerated water from the aeration tower enters into the base of the lower filter chamber and rises through the filter media into the upper filter chamber. As the water passes through the filter media, the dissolved solvents fallout of the groundwater and attach themselves to the Styrofoam™ media. An automated back flushing and clarifying process is also provided using a back flush port and a clarification port, a higher level water sensor in the aeration tower and a programmable logic controller.

Abstract: A device for separating fluid mixtures, in particular for separating water from oil, includes a vacuum container (10) with several sub-chambers (26, 44, 40). At least one liquid constituent of the fluid mixture can be transported from the vacuum container after separation, by a transport device (12). The other constituents can be extracted from the vacuum container (10) in the form of gas and/or steam, using a vacuum pump (20). One of the sub-chambers (26) of the vacuum container (10) houses a heating device (28, 30), which heats the fluid mixture. The fluid mixture is guided into an additional sub-chamber (40), and is separated into its constituents by traversing a packed bed. Even cold and consequently viscous fluid mixtures can be supplied, due to the heating device, for separation inside the aforementioned vacuum container.

Abstract: A system to collect by vacuum conveyance, separate, and discharge two mixed immiscible liquids with different specific gravities comprising a prefilter vessel 200, a vacuum tank 100, an optional heavy phase intermediate separation stage 40, and an optional light phase intermediate separation stage 30. Vacuum tank 100 is under a constant regulated vacuum, which sucks mixed immiscible liquids with different specific gravities from their respective remote source(s) through conduit(s) connected to vacuum tank 100. Collection conduits can have manually, mechanically, or electro-mechanically controlled valves at their source ends. Any grit, sediment, particles, and/or floatable debris in the collection conduits is first removed, and then any entrained air in the mixed liquid stream is removed, from the mixed liquid stream prior to undergoing any phase separation stages. Initial phase separation occurs automatically in vacuum tank 100 without any phase interface detection devices.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for monitoring and eliminating gas build-up in an anion exchange column comprised of an anion exchange material placed within a vessel and a liquid layer comprising water contaminated by at least antimony passing through said vessel, which method comprises maintaining said anion exchange material within said liquid layer by allowing gases produced by a reaction of said liquid layer with said anion exchange material to be released from said anion exchange vessel though a valve or other gas release mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus to separate solids from drilling slurry, having an inlet positioned over an outlet of a concentration tank to displace water that would otherwise enter the down-stream centrifuges. Baffles are provided to direct solids to the outlet and minimize the time that solids spend in the concentration tank. Fluids having solids removed therefrom are removed from the apparatus at a location remote from the outlet.

Abstract: A water cooler/water purification station that is portable, and small in size that is capable of cooling and purifying about 8 to 15 liters of water per hour between 3 to 10° C. The water cooler/water purification station is equipped with an ultraviolet lamp which serves to kill bacteria in stagnant water. A removable kit is positioned in the top of the housing. The Kit includes various sensors, as well as, the UV lamp and an exit passageway 70 for treated water.

Abstract: The modular waste water treatment system receives waste water from a waste water source containing organic waste and produces a treated water effluent. The modular system includes bioreactors and a bioreactor support module. The bioreactors receive a waste water mixture from the bioreactor support module and produce treated water substantially free of organic waste. The bioreactor support module is a transportable unit fabricated upon a frame adapted for transport by a truck upon a public roadway. The bioreactor support module includes items of equipment needed for conditioning waste water for intake by the bioreactors, items of equipment for receiving, processing and discharging treated water from the bioreactors and may include other items of equipment for receiving and processing other byproducts from the bioreactors. The transportable bioreactor support module is sized to support the operation of between one and preferably as many as six bioractors.

Abstract: A multi-phase separation system utilized to remove contaminants from fluids includes a pre-filtering module for filtering a contaminated fluid to provide a filtered contaminated fluid. A condenser module receives the filtered contaminated fluid and a contaminated gas phase for condensing the contaminated gas phase to a contaminated liquid. A phase reaction chamber converts the filtered contaminated fluid to a contaminated mist wherein the mist is subjected to a low energy, high vacuum environment for providing a first change of phase by separating into a contaminated gas phase and a liquid mist phase. The contaminated gas phase is carried out of the phase reaction chamber by a carrier air. A vacuum pump provides the low energy, high vacuum environment in the phase reaction chamber and delivers the contaminated gas phase to the condenser module for condensation providing a second change of phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering or purifying water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for recycling a wash solution used in powder coating which uses filters. The invention also relates to methods and apparatuses for recycling wash solutions used in spray washing, steam cleaning or car washes using filters.

Abstract: A stormwater drainage system capable of collecting, pretreating and disposing of the stormwater runoff into a dry well. Further capable of stopping the flow of stormwater into the dry well in the event hydrocarbons or other contaminants are present in the stormwater. The system is also capable of isolating stagnant water in the system to prevent the infestation of mosquito larvae.

Abstract: A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water. The system is self-contained within a standard shipping container, with all components disposed in-line within the shipping container. Float is removed from the flotation tank with a skimmer that drives float downstream onto a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt conveys float away from the flotation tank, in the downstream direction, and deposits the float in a collection tank. Clean water may be drawn from the flotation tank continuously, while float may be removed periodically.

Abstract: A floating decanter and method for charging supernatant from a vesel without drawing floating solids or scum into the discharge. The decanter includes a weir (16) having a central opening, and a solid bottom side, a float (12) adjacent to an outer edge of the weir, a weir lift and drive (14) having at least two screw jacks (20) attached to the float and a attachment arm (26) extending to the weir, and an discharge pipe (32) attached to the bottom of the weir. The weir is lowered with respect to the float to discharge supernatant.

Abstract: The diesel purifier produces a fuel of high purity that meets the full ignition requirements at the combustion chamber of the engine. The purifier comprises a purification chamber encapsulated by an external body of the unit wherein, the purification chamber has a barrier with conical and cylindrical parts surrounded by a filter, such that fuel flows from the unit inlet through a pipe to the conical part, further wherein the upper part of the unit has a relief valve, the lower part has a heating element, and a water sensor connectable to sound and light indicators at a cabin dash board, and at the bottom there is a drain valve and filter, which is secured at the outlet of the unit. The above purification process depends on causing of some differences in the density of contaminants which contributes towards the settling of heavy impurities and the light contaminants are separated by a wire filter assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus provides for treatment of primary effluent from residential and commercial establishments to allow subsurface or surface disposable of wastewater. A single tank includes dosing and recirculation chambers 28, 30 having no direct fluid communication therebetween and divided by a vertical chamber wall 32. A filter layer 26 is positioned atop both chambers such that wastewater that is filtered therein then flows into both the dosing and recirculation chambers. The position of the wall 32 determines the proportion of filtered wastewater that flows into each chamber by gravity.

Abstract: An auxiliary oil filtration system and method for filtering oil in an engine is provided. The auxiliary oil filtration system consists of an auxiliary filtration device, an integral oil transfer pump controlled by an electric motor and that is in electrical communication with an electrical control unit, an electronic pressure sensor, fluid conductors, and means for connecting hardware. The auxiliary filtration device is separate from the primary engine lubrication system, and includes a media supply reel having a roll of filtering media thereon which is moveable to a take-up reel. A media indexing system advances the media supply reel as the filtering media becomes plugged. An electronic pressure sensor dictates the advancement of the filtering media when a pre-determined differential pressure across the filtering media is attained. When all of the filtering media has been transferred from the supply reel to the take-up reel, the cartridge is replaced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for recycling a wash solution used in powder coating which uses filters. The invention also relates to methods and apparatuses for recycling wash solutions used in spray washing, steam cleaning or car washes using filters.

Abstract: A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water. The system is self-contained within a standard shipping container, with all components disposed in-line within the shipping container. Float is removed from the flotation tank with a skimmer that drives float downstream onto a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt conveys float away from the flotation tank, in the downstream direction, and deposits the float in a collection tank. Clean water may be drawn from the flotation tank continuously, while float may be removed periodically.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for a hemodiafiltration delivery module that is used in conjunction with a UF controlled dialysis machine to enable hemodiafiltration therapy to be performed. The advantage is that one can fully utilize a current functioning dialysis machine to perform a hemodiafiltration therapy as opposed to purchasing a completely new machine that offers this capability.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing sediment from a liquid are provided. Pulses of pressurized air are directed into a conduit having an inlet disposed within a first liquid-containing vessel adjacent to (or within) the sediment to cause a slurry of liquid and sediment to flow through the conduit into a second vessel elevated above the first vessel. The slurry of liquid and sediment is allowed to drain from the second vessel into a third vessel that is positioned at an elevation lower than the second vessel. Liquid is drained from the third vessel (to another vessel or elsewhere) as sediment accumulates within the third vessel. The third vessel may be removed when accumulation of sediment therewithin reaches a predetermined amount. The accumulated sediment within the third vessel is removed and the third vessel is returned to service, or another empty vessel may be substituted therefor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for circulating coolant liquid between machine tools and a coolant filtering unit through an overhead return line. A small stream of clean coolant is diverted to a flush tank and the tank is pressurized, e.g., with compressed air. Periodic release of the pressurized liquid from the flush tank through the overhead return line flushes deposited chips and other sediments from the return line.

Abstract: A simulated moving bed connected with a sample supply apparatus is constructed such that a sample liquid can be supplied continually to a simulated moving bed separation device without causing any problems due to a penetration of gas phase and admixture of the plurality of sample liquids. At this end, the sample supply apparatus is composed of a plurality of sample supply vessels each with a sample liquid passageway disposed thereto, a sample liquid-amount management vessel for storing a sample to be supplied from the sample supply vessels through the sample liquid passageways and the supplying sample liquid through the liquid-amount management vessel to the simulated moving bed chromatographic device. The apparatus also has a control for alternatingly opening and closing opening-closing devices in the sample supply vessels in response to liquid levels in the sample liquid-amount management vessel.

Abstract: A method for directly evacuating water that has been separated from the filtered fuel in a fuel filter and has settled in a water collection chamber (4) of the fuel filter to an evacuation area that lies above the water level, by opening a shut-off valve (7), which leads to the exterior of the fuel filter and is connected in a water-conductive manner to the water collection chamber (4). Said evacuation takes place under a pressure that is higher in the water collection chamber (4) in relation to the evacuation area, whereby said pressure differential is created either by the operating pressure within the fuel filter during operation, or by a negative pressure that is applied externally. The method permits the simple evacuation of water form the interior of a fuel filter by a method that is not based on gravity. The inventive method can be implemented in a particularly advantageous manner, using specially configured fuel filters.

Abstract: Collection systems and methods use a separation chamber that receives blood or a suspension containing red blood cells and performs a separation process including separation of red blood cells from the blood or suspension. The separation chamber contains, during the separation process, a red blood cell volume. An outlet line is coupled to the separation chamber to remove red blood cells from the chamber device, at least in part, while the separation process occurs. A collection container is coupled to the outlet line to receive a volume of red blood cells removed from the separation chamber. A controller includes a processing function that, during the separation process, includes comparing the volume of red blood cells received by the collection container to a selected targeted red blood cell collection volume to derive a difference.

Abstract: A ClariCone-type clarifier is provided with a level sensor, a flow-condition detector, and a controller that work together for automatic control of a blow-down valve. The flow-condition detector detects a condition of the flow through the tank. The detector sends the input to the controller, which uses the input to determine a desired blow-down level. The level sensor detects the height of slurry in the tank, and the controller opens the valve when the slurry level reaches the level determined by the controller. The valve can be set to close after a predetermined fixed period of time, by a timer, or when the level sensor detects that the slurry level has fallen to a predetermined or calculated blow-down termination level.

Abstract: A grease removal system includes a solid interceptor fluidly coupled to a grease trap tank, which is fluidly coupled to a secondary tank. The secondary tank contains an enzyme solution which biodegrades the grease. The grease removal system may also include a solid interceptor fluidly coupled to a grease trap tank which is fluidly coupled to a replaceable container. Grease is diverted from the grease trap tank into the replaceable container and thereafter discarded. The grease removal system may include a grease trap tank utilizing a unique arrangement of grease baffles and solids baffles which work together to isolate grease within a single region of the grease trap tank for ease of disposal. Finally, the grease removal system includes two level sensors which detect the level of grease within the grease trap tank and, at the appropriate level direct the accumulated grease from the grease trap tank.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating and measuring solids from multi-phase well fluids. The apparatus comprises a separator; an upper solids level and a lower solids level sensor, both connected to the separator; a dump valve operatively connected to the separator; and a control module operatively connected to the dump valve to move the dump valve between an open and a closed position. The upper solids level sensor generates a first signal when the upper level of accumulated solids-within the separator reaches a pre-determined upper level. The lower solids level sensor generates a second signal when the upper level of accumulated solids within the separator reaches a predetermined lower level. The control module receives the first and second generated signals such that upon receipt of the first signal the control module causes the dump valve to open and upon receipt of the second signal the control module causes the dump valve to close.

Abstract: A system (11) for providing purified water comprises a plurality of individual modules, each of which includes a separable head (13) and a canister (17), which modules are joined one to another via these heads to create a composite manifold (15). The heads and canisters are respectively of substantially identical construction, and the hollow canisters include the following units: preheater, prefilter (25), pump (27), membrane purification (29), postfilter (31), and UV treatment. The overall system is monitored by a control unit (131) that is regularly interrogated by an off-site, headquarters computer, and both the control unit (131) and the headquarters computer are proactive in detecting potential difficulties that may be able to be readily remedied by promptly dispatching a serviceperson with a replacement for the canister containing the operating unit that requires replacement.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing formation of a solid or semi-solid surface layer in liquid waste contained in a wet-well includes an air pump adapted to pump air into the wet-well and an air pump controller configured to activate and deactivate the air pump at selected times. Also included are a plurality of air injectors disposed in the wet-well and operatively coupled to the air pump. The air injectors inject the air into the liquid waste causing a stream of air bubbles to rise in the liquid waste. The air pump controller activates the air pump for a predetermined period of time so that the stream of air bubbles produced within the liquid waste causes turbulence within the liquid waste so as to disrupt and break up solids or semi-solids on a surface of the liquid waste to prevent the formation of the solid or semi-solid surface layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the thickening of pulp suspensions. A low consistency pulp suspension is fed to a pre-thickener (10) through an inlet conduit (18). A layer of thickened pulp, formed on a filter surface (22), is pushed along the filter surface by a cleaning member to the discharge end of the pre-thickener and is discharged through the outlet (20). The cleaning member comprises a rotating shaft (30) on which shaft at least one screw thread (32) is fixed so as to leave a free space between the shaft and the screw thread. Essentially non-thickened pulp is allowed to flow through the apparatus via this space.

Abstract: A reservoir for a water filtering system includes a tank having a separate board to define an upper space and a lower space in the tank. A water level control system is connected to the tank and located in the upper space to control the volume of the filtered water entering the upper space. An aperture is defined through the separate board and a pipe connected between the aperture and a pump so that filtered water is pumped from an outlet defined through a wall of the tank to a faucet via a pipe. A water quality improvement device is received in the upper space of the tank to ensure the quality of the filtered water in the tank.

Abstract: An auxiliary oil filtration system and method for filtering oil in an engine is provided. The auxiliary oil filtration system consists of an auxiliary filtration device, an integral oil transfer pump controlled by an electric motor and that is in electrical communication with an electrical control unit, an electronic pressure sensor, fluid conductors, and means for connecting hardware. The auxiliary filtration device is separate from the primary engine lubrication system, and includes a media supply reel having a roll of filtering media thereon which is moveable to a take-up reel. A media indexing system advances the media supply reel as the filtering media becomes plugged. An electronic pressure sensor dictates the advancement of the filtering media when a pre-determined differential pressure across the filtering media is attained. When all of the filtering media has been transferred from the supply reel to the take-up reel, the cartridge is replaced.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment washer compactor system having in-channel motorized screen for installation in an influent channel and removal of screenings from the influent stream; at least one washer and at least one compactor for washing and dewatering the screenings; and system control means for coordinating and controlling the motor speed of the motorized screen, the washing cycle time and processing rate of the washer(s), and the compacting rate of the compactor(s).

Abstract: Collection systems and methods use a separation chamber that receives blood or a suspension containing red blood cells and performs a separation process including separation of red blood cells from the blood or suspension. The separation chamber contains, during the separation process, a red blood cell volume. An outlet line is coupled to the separation chamber to remove red blood cells from the chamber device, at least in part, while the separation process occurs. A collection container is coupled to the outlet line to receive a volume of red blood cells removed from the separation chamber. A controller includes a processing function that, during the separation process, includes comparing the volume of red blood cells received by the collection container to a selected targeted red blood cell collection volume to derive a difference.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a first reservoir, a second reservoir having an outlet through which filtered water can be dispensed, and a pump for pumping water from the first reservoir to the second reservoir. Water passes through a filter from the first reservoir en route to the second reservoir upon activation of the pump. There is a first water level detector in the first reservoir and a second water level detector in the second reservoir. A switch co-operates with the second water level detector to activate the pump when a reduced water level is detected in the second reservoir by the second water level detector. The switch also co-operates with the first water level detector to deactivate the pump, should the first water level detector detect a low water level in the first reservoir. A single switch performs both tasks.

Abstract: A ClariCone-type clarifier is provided with a level sensor, a flow-condition detector, and a controller that work together for automatic control of a blow-down valve. The flow-condition detector detects a condition of the flow through the tank. The detector sends the input to the controller, which uses the input to determine a desired blow-down level. The level sensor detects the height of slurry in the tank, and the controller opens the valve when the slurry level reaches the level determined by the controller. The valve can be set to close after a predetermined fixed period of time, by a timer, or when the level sensor detects that the slurry level has fallen to a predetermined or calculated blow-down termination level.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating and measuring solids from multi-phase well fluids. The apparatus comprises a separator; an upper solids level and a lower solids level sensor, both connected to the separator; a dump valve operatively connected to the separator; and a control module operatively connected to the dump valve to move the dump valve between an open and a closed position. The upper solids level sensor generates a first signal when the upper level of accumulated solids within the separator reaches a pre-determined upper level. The lower solids level sensor generates a second signal when the upper level of accumulated solids within the separator reaches a pre-determined lower level. The control module receives the first and second generated signals such that upon receipt of the first signal the control module causes the dump valve to open and upon receipt of the second signal the control module causes the dump valve to close.

Abstract: A filter for a carpet cleaning device and method for using therefor includes a casing and a partition that extends into the casing to define a primary chamber and a secondary chamber within the casing. A main siphon with an inverted U-shape is mounted in the partition. One end of the siphon extends into the primary chamber while the other end of the siphon extends into the secondary chamber. An auxiliary siphon is located within the secondary chamber, and a pump is attached in fluid communication with the auxiliary siphon. During operation, a wastewater/debris stream is transported into the filter. The stream collects in the primary chamber and establishes a primary fluid level therein. As the primary fluid level rises, carpet fibers and other insoluble debris settle in the primary chamber. Once the primary fluid level is even with the siphon, wastewater fluid is transported from the primary chamber to the secondary chamber and establishes a secondary fluid level therein.

Abstract: A system for making use of rainwater falling on houses and buildings, which comprises a means for removing a predetermined quantity of initial precipitation from the rainwater collected form the roof surface of the building; and a purifier receiving the subsequent rainwater from which the initial precipitation has been removed. The purifier includes a filtering tank, a sterilization tank, and a supply tank connected to the sterilization tank. The filtering tank has a physical filter and a pH adjusting agent, the sterilization tank contains a primary reactive catalyst for producing active oxygen species, and the supply tank supplies aqueous hydrogen peroxide to the primary reactive catalyst. The system also has a storage tank that stores the purified rainwater supplied from the purifier. The storage tank contains a secondary reactive catalyst for decomposing and eliminating residual active oxygen species remaining in the purified rainwater supplied from the purifier.

Abstract: A continuous method is provided for dissolving a solid oxidizer into an aqueous solution which yields a stream of the aqueous solution having a constant or near constant concentration of solid oxidizer. The method of the present invention includes (a) disposing a bed of solid oxidizer into a container; (b) introducing an aqueous solution below the top surface of the bed; and (c) removing any solution above the top surface of the bed while maintaining a constant or near constant level of aqueous solution above the bed. Preferably, step (c) is performed at about atmospheric pressure. This method can be achieved with a feeder that includes a tank for containing a bed of solid oxidizer and a disperser for introducing the aqueous solution into the tank. A sensor/control unit is provided for sensing a combined bed and aqueous solution volume within the tank and maintaining the combined volume within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A protection system arranged to prevent a large trans-membrane pressure difference over a pressure sensitive membrane (4) fitted in a pressure resistant chamber (3), wherein the membrane forms a physical barrier between a liquid and a gas mixture carried through the chamber (3), the protection system includes two shut-off valves (9, 10) provided in the liquid inlet and outlet lines respectively, a buffer tank (3) provided in the line between one of the shut-off valves (9, 10) and the pressure resistant chamber (3), a pressure equalizing valve (12) provided between the gas inlet line (8) and the buffer tank (2) and a pressure sensing valve (14) for measuring the pressure difference over the membrane (4) and which activates the shut-off valves (9, 10) once this pressure difference exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: An automatic bleed unit for a fuel filter used particularly in diesel engines includes a filter chamber 5 for accumulating water present in the fuel. Sensors 220, 230 and associated floats 24, 25 are provided for determining the level of water in the chamber. Upon reaching a predetermined level, a microprocessor activates a withdrawal device 7 to drain water from the chamber. The device is only activated when the vehicle engine is at rest and the ignition key is in first switch position that makes the relevant electrical system live. A system that verifies the compatibility between the withdrawal device casing 70 and a base part 20 of the sensing system can also be included.