Abstract: A fluid pollution prevention system for preventing the discharge of hazardous waste from a bilge of a marine vessel. The system includes an locator for positioning a fluid conduit within a bilge. Specifically, the locator is adapted to position an inlet of the fluid conduit within an isolated volume fluid within the bilge that is substantially isolated from petrochemicals floating on the surface of the fluid in the bilge. In one arrangement, the isolated volume is at least partially defined by a floating petrochemical absorber and/or a sidewall that is disposed transverse to a surface of the fluid in the bilge. An outlet of the fluid conduit may be interconnected to a fluid pump that may be located outside the bilge and/or above the fluid within the bilge.

Abstract: An oil and vapor recovery system having a float system for adjusting the height of oil and vapor recovery intakes. The float system is preferably adjustable to allow connection of additional floats to maintain buoyancy and keep the vapor intake above the level of the oil in the holding tank and to maintain the oil intake above the level of the water contained in the holding tank. Vapor is drawn out of the holding tank using a vacuum assisted siphon. Oil can be withdrawn from the holding tank by suction or simply by letting the oil flow into an outlet by gravity.

Abstract: A floating self-propelled cleaning device (10) for water surfaces, in particular swimming pools, comprises a central floating body (11) and two side floating elements (12) to it connected at opposite sides by two arms (14) to which two net-shaped collecting containers (13) are fastened. The net-shaped containers (13) have openings (17) that allow the inlet of impurities, but prevent the outlet thereof during possible stops or under the action of waves that can occur during the travel on the water surface. The floating device (10) is driven by propelling means (20) and (30) that substantially cause the side floating elements (12) to rotate about an instantaneous centre of rotation located approximately at the central body (11). The rotation of the side floating elements (12) is associated to a shifting movement caused by at least a distribution element (15) movable with respect to the floating body (10).

Abstract: A watershed runoff treatment device is adapted to be used to convert a single-stage drain inlet vault (catch basin) into a two-stage clarifier in which treatment can be accomplished before discharging the water to further on-site treatment or detention or to storm drain. It includes a flow control box member to be mounted on the interior of the vault covering the discharge pipe(s) so that substantially all water runoff entering the vault must flow therethrough prior to exiting the vault. Floating, disposable hydrocarbon collection pads are deployed inside an open mesh container removably attached and covering the upstream face of the flow control box, as well as below the horizontal filter array described next.

Abstract: A fluid pollution prevention system for preventing the discharge of hazardous waste from a bilge of a marine vessel. The system includes an continuous sidewall that defines a vertically enclosed volume. When positioned within a bilge, the sidewall forms a barrier to petrochemicals floating on a fluid surface within the bilge. An opening near a base of the sidewall permits fluid from beneath the fluid surface to enter the vertically enclosed volume. Such fluid is substantially free of petrochemicals and may be removed form the vertically enclosed volume. Accordingly, by pumping fluid out of the enclosed volume, fluid may be removed form the bilge substantially free of petrochemicals. In one arrangement, the vertically enclosed volume may be sized to receive a bilge pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for continually skimming off a top layer of a body of liquid, comprising: a self adjusting container for collecting a top layer, the container being adapted to seek an effective balanced position dependent on the liquid level for collecting the top layer, and a discharge conduit for discharging the top layer collected by the container, wherein the container is tiltably coupled to a discharge conduit. A feeding inlet is provided through which the top layer is collected. A bearing made of friction reducing material is provided between the container wall and discharge conduit, with a clearance to minimize frictional contact and to allow leakage flow from the body of liquid into the container.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a separation passageway module comprising a plurality of inclined plates, at least one suction pipe, and a buoyancy regulator. The inclined plate passageways are comprised by a plurality of inclined parallel plates. The inclined plate passageways have an opening at either the lower end or the upper end. In the case of having an opening at the lower end, suspension flows into the passageways from the lower end to carry out settling separation and to thereby generate clear liquid at the upper end of the inclined plate passageways. On the other hand, in the case of having an opening at the upper end, suspension flows into the passageways from the upper end to carry out floating separation and to thereby generate clear liquid at the lower end of the inclined plate passageways. One end of the suction pipe is connected to the upper end or lower end of the inclined plate passageways for drawing the clear liquid.

Abstract: A skimmer system composed of a base and a slidable float assembly. The base has a base chamber defined by a sidewall, an endwall, and a conduit having an intake communicating with the base chamber. The float assembly has a float chamber defined by an outer float wall, an inner float wall and a top plate. The conduit passes through the inner float wall, wherein a flow channel is disposed therebetween. Preferably the inner float wall carries a flow governor, and the upper end of the inner float wall serves as a weir. An air pocket in the float chamber imparts buoyancy to the float assembly such that the weir skims a top layer of a liquid in which the skimmer system is immersed. A separator may then be used to separate the liquid from material floating on the liquid.

Abstract: The present inventions provide a floating type decanter apparatus that controls the decanting operation through the use of air.

Abstract: Semi-submersible floating decanters and methods of use are provided. The decanters are moveable between a non-decant position and a decant position, and include a float forming an internal cavity, the float having a central annulus, a weir having an inlet opening and positioned within the center of the annulus and fixedly connected to the float forming a passage between the float and the weir, and a discharge conduit connected to the weir for discharging a supernatant fluid therefrom. A depth adjusting mechanism is provided for moving the decanter within a liquid between a non-decant position wherein the inlet opening is above the surface of the liquid and a decant position wherein the inlet opening is positioned within the supernatant to allow the supernatant to be withdrawn, the depth adjusting mechanism including a pumping mechanism for moving a fluid relative to the internal cavity.

Abstract: A storm water filter system apparatus includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet and has a floating filter basket therein having an open end portion. A scoop formed on the front end of the filter basket is positioned to face the inlet to the housing. The filter basket has a least one float attached thereto in a position to float the filter basket in water in the housing to position the filter basket open end and scoop in front of the housing inlet and at least partially above the water level in the housing to capture floating debris from the entering storm water so that the floating filter basket adjusts for varying water levels in the housing.

Abstract: A water boiler system for producing steam or hot water includes an apparatus for removing dissolved minerals from the boiler water without the use of water softeners or other chemical treatment agents. An electromagnetic flux producing device first treats water of the boiler system with alternating electromagnetic flux to cause nucleation of dissolved minerals in the bulk boiler water, rather than on boiler surfaces, with nucleated particles then accumulating into particulates which settle by gravity to a low area of the boiler. Water is continuously drained from the low area of the boiler and fed by a pump to a mechanical separator which continuously separates solids from the drain water and continuously passes cleansed water at a high temperature back to the boiler.

Abstract: The present inventions provide a floating type decanter apparatus that controls the decanting operation through the use of air.

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: A mobile chamber has an inlet for receiving polluted water and an outlet for pollution-free water to flow out. A mobile trap operating system includes an output pump, an input pump, a pollution tank, and a liquid tank, all operably connected to the chamber. Within the chamber is a collection reservoir with a skimming edge for skimming off floating pollutants such as motor oil, other hydrocarbons, and detergents. Alternative embodiments include a screen, baffles, and/or pivotal filter for further separating the pollutants from the water. A method for separating the pollutants from the water includes directing the water from the water tank at the pollutants and into a collection pool of polluted water, drawing the polluted water into the chamber, receiving the skimmed pollutants from the collection reservoir into the pollution tank, and receiving the pollutant-free liquid from the chamber into the liquid tank.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for separating a surface layer of a liquid by a container submerged in the liquid. The container includes a bottom, a wall member, connected to the bottom and having a variable length, and a separating member, which is connected to the wall member and communicates with a space in the container via an opening. An overflow portion of the separating member is located below a free liquid surface of the surface layer and permits the flowing of liquid. A discharge conduit extends from the space for liquid discharge. A floating member, connected to the separating member, floats on the liquid outside the container and exerts a lifting force upon the separating member in a direction prolonging the wall member. A submerging member is connected to the separating member and located below the over flow portion.

Abstract: A tidal-powered desalinization system is mounted on a barge that oscillates about fixed pier structures, generating a two-way pumping action. The two-way pumping action is changed to a single direction flow of seawater. The sea water is directed into an on-board desalinization system. Fresh water is produced and collected in reservoirs, without an intervening generation of electricity.

Abstract: A self-adjusting fluid surface skimmer and a wastewater treatment system incorporating the same are provided. In one embodiment, the skimmer includes an intake passage and an outlet passage. The intake passage comprises first and second passageways connected by a flexible coupling. A collar is positioned around the first passageway near an intake opening. At least one buoyant member is attached to the collar and facilitates self-adjustment of the skimmer. A gas inlet is disposed in the outlet passage and allows for the movement of gas through the outlet passage, which creates a suction effect in the intake passage. The wastewater treatment system comprises an aeration tank disposed in a settling tank such that a clearance is created between the two tanks. A skimmer according to the present invention is disposed within the clearance. The skimmer enables further removal of solids from treated fluid within the settling tank prior to leaving the treatment system.

Abstract: A device and method for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container and a composite element in the container. The composite element is a separator comprising a deformable bellows, a ballast mounted to the lower end of the bellows, and a float is engageable with an upper end of the bellows. A fluid sample is delivered to the container and the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the ballast to move toward the bottom of the tube and causes an elongation and narrowing of the bellows. The separator then moves down the tube and stabilizes in a position between the separated phases of the fluid sample. Termination of the centrifugal load enables the bellows to return to its original condition in sealing engagement with the walls of the tube.

Abstract: A system for skimming oil and other pollutants from the surface of a body of water. Each skimmer has a frame supporting and housing pumps, sensors, computers, and piping for separating the pollutant from the water and moving it to a collection and storage barge for further processing. The skimming operation is controlled by varying the approach angle of a skimmer toeboard, and the depth of the front end of the skimmer in the water. Hydraulic cylinders are used to pivotally position the toeboard. Air bags are used to control the depth of the skimmer in the water.

Abstract: An underwater filtration operator which can be suspended in a river, lake, pond or other water body to filter water from the water body. The underwater filtration operator may be electrically charged to discharge impurities in the water body and increase filtering efficiency and the operator includes a housing having a selected configuration and divided into one or more filtration units, each of which includes a filter medium for filtering water from the water body. A pump is provided in the housing for receiving the filtered water from the filtration units and pumping the filtered water to a collection tank or dispenser or directly to an end user or to a reverse-osmosis water filtration unit for further filtration.

Abstract: A material recovery system having a float that has a specific gravity less than material not being removed but greater than material being removed, allowing the float to remain at the interface of the materials. A tube is attached to the float so it only penetrates material being removed. An outlet end portion of the tube is attached to an inlet of a pump. When the pump is actuated the material being removed is extracted through the tube, leaving other materials behind. A windmill may be used to power the remediation system. Also disclosed is a sliding stroke reducer to adjust windmill stroke length.

Abstract: A prevention system is provided for disallowing trash from entering a catch basin during a dry season, and employing an apparatus attached to the opening of a storm drain and having a plate movable between open and closed positions, and operated by an insert placed inside the storm drain catch basin, a water filtering replaceable bag or bags placed in the insert, and a water receiving canister below the bag or bags. Contaminants are removed from water that is used to impose weight to open the plate and then discharged.

Abstract: A liquid purification and separation apparatus for separation of pollutants in stormwater runoff is disclosed. This apparatus utilizes gravitational separation and tortuosity, resulting from a plurality of baffles both perpendicular to and oblique to the primary water flow direction, to trap substances less-dense and more-dense than water. The apparatus features improved resistance to pollutant remobilization through treatment of water volume rather than flow rates, using vertically stacked water columns of varying depths to settle small particles. An overflow structure diverts excessive liquid without interfering with purification and separation, and can be placed integrally within or external to the apparatus receptacle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for recovery of the product forming a slick floating on the surface of the water such as an oil slick. The apparatus comprises a recovery head formed by an enclosure having in the upper part an inlet for the product to be recovered and in the lower part an outlet for the recovered product, as well as a vortex generator which creates in the enclosure a dynamic vortex which descends in the enclosure as far s its outlet; a flotation means which supports the enclosure so as to keep its inlet at the level of the slick to be recovered; and a pipe connecting the outlet of the enclosure to a tank.

Abstract: A paint spray booth sludge recovery system, apparatus and method is provided for water washed paint spray booths. The spray booths are used with a tank or pit which can accommodate flotation for removal of spent paint. Preferably, the tank has a drop box section, a chemical treatment section, a weir box section and a booth recirculation pump section. A series of weirs are used to separate the spent paint and send a concentration thereof from the weir box to a separator or centrifuge. The water level in the system is controlled by sensing the weir box water level to keep the water crests over the weirs at the desired levels. Scavenging and agitation are provided in the tank to keep it entirely clean for prolonged periods without any accumulation, even during downtime.

Abstract: A back flushable sample probe includes a hollow fitting securable to a fluid supply source and a strainer assembly disposed within the fitting. The strainer assembly includes a movable first member and a second member secured within the fitting. The first member is movable to contact the second member and form a strainer at the engaging surface between, the first and second members, where the strainer permits a fluid sample to flow through the engaging surface but prevents debris entrained in the fluid to pass therethrough. During back flushing of the sample probe, the first member disengages from the second member, causing any debris accumulated at the engaging interface to be removed from the sample probe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting liquid from a body of liquid. The apparatus includes a conduit terminator operable to terminate a conduit, the conduit terminator having an inlet opening to facilitate conduction of liquid from the body of liquid. The apparatus includes a solid object diverter connected to the conduit terminator, the diverter defining a liquid admitting cavity about the inlet opening to impede solid objects from entering the inlet opening while permitting entry of liquid into the cavity for admission into the inlet opening. The apparatus also has a positioner operable to position the diverter in a position in the liquid body such that the cavity admits liquid from the body of liquid while the inlet opening admits liquid from the cavity.

Abstract: In an air filter for filtering the intake air for internal combustion engines of motor vehicles, with a filter housing, which has an air inlet, an air outlet, and at least one water outlet disposed in the housing bottom, and with a replaceable filter matte disposed in the filter housing between the air intake and air outlet, in order to separate water particles from the intake air and in order to optimally discharge the separated water from the filter housing, a water separator is disposed upstream of the filter matte in the filter housing and means are provided in the at least one water outlet, which produce a water level in the water outlet of such a height that the vacuum in the filter housing acting on the water outlet is compensated for.

Abstract: A skimming apparatus which skims a two-component liquid from the surface of a liquid mixture in a tank includes a pump which pumps the skimmed liquid to a coalescer for separating and collecting a lower density liquid component from the mixture and returning the rest of the liquid to the tank. The skimming apparatus further includes a skimmer which is designed to float on the surface of the liquid mixture in the tank. Arms extend between the skimmer and a mounting assembly so that as the level of the liquid mixture in the tank changes the skimmer will continue to skim from the surface of the liquid mixture. A self-adjusting tube assembly extends between the skimmer and the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A device and method for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container and a composite element in the container. The composite element is a separator comprising at least two components and more particularly, a bellows with a seal body, a low-density float and a high-density ballast. A fluid sample is delivered to the container and the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the seal body of the separator to deform so that the separator migrates through the fluid sample and then stabilizes between the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample. The seal body of the separator will resiliently return to its initial configuration upon termination of the centrifugal load such that the seal body sealingly engages the container and the composite element separates the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A skimming apparatus which skims a two-component liquid from the surface of a liquid mixture in a tank includes a pump which pumps the skimmed liquid to a coalescer for separating and collecting a lower density liquid component from the mixture and returning the rest of the liquid to the tank. The skimming apparatus further includes a skimmer which is designed to float on the surface of the liquid mixture in the tank. Arms extend between the skimmer and a mounting assembly so that as the level of the liquid mixture in the tank changes the skimmer will continue to skim from the surface of the liquid mixture. A self-adjusting tube assembly extends between the skimmer and the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A liquid contaminant separation system that includes a liquid surface skimmer having an interior with a wall perimeter sealed by a vertically sliding float. The float has a tubular body with slots in the tube wall, and a vortex cavity in an upper section thereof. The structure of the float provides for flow of liquid from a supply reservoir through the slots in the float wall, over a top edge of the float into the vortex cavity, and then down into the collection reservoir of the float. The float level is determined by the level of liquid in the collection reservoir. Vertical slots in the wall of the collection reservoir extend above the level of liquid in the supply reservoir. The float body must be sufficiently iong so that lower ends of the slots are blocked by the float body. This ensures that liquid from the supply reservoir will flow into the float only at the top edge of the float, thereby enabling the system to effectively separate the desired liquid from the contaminating liquid.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment tank with influent gates (24) and pre-react zone with an outwardly flared lower portion. Influent passes over influent gates (24), which introduce turbulence, causing aeration, and reducing flow velocity. As influent flows out of the influent gate housing (20), flow velocity is further reduced by contact with the surface of the wastewater in the basin and influent flow is directed laterally by an influent gate bottom (30). A pre-react zone director (34) spaced apart from the bottom (42) of the basin encloses the influent gate housing (20) and utilizes an outwardly flared lower portion, or flap (38), to further reduce flow velocity and enhance laminar flow. This results in minimal disturbance of settled sludge blanket, allowing it to act as a natural biological filter, which in turn results in a superior supernatant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sludge extraction, in particular for the extraction of scum in a sedimentation basin, and a process for selecting the sludge partitions. The sludge extraction of the invention comprises a float; a mixing unit to generate a fluid flow away from the sludge extraction; a catch tank with an overflow rim, which runs partially or completely around the sludge extraction; and a conveyor, which conveys the sludge, flowing into the catch tank, through an outlet line. The flow generated by the mixing unit moves the entire scum of the surface layer to the sludge extraction, where the scum can be collected. With the aid of this sludge extraction the scum and the light-weight sludge partitions can be extracted selectively and from over a large area.

Abstract: An apparatus for skimming a layer of oil from an aqueous surface which includes a body portion having a horizontal opening. There is a collection tube secured to the opening and a suction tube having a lower end located in said collection tube. The body portion has a float secured thereto and has a guide element extending through the float.

Abstract: In an apparatus for continually skimming off a top layer of a body of liquid, the apparatus having a self-adjusting collecting container with two opposite sidewalls, a rear wall, and a bottom surface, including a discharge means, wherein the collecting container has a leading edge over which the top layer flows into the collecting container, which top layer is removable through said discharge means and wherein a combined weight of the top layer skimmed into the collecting container causes the collecting container to seek an effective balanced position for collecting the top layer, the apparatus further including a pipe about which the collecting container is mounted tiltably. The pipe is aligned with an axis of rotation of the collecting container. The pipe is further connected to the discharge means inside the collecting container, and the pipe and the collecting container are capable of independent movement.

Abstract: A floating decanter for removing supernatant from sequential batch reactors, clarifiers, or other similar devices. Sealed tanks support a central sump which has two peripheral openings which allow liquid to enter the sump and a cover to prevent splash over. A drain opening in the bottom of the sump allows liquid to drain out of the sump. Each of the peripheral openings has a hinged floating weir. Skirts around the drain opening in the bottom define the height of liquid in the sump upon which the floating weir rides. A barrier generally in front of and above the floating weir, prevents the surface of the liquid from entering the sump of the decanter. A horizontal plate positioned at the bottom of the sump provides a spoiler which discourages liquid from below the level of the sump from entering the sump. A plate, hinged where it joins the barrier above the weir, extends down to the lower lip of the sump.

Abstract: A float inlet, comprising an upper anti-vortex plate; a lower scour guard plate; and at least one float connected to the upper plate, where the float supports the upper plate in a body of water so that the upper plate is parallel to the surface of the body of water. The upper and lower plates are separated by a fixed distance, so as to allow water to flow between the upper and lower plates. A tube passes through a hole in the upper plate. The tube has a first open end above the upper plate which is adapted to connect to a suction hose and a second open end positioned between the upper and lower plates. A strainer covers the second open end of the tube. When the inlet is positioned in a body of water, the float supports the upper plate so that the strainer is positioned just below the surface of the water. The suction tube may then be used to draw water from the body of water. The upper anti-vortex plate prevents formation of a vortex on the surface of the water while suction is applied.

Abstract: A water catchment device floating at the surface (19) of a basin comprising: a floating support (1) having a support base (3); and a skimmer (4) retained on the base (3) and comprising a skimmer body (5) which can be vertically displaced above the base (3), the skimmer body (5) having a base (7) which has at least one auxiliary passage (11) designed to be closed off by the base (3) when the skimmer body (5) is resting thereon, and a floating dish (13) which sits at the top of the skimmer body (5) during abnormal operation due to excessive buoyancy caused by inadequate filling with water, in which case the skimmer body becomes buoyant and rises above the base releasing the auxiliary passage (11) by which the water enters the skimmer body, from where it is pumped.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of photopolymer printing blocks, which are utilizable for producing printed matter by flexography, typography or dry offset, of the type including a stage for polymerizing areas by exposure to ultraviolet rays; a stage for engraving non-polymerized areas by immersion and brushing in an engraving bath contained in an engraving tank, the bath becoming loaded with dissolved particles or particles in suspension during the engraving stage; and a separation of the constituents of the engraving bath, with the liquid obtained at the time of separation being injected back into the engraving tank, characterized in that the separation consists of filtration, during which the particles are progressively eliminated. The invention also relates to an engraving device for carrying out the process.

Abstract: A floating skimmer is provided for use with a pool cleaner of the type powered by a suction or vacuum source, such as by connecting the pool cleaner via a vacuum hose or the like to the suction side of conventional pool water filtration equipment, wherein the floating skimmer is coupled along the vacuum hose and functions to collect debris picked up by the pool cleaner as well as floating debris such as leaves and the like on the pool water surface. The floating skimmer comprises a buoyant housing having a perforated collection basket therein defining a primary debris collection chamber adapted for in-line connection along the vacuum hose to capture debris entrained with water drawn from the suction-powered pool cleaner to the filtration system.

Abstract: The invention is a perpetual skimming device for insertion into a reservoir containing liquid at the liquid level which allows the top liquid layer to enter an outer cylinder of the device through longitudinal slots, raising a floating inner cylindrical portion, which in turn, shuts off the liquid entry once enough liquid has entered the device to raise the float to cut off the liquid intrusion. The liquid is then removed by a centrally affixed pickup tube having fluid entry ports at the bottom of the tube, located near the base of the outer cylinder. As the liquid is removed, the inner cylindrical float lowers and allows more liquid into the invention, for a perpetual cyclic skimming operation.

Abstract: An etching device for preparing flexible blocks which can be used for printing in flexography, typography or dry offset generally includes an etching tank containing a bath (22) and brushes (3), a stirring and heating device, and an overfill system (20) for discharging the solution from the etching tank through an outlet duct (21) to a separation device. The separation device includes a reception vat (14) having an upper part which is equipped with a device (10) for separating the water and the polymer, and at least one filtering membrane (7).

Abstract: A gravity liquid filtration apparatus includes a housing with a pool forming assembly mounted between a pair of side walls in the housing. The pool forming assembly includes a central shaft with a pair of spaced-apart discs rotatably mounted on the shaft between the side walls. A filter media is supported on an endless loop carrier belt, and pressed against the peripheral edges of the containment discs along bottom arcs thereof to form a generally semi-cylindrical shaped pool. A liquid inflow assembly on the housing includes a delivery head with a nozzle portion having an elongated mouth aimed downwardly to discharge liquid onto a downwardly sloped portion of the filter media. A box is formed in the delivery head above the nozzle of a size to permit large objects such as pens and pencils to fall flat and be discharged through the mouth of the nozzle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing water from a lake, pond, or other body of water, relatively silt and sediment free. A water inlet is positioned off the bottom of the body of water and is adjustably supported from the bottom of the body of water. The inlet is maintained above the silt and sediment layer at the bottom of the body of water and below the surface layer of the body of water.

Abstract: This invention is a single stage or a multi-stage apparatus for chemical, physical-chemical, and biological treatment and equalization of variable flows of influent material, wherein said influent material is processed in at least a single reactor or in a plurality of sequential reactors containing liquid and having influent, and having reactor connecting and effluent lines.

Abstract: A pool cleaner floats on the surface of a pool. The cleaner includes a pump and filter, the filter being connected downstream of the pump. A vacuum head, connected by a hose to the pump, is moved around the pool, to direct water from the pool through the pump and filter. Due to the absence of any filter on the upstream side of the pump, the cleaner maintains its efficiency for a longer time than comparable cleaners of the prior art. The cleaner may also include a rotary strainer, placed upstream of the pump, for removing large pieces of debris. The strainer includes a slidable, transparent access cover which allows visual monitoring of the condition of the strainer, and permits easy access to the interior of the strainer, for removal of debris. In another embodiment, the cleaner includes a filter unit having a continuous sheet of filter material which advances automatically when the filter material previously exposed to the water has become clogged.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus including a biotreatment tank and a floating clarifier within the tank. The floating clarifier includes a floating base and a perimeter wall mounted to and beneath the floating base. A plurality of tented panels mounted to the clarifier walls forms an apertured bottom of the floating clarifier having a plurality of tortuous outlets. The biotreated wastewater from the biotreatment tank enters the floating clarifier, where the suspended solids within the biotreated water settle and descends out of the apertured bottom of the clarifier. The biotreatment tank and clarifier operate continuously while equalizing variations in the wastewater feed rate.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention has a float portion, a drain head portion, and an outlet pipe portion which are sequentially connected. The float pivotally supports the drain head slightly below the surface of water in a sediment basin. The outlet pipe is connected rigidly to the drain head at the inlet end and flexibly to a drain line at the outlet end. As the water fills and is drained from the sediment basin, the float and drain head are gradually raised and lowered and the outlet pipe approaches horizontal. The float surrounds the drain head and has a debris guard which is pivotally mounted to keep a gap preventing debris from entering the outlet pipe closed. An orifice within the outlet pipe and an air vent connected thereto are variable to control the water flow rate from the basin.