Abstract: A wastewater filter cartridge includes a peripheral frame, two filter media sheets, two sets of angled fins, and a filtered water outlet. The two filter media sheets are attached to the peripheral frame in spaced face-to-face relation such that they combine with the peripheral frame to define an interior volume within the filter cartridge. At the same time, the two sets of angled fins are attached to the peripheral frame external to the interior volume and project away from the filter media sheets at oblique angles. As wastewater passes through the two filter media sheets into the interior of the filter cartridge, the two filter media sheets act to reduce the suspended solids in the wastewater. Once in the interior volume of the filter cartridge, the filtered water is collected via the filtered water outlet, which is connected to the interior volume.

Abstract: Lipids can be extracted from a microbial biomass that constitutes at least 20% lipids by weight and has a moisture content of less than 4% by weight by applying pressure to the biomass so as to release lipids therefrom, thereby leaving a biomass of reduced lipid content; and collecting the lipids.

Abstract: A wastewater reuse system has a wastewater treatment system connected to a dwelling for receiving wastewater therefrom. The wastewater treatment system has a pump tank with an outlet that can be connected to a central wastewater collection system and/or a re-use recipient of treated wastewater such as an irrigation system.

Abstract: A separator for separating a first from a second phase of a liquid in a tubular container has an elastic float with a circular sealing edge for sealing engagement with the inside of the tubular container in a sealing position. At the underside of the float, a ballast is attached. The density of the ballast is greater than the density of the float and the density of the entire separator is in a range between the density of the first phase and the density of the second phase of the liquid. The float has a local constriction and, in the area of the constriction, a membrane.

Abstract: A pump station arrangement for removing harmful fluids from wastewater and a method for removing harmful fluids from wastewater in such a pump station arrangement. The pump station arrangement includes a pre-chamber, a pump sump, a recirculation channel extending from the pump sump to the pre-chamber, and a gas sensor arranged in the pump sump and configured to measure the content of harmful fluids in the form of gas in the pump sump. The pump station arrangement is configured to recirculate the wastewater via the recirculation channel from the pump sump to the pre-chamber if the measured content of harmful fluids in the form of gas in the pump sump exceed a predetermined value. Also disclosed is.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor having a tank with at least one bioreactor compartment containing a carrier medium, on the surface of which a biofilm may grow; wherein the first longitudinal end of the compartment comprises an inlet, and the second longitudinal end of the compartment comprises an outlet. The bioreactor comprises an aeration device for supplying reaction gas required for the purification process, and for agitating the carrier medium and the water to be purified into a rotary motion inside the compartment. A perforated pipe is arranged within the bioreactor compartment at a distance from the inner walls of the compartment. Inside the perforated pipe is a closing. Guide plates are arranged outside the perforated pipe, which guide water to be purified into the bioreactor space outside the perforated pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an average-density-adjustable structure and more specifically provides a structure the average density of which is adjusted by changing the material of the structure and the size of a void formed therein and which can thereby float on the surface of or in a liquid and can easily bond with or change a material present in a gas or liquid by being equipped with a first material, which is one among an organic catalyst, an inorganic catalyst, a microorganism, and a biomolecule.

Abstract: An easy to install and fish safe skimmer assembly for ponds and other water features is provided. The skimmer assembly includes a skimmer housing having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is substantially open and in fluid communication with the water feature in a manner such that fish in the water feature can swim in and out of the upper portion of the skimmer housing without being trapped by a physical barrier. The lower portion is enclosed and is in fluid communication with a conduit for transporting filtered water back into the water feature. The skimmer assembly further includes a barrier that separates water within the skimmer, a debris collector, and a floating weir disposed in the debris collector and moves in a vertical direction relative to the skimmer housing when a suction force is applied to force water to flow through the skimmer housing.

Abstract: A pool vacuum method and apparatus that uses a skimmer with an aperture that allows pool water to communicate with a chamber in the skimmer. An upwardly-facing shoulder is formed at the base of an upper sidewall and the top of a lower sidewall and a rigid vacuum plate, which has a conduit to which a hose and vacuum head may be attached, is placed adjacent the shoulder. A neoprene gasket is attached to the vacuum plate and is interposed between the shoulder and the vacuum plate. The gasket has a lip that extends radially outwardly of the vacuum plate to form a secondary seal by expanding outwardly against the upper sidewall. Upon operating a pump, the suction causes the vacuum plate and gasket to seal to prevent or greatly inhibit water from passing the vacuum plate and gasket other than through the conduit.

Abstract: Disclosed are wastewater treatment systems and methods of treating wastewater. In particular, this disclosure provides a method of lowering the biological oxygen demand, total nitrogen, total suspended solids, and phosphorous within wastewater containing human excrements. In addition to improving the quality of the wastewater on a per Liter basis, this disclosure also provides methods and systems that reduce the absolute quantity of total nitrogen, total suspended solids, and phosphorous released into the environment through effluent. The disclosed methods and systems also provide ways of reintroducing water into the environment.

Abstract: A filtration system for use in a beverage dispensing machine comprising a first and second boiler is described. The filtration system comprises: an input fluid line for connecting the system to a water source; a first filter module connected to the input fluid line; an output fluid conduit connected to the first filter and configured to have a first fluid output line for directing fluid to the first boiler and a second fluid output line for directing fluid to the second boiler; and a second filter module, located in the in the second fluid output line; wherein the second filter module is capable of removing ions not removeable by the first filter module.

Abstract: A wastewater reuse system has a wastewater treatment system connected to a dwelling for receiving wastewater therefrom. The wastewater treatment system has a pump tank with an outlet that can be connected to a central wastewater collection system. There can be a pump in the pump tank for pumping water from the pump tank to a use recipient of treated wastewater such as an irrigation system.

Abstract: A floating pool skimmer (1) that randomly travels across the surface of a pool to ensure that the entire surface of the water in the pool is cleaned. The floating pool skimmer has an elongated hose (3) that attaches to a conventional fixed pool skimmer, a vacuum inlet and/or a vacuum hose (6) connecting an automatic pool vacuum (2) to a pool pump and filter. A basket (26) held within a main housing (8) strains water and traps debris which is held in the basket by suction from the pool filter while the pool filter is operational.

Abstract: A pool skimming system for removing debris from a pool water surface comprising a pool water skimmer; a stationary back plate removably connected to the pool water skimmer, the back plate comprising a front, a back, and an aperture; and a vertically mobile, buoyant front module comprising a rear slot disposed vertically, an aperture and a weir, the front module being slideably connected to the front of the back plate by connecting means at the vertical rear slot, wherein the front module moves up and down with the level of water in the pool to maintain a substantially constant position of the weir relative to the pool water surface.

Abstract: An easy to install and fish safe skimmer assembly for ponds and other water features is provided. The skimmer assembly includes a skimmer housing having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is substantially open and in fluid communication with the water feature in a manner such that fish in the water feature can swim in and out of the upper portion of the skimmer housing without being trapped by a physical barrier. The lower portion is enclosed and is in fluid communication with a conduit for transporting filtered water back into the water feature. The skimmer assembly further includes a barrier that separates water within the skimmer, a debris collector, and a floating weir disposed in the debris collector and moves in a vertical direction relative to the skimmer housing when a suction force is applied to force water to flow through the skimmer housing.

Abstract: The process of producing maple syrup from maple sap can include concentrating the maple sap to a sugar content of between 30 and 50° Brix using membrane filtration, including increasing a differential pressure of the membrane filtration in accordance with an increasing of an osmotic pressure as the sugar content increases to eventually reach the sugar content of between 30 and 50° Brix; and subjecting the concentrated maple sap having a sugar content of between 30 and 50° Brix to evaporation until it transforms into maple syrup.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving a target material from a sample. A fraction-density-altering solution may be added to a vessel that contains the sample to change the density of a first fraction of the sample without changing the density of the target material or the density of any other sample fraction. A collector may be inserted into the vessel to funnel the target material from the sample into the collector or into a processing receptacle included in the collector. In one implementation, the collector may include a cannula which extends from a funnel into a chamber to hold the processing receptacle. In another implementation, the processing receptacle may be inserted into a bore within the collector.

Abstract: A pool skimmer system including a skimmer housing and basket is disclosed. The skimmer housing includes a skimmer rim, a deck throat opening and a pool throat opening, a pump inlet port, a pool return port positioned at a first portion of a housing bottom, and one or more pump suction ports positioned at a second portion of the housing bottom. The basket is positioned within the housing and includes a basket rim engaged with the skimmer rim, one or more porous walls, and a seal plate extending from a basket bottom to the housing bottom. The seal plate is positioned between the first portion of the housing bottom and the second portion of the housing bottom to form a suction chamber. The suction chamber is adjacent the one or more pump suction ports and isolated from the pump inlet port and the pool return port.

Abstract: A well capping assembly includes a well cap structure configured to operatively couple to a wellhead structure for capping a fluid flow from a well. Also included is a capping frame operatively coupled to the well cap structure and configured to translate the well cap structure in at least one direction. Further included is a capping structure operatively coupled to the capping frame, the capping structure configured to be submerged in water and rigidly anchored to a sea floor surface.

Abstract: A pretreatment method is provided, which comprises the following steps: (1) wastewater feed is introduced into a first end of a first aeration basin, and is mixed with a first concentrated mixed liquor to obtain a first mixed liquor; (2) the first mixed liquor is aerated in the aeration stage of the first aeration basin to obtain a second mixed liquor at a second end of the first aeration basin; (3) the second mixed liquor is introduced into a first sedimentation basin to obtain a supernatant and the first concentrated mixed liquor; (4) the supernatant is discharged and at least a part of the first concentrated mixed liquor is returned to the first end of the first aeration basin. At the same time, a sewage treatment method using the wastewater pretreatment method is provided. The pretreatment method can be used steadily for a long time without discharging sludge.

Abstract: A system (1) for preparing a predetermined amount of beverage suitable for consumption, provided with an exchangeable holder (2, 102), and an apparatus (4) provided with a fluid dispensing device (6) which is detachably connected to the holder (2, 102) for dispensing at least one amount of at least a first fluid, such as water, under pressure to the exchangeable holder (2, 102), wherein the exchangeable holder (2, 102) is provided with at least one storage space (8, 108) which is filled with a second fluid, such as a concentrate, the holder (2, 102) further being provided with at least one first mixing chamber (10, 110), the exchangeable holder (2, 102) comprising a first holder part (198) and a second holder part (199), the first holder part (198) comprising a substantially flat contacting surface (166), and the at least one storage space (8, 108) and the first mixing chamber (10, 110) each comprising a wall (167, 168) offset relative to the contacting surface (166), which, each, form part of the first holde

Abstract: A portable water purification system is disclosed. The system can have a water storage receptacle, a reverse osmosis filter, a pump, and a solar panels array group. The reverse osmosis filter can be configurable to convert source water into drinkable water, and the pump can be configurable to provide the source water from a water source to the reverse osmosis filter. The array group can have at least one bi-fold solar panel array, and the array group can be configurable to provide power for the pump. The water storage receptacle can be configurable to contain the drinkable water in one configuration and configurable to contain at least one component of the purification system for storage in another configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of filtering hydrocarbon contaminated water, which is used in a system requiring a pump to lift low lying hydrocarbon contaminated liquids from said pump through a filtration system which lifts and completely filters all debris and hydrocarbons from said liquid.

Abstract: A floating oil collecting system which can collect floating oil containing a very small amount of water is provided. The system includes a liquid-level following type suction apparatus having an intake pipe in which one end is an inlet side end opening upwardly and the other end is connected with an inlet port of a pump, a float which causes the inlet side end to closely follow a liquid level within liquid in a storage tank, and an adjustment pipe which is loosely fitted to the inlet side end of the intake pipe so as to be movable up and down movement, in which an upper end opening edge is an inlet opening; a separation tank which receives an oil/water mixture from the storage tank to separate the mixture into oil and water; a pump for sucking up the oil/water mixture from the storage tank so as to be supplied to the separation tank; and a deaerator for removing air in the oil/water mixture sucked up from the storage tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid filter (1) comprising a collecting chamber (10) for a liquid which is separated from the fluid, in addition to a filter insert (4) which comprises a filter medium which is permeable to the fluid. The collecting chamber is arranged below the filter medium (5), and a liquid sensor (19) is arranged above the deepest point of the collecting chamber (10) and the liquid sensor (19) is protected from the liquid, at least sectionally, by means of a protective wall (18, 20). Said protective wall (18, 20) extends laterally and/or below the liquid sensor (19) and a liquid permeable connection is provided from the collecting chamber (10) to the fluid sensor (19).

Abstract: Various water basins and systems are described that include a first basin having a longitudinally upward extending tower, a first side, a second side, and a plurality of supports. The plurality of supports are adjustable from the first side of the first basin. The system includes at least a water system having a pump and a water line that extends from the pump to the second side of the first basin.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of water purification and desalination. In particular, embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods of removing essentially all of a broad spectrum of impurities from water in an automated industrial process that requires minimal cleaning or maintenance during the course of several months to several years, with relatively high yields of product water per unit of input water, flexibility with respect to energy sources, compact design with a low industrial foot-print, the ability to recover valuable by-products, and ultra-low energy requirements.

Abstract: A sewer cleaning vehicle is disclosed. In one aspect, the sewer cleaning vehicle has a refuse storage tank having a first end with an opening. The sewer cleaning vehicle may also have a recycled water storage tank and a packaged liquid reclamation system for cleaning and transferring water from the refuse tank to the recycled water storage tank. In one embodiment, a hinged cover having a first side and a second side is pivotally mounted to the storage tank. The hinged cover can be movable between a first position in which the hinged cover covers the storage tank opening and a second position in which the storage tank opening is uncovered by the hinged cover. A transfer pump and a separator are supported by the hinged cover and are in fluid communication with the refuse tank through a port in the hinged cover.

Abstract: The arrangement for connection of a medical device, particularly a dialysis device, to a permeate line for the supply of permeate into the device is characterized by an adapter comprising a first supply line section with a terminal coupling member for connection to the water line, a pressure sensor and two successively arranged shut-off valves, and two second supply line sections that branch off from the first supply line member by means of a branching member. Both second supply line sections are connected to two different lines of the device in such a manner that disinfection fluid flows through both second supply line sections in a disinfection process of the device.

Abstract: A maple sap reverse osmosis device has a support rack configured and sized to rest atop a tank. The support rack supporting a reverse osmosis device. The reverse osmosis device has a pump line and a dump line both located within the tub. The pump line being located at an upper region of the tank. A pumping means to pump the maple sap from the pump line. The pumping means pushing maple sap through an osmosis membrane. The dump pipe purging concentrate resulting from sap not passing through the osmosis membrane into the deepest region of the tub.

Abstract: A liquid transfer device having a housing with a top end, a bottom end, a sidewall, and an inner cavity. The sidewall has an inner surface and an outer surface. There is a plurality of openings traversing said sidewall. Also present is a filtering surface that covers the openings. The water or other liquids are pumped or transferred with a pump contained inside the inner cavity, with a fluid exit used for carrying the water out towards exterior hosing.

Abstract: The gray water recycling system includes a first holding tank for filtering and storing gray water from a washer. The processed water passes through an inline filter to a second holding tank. The second holding tank includes a first float switch operatively associated with a pump that shuts off power to the pump when the second tank contains less than a predetermined amount of processed water. An outlet pipe inside the second tank includes another filter to clean the processed water as the water passes through the outlet pipe. A second float switch activates the pump to pump the processed water to a toilet tank when the toilet tank water drains below a predetermined level. A battery power unit is operatively connected to the pump, providing power for selective operation thereof.

Abstract: A dewatering system is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the system includes a debris tank configured to receive a slurry through an inlet and a dewatering filter installed in the debris tank. In addition, the system includes a bar screen forming a curvilinear surface of the dewatering filter, where the bar screen is configured to prevent sediment from passing through and into an interior space of the dewatering filter. A first end of the dewatering filter is in communication with a discharge port to remove filtered liquid from an interior of the debris tank, and a vibratory device is configured to shake the dewatering filter to remove sediment from an exterior surface of the dewatering filter.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to systems for separating a target analyte from a suspension. A suspension is added to a tube. A float is also added to the tube, and the tube, float, and suspension are centrifuged together, causing the constituent components of the suspension to separate into different layers along the axial length of the tube according to their specific gravities. The float has a specific gravity that positions the float at approximately the same level as a layer containing the target analyte, when the tube, float and sample are centrifuged. Prior to isolation, the material may be located between an outer surface of the float and an inner surface of the tube, or within a central bore that extends longitudinally through the float. The target analyte may then be drawn into a compartment within the float, thereby isolating the target analyte from the other suspension constituents.

Abstract: A filtering system (9) includes a filter head (12) and a replaceable filter (10). The filter head (12) has a feed line (66) and discharge line (62). The replaceable filter (10) is removable and replaceably mounted onto the filter head (12) by a rotational and/or plug connection (15) and includes a housing (17) with at least one inlet (26) for oil to be filtered and at least one outlet (28). The inlet (26) communicates with the feed line (66). The outlet (28) communicates with the discharge line (62). The housing (17) has a filtering element (34) that sealingly separates the inlet (26) from the outlet (28). The filter head (12) includes an auxiliary oil line (60). The replaceable filter (10) has a flow control element (53) that automatically closes or releases the auxiliary oil line (60) dependent on an operation and/or assembly condition.

Abstract: A stormwater drain backflow control device having a sheet-like, liquid impermeable, skirt member, preferably flexible, and a circular drain opening to allow water to flow through the device and into the catch basin. A cage assembly depends beneath the skirt member beneath the opening, the cage assembly retaining a spherical float member in a manner that allows the float member to rise within the cage assembly and seal the drain opening in the event that the water level within the catch basin rises.

Abstract: A system for separating components of a composition according to density. The system includes a torque generating device, a separation device, and a housing. The separation device separates the composition into different components according to density. The housing accommodates the separation device. The housing includes a base having an interface that transfers torque from the torque generating device to the separation device, a cover, and a conduit for introducing the composition into the separation device without opening the cover.

Abstract: The water aerator using a compressed gas container is a self-contained unit having a float and a container of compressed gas (e.g., air, oxygen, etc.) installed beneath a perforated diffuser plate that, in turn, is positioned below the float. High-pressure gas from the container flows through a pipe or tube to a regulator valve and pressure gauge at the top of the pipe. A larger diameter low-pressure pipe or tube is placed concentrically about the high-pressure pipe. Regulated low-pressure gas flows down through the outer low-pressure pipe to a dispensing nozzle below the diffuser plate, whereupon the gas flows upward and is broken up by the perforations in the diffuser plate to form smaller aeration bubbles. An electrical power source, pressure switch, and light may be provided to indicate when the compressed gas container is depleted. The device may be motorized.

Abstract: A solid-liquid separator prevents wear of a self-priming liquid pump connected to a cyclone mechanism and a solid-liquid mixture can be purified at low cost. The separator separates sludge in the liquid by a cyclone in a separation portion directly or indirectly connected to a suction of the upstream side of the pump. The separation portion has a first and second cyclones with the first cyclone disposed in said second cyclone coaxially. A tank disposed under the cyclones collects separated from the liquid.

Abstract: A septic tank filter that will automatically clean its filtering screen by means of mechanical action resulting from changes in effluent level within the pump chamber of a compartmentalized tank is disclosed. In conjunction with a float, connecting cable, pulleys, and weights; changes in effluent level within the pump chamber of a compartmentalized tank will cause a brush, within the filter unit, to pass over and clean the filter screen within that unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for separating a first substance from a mixture of the first substance and a liquid. The apparatus comprises inlet means adapted to receive a portion of the mixture into a separator tank; a separator tank for holding a collected portion of the mixture and allowing the first substance to separate from the liquid due to the first substance having a different specific gravity to the liquid; and outlet means adapted to discharge the separated liquid and/or the first substance from the separator tank.

Abstract: System and process for the purification of water The water produced is treated with a selective oxidant obtained from the air without contaminants. The water obtained, together with the selective oxidant, is treated through a chemical process, denominated batch process, in a pressurized primary sterilization vessel. The reaction dwell time, and the analytical control, ensure purification; by means of a system of circulation pump and adsorption chamber specific for the chemical treatment realized, the purified water is deposited in a vessel for water for consumption, which water may be prepared with minerals and/or vitamins and/or carbohydrates with the objective of satisfying the full requirements of the population. Furthermore, an electronic unit monitors and controls the movements required to ensure excellent purification and, moreover, that the entire system is sterile at all times.

Abstract: A spherical dialysis chamber with a heavier cap (the density of cap material is higher than that of the dialyzer) or the distribution of weight is such that it is higher weight distribution is towards the cap, so that it tilts always towards the bottom of the container containing the dialysis buffer.

Abstract: A water recycling system that can be used for reclaiming and recycling water, waste water, or grey water, for providing landscape irrigation, or for recycling uses such as for sanitary facilities, as well as for pre-heating clean water to save energy. A water recycling system may include a sealable tank, an influx pipe, a self-clearing filter disposed within the tank, a pump, and an effluent pipe.

Abstract: A blood specimen processor by means of which blood specimens are collected into a collection tube containing an anticoagulant and a molded buoy of predetermined density between 1.045 and 1.084 with an embedded water swellable o-ring that expands to form a robust seal in a leucocyte density gradient between the buoy's outer surface and tube's inner surface. The buoy is made of a first resin and a second resin, the first resin having a lower density than the second resin, the first resin and the second resin being present in such amounts and relative proportions so that the body has an overall density between 1.045 and 1.084 and preferably, a center of gravity below a geometric center of the body. When the blood specimen contained in the processor is centrifuged, the buoy is thrust through the separating blood and the developing interface of erythrocytes, leucocytes, and plasma.

Abstract: An aerobic bacteria waste digester uses a rocking paddle to mix a waste fluid. A pair of spaced-apart inflatables engaged with the paddle and alternately inflated provide buoyancy forces to drive the rocking action. The paddle has two decks and a peripheral skirt. The paddle is of a trestle-type construction with light weight planks forming the decks. The position and motion of paddle surfaces and air bubbled through the fluid from below, is able to enhance bacteria colony growth and thus the rate of bio-mass digestion.

Abstract: The method of wastewater treatment and the method-applying apparatus in the sequencing batch reactors, where after separating the activated sludge from the treated water the treated water is drawn off via a decanting apparatus from the sub-surface layer of water in the reactor. The decanted water is conveyed by the decanting apparatus to a separate tank, which is separated in a watertight way from the inside of the reactor. The treated water is pumped off from the separate tank to the outlet by the air-lift pump, the inlet of which is located at the level corresponding to the delivery yield of the air-lift pump. The submerged inlet part of the decanting apparatus moves vertically alongside with the fluctuating water level in the reactor.

Abstract: A vacuum filtration device includes a removable power unit that includes a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump functions in one mode to remove hot oil from a fryer and to draw the oil into a container. The hot oil is fed through a filter located within the container that removes sediment. The filtered oil is then returned to the fryer through a pick-up opening and a hose by turning off the vacuum pump and in place creating a pressure inside the canister. A valve allows for transfer of the hot oil to and from the unit. A hose and nozzle assembly transports the hot oil the vacuum filtration device. The vacuum filtration device is mobile on a cart that may feature wheels and a handle.

Abstract: An air conditioning system condensate collection pan or water leak containment pan electrical control switch includes a housing or frame for supporting a switch unit which includes an elongated actuator arm. The housing includes a slot disposed adjacent a distal end of the actuator arm for receiving a water soluble tablet engageable with the actuator arm to bias the arm into a predetermined position of the switch. Abnormal accumulation of condensate or leaking water dissolves the tablet and allows the actuator arm to move to a position to effect actuation of the switch. The switch may be connected to a control unit, a thermostat and/or to an alarm generator including a self-contained unit having battery powered audio and/or visual alarm devices, an on-off switch and a circuit test switch.

Abstract: Water decontamination systems including aerator modules are described herein. Such systems are capable of removing contaminants, including volatile organic compounds, from the water. Certain volatile organic contaminants can be removed at high efficiencies. The systems may be automated to remove the contaminants and produce cleaned water on a continuous basis.