Abstract: An improved skimming apparatus for skimming a two component liquid includes a housing mounted to a tank below the normal liquid level for the tank, an outlet for pumping fluid from the submerged housing and an intake structure extending upwardly from the submerged housing and defining an inlet for permitting inflow of liquid to the interior of the submerged housing. The intake structure includes an intake tube rotatably mounted to the housing at upper and lower ends. The intake tube rotates in response to variations of the liquid level in the housing, to vary the inlet size and hence the rate of inflow to the housing. An adjuster provides control over the variation of the inlet size, to accommodate different skimming rates for liquids of different temperatures. An intermediate tube surrounds the intake tube, and an outer tube surrounds the intermediate tube.

Abstract: A skimmer for recovering spilled oil plows through the water at relatively high speeds and operates under a variety of weather conditions. To counteract the pitch and roll of the skimmer while traveling through choppy seas, the skimmer is attached to the propelling vessel by a biaxial mount, which has the shaft perpendicular to the center line of the vessel and horizontal to the water line. This allows the nose section of the skimmer to travel in a vertical direction in concert with oncoming swells and waves. The main control frame of the skimmer is hinged perpendicularly to the vessel shaft yoke to allow the main frame to roll in concert with cross waves and swells. This biaxial mounting allows the nose of the skimmer to remain at a fairly uniform depth in the water no matter which direction the waves are approaching, which allows the skimmer to be attached to virtually any vessel with size and characteristics to accommodate the mass of the skimmer.

Abstract: A separator has a generally cylindrical body and a water swellable material fitted around at least a portion of the generally cylindrical body or on the surface of a passage through the body. Upon being exposed to water the water swellable material swells to form a seal in the passage or within the tube or other vessel containing the separator. The separator is preferably used in a blood collection tube and has a specific gravity between specific gravities of a light phase and a heavy phase of the blood. After the blood has been collected and centrifuged the separator moves to a position between the light phase and the heavy phase and the water swellable material is exposed to water in the blood causing the material to swell and create a seal. Thereafter, the serum or plasma as well as white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and platelets can be removed from the blood collection tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating contaminated stormwater runoff from roads and adjacent lands. A multi-stage and self-contained integrated module is designed to collect the first flush of stormwater runoff (which contains the majority of pollutants) and to treat the pollutants using sedimentation, filtration and constructed wetlands. The apparatus is mass-produced to provide standardized hydrologic controls, important to the reliability of the constructed wetland component of the apparatus. Raw stormwater enters the central sedimentation chamber of the apparatus which is divided into multiple segments designed to provide a series of sedimentation/filtration chambers. At least one chamber is provided with a removable filter bulkhead. Effluent from the final sedimentation chamber is discharged to the constructed wetland system which surrounds the central sedimentation tank.

Abstract: A base fixed to a liquid-containing tank and a float disposed above the base are liquid-tightly secured to lower and upper ends, respectively, of a flexible member comprising a bellows cylinder. The base, the float and the flexible member define a liquid reservoir. The float rises when there is a large quantity of liquid in the reservoir and falls when there is a small quantity of liquid in the reservoir, so that a damming plate provided on the float is moved above and below the surface of the liquid in the tank. When the damming plate is moved below the liquid surface, the liquid on the surface flows into the reservoir through a liquid inlet formed in the float, and the liquid that collects in the reservoir is discharged to the exterior of the tank by a liquid discharge pipe. As the float rises, the damming plate is lifted above the surface of the liquid in the tank, thereby cutting off the flow of surface liquid into the reservoir.

Abstract: For the separation of a contaminated floating top layer of oil or oil substances, a continuous laminer flow is created on or near the surface, by placing a number of baffles (8, 8') in the path of the flowing liquid (V) as it moves through a tank (1). The total amount of liquid flowing through the tank (1) is now adjusted in such a way that the correct control of the upper laminar flow (5) and the dominant more turbulent lower flow near the bottom (9) of the tank (1) produces a controllable constant difference in height (delta h). This total difference in height (delta h) can also be attained by cascade operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gully emptier comprising a container which has connected thereto a water jet or vacuum/pressure pump for conveying slurry and in which a discharge pipe which is provided with a filter at a liftable and lowerable end is arranged upstream of the connection to the suction side of a low-pressure pump, wherein a float is connected to the filter. Thanks to the float which floats on the water surface, the filter is automatically held at a predetermined depth below the water surface even when the water level changes. A manual adjustment by the operating staff is no longer required. The distance of the filter from the water surface can be accurately adjusted by using a floodable or inflatable float.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering floating materials, including a compartment with a weir for receiving the material to be recovered and a system for emptying the compartment. The weir forms at least one clean float at least partially immersed in the recovery compartment. The apparatus is remarkable in that the weir is connected to at least one float borne by a body of water outside the compartment so that it is sensitive both to changes of the level in the compartment and to the relative movement of the body of water outside. The connection between the weir and the outside float is advantageously provided by an assembly enabling relative motion between the weir and the outside float.

Abstract: A skimmer/coalescer system includes a skimmer which skims a two-component liquid from the surface of a liquid mixture in a tank, and 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 skimmer includes a housing submerged below the liquid surface in the tank, an outlet operatively connected to the pump and an intake which supplies liquid to the housing by gravity. The intake includes a vertically movable inlet which remains adjacent the liquid surface regardless of liquid level changes in the tank, thereby to skim near the surface where the lower density liquid dominates, and to enhance skimming efficiency.

Abstract: A method for providing a uniform plug flow through an anaerobic wastewater treatment reactor includes distributing incoming wastewater generally evenly near the bottom of reactor and evenly collecting the wastewater near an upper level thereof so as to produce upward plug flow through the reactor during filling, recycle and decanting and minimize horizontal mixing. Such plug flow encourages growth of heavier biomass near the bottom of the reactor where substrate is greatest and discourages growth of light biomass near the top of the reactor where substrate is least. Wastewater is also preferably recycled from the top to the bottom of the reactor. Apparatus is provided to be used in conjunction with the method. The apparatus is also usable in conjunction with a subsequent aerobic sequencing batch reactor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating contaminated stormwater runoff from roads and adjacent lands. A multi-stage and self-contained integrated module is designed to collect the first flush of stormwater runoff (which contains the majority of pollutants) and to treat the pollutants using sedimentation, filtration and constructed wetlands. The apparatus is mass-produced to provide standardized hydrologic controls, important to the reliability of the constructed wetland component of the apparatus.Raw stormwater enters the central sedimentation chamber of the apparatus which is divided into multiple segments designed to provide a series of sedimentation/filtration chambers. At least one chamber is provided with a removable filter bulkhead. Effluent from the final sedimentation chamber is discharged to the constructed wetland system which surrounds the central sedimentation tank.

Abstract: A mobile floating surface skimmer is adapted to float in a body of liquid having debris and/or contaminants at the surface. The skimmer comprises a vessel having an inlet through which liquid from the surface of the body of liquid can flow into the vessel together with the debris and/or contaminants. An outlet is adapted to be connected to a pump for removing liquid, together with the debris and/or contaminants from the vessel. Further included is a valve for controlling a flow of liquid into the vessel in response to the level of liquid in the vessel so as to maintain the inlet near the surface of the body of liquid, wherein the valve is provided with a delayed response so as to cause the skimmer to oscillate vertically in the body of liquid so the debris is prevented from becoming lodged at the inlet. Further, the invention includes a method of skimming debris from the surface of a liquid.

Abstract: Grease is separated from a mixture of grease and water in a grease collection tank having first and second access ports by skimming the grease from the mixture with a skimmer, and pumping the grease with a pump located in the first access port from the skimmer through a conduit to a storage container located in the second access port.

Abstract: An oil spill skimmer and processor particularly for offshore oil spill recovery includes a series of features which enable efficient recovery of oil from the water surface, even in the presence of considerable debris. The large ocean going apparatus, which includes two successive floating weirs, affords a great deal of control to the operator. Controls include adjustable water jets for steering oil into the skimmer and deflecting debris, the ability to reverse either of two internal pumps to flutter weirs up and down for the clearing of debris. The first floating weir is adjustable as to buoyancy, permitting the operator greater control over modes of operation and passing of debris through the vessel. A debris grate at the inlet of the skimmer traps debris, and a grinder receives trapped debris from the grate, to be ground up and passed on with recovered oil.

Abstract: A controlled floating aspirators system includes floating cages made of latticework and provided on their sides with floats to establish a working level suitable for the cage as a whole. Each cage has two frameworks at the sides thereof. The inner framework has a rolling skid through which the cage can move up and down along a respective slide provided on the ship. Within each cage are provided a front mouth and a rear exit. At least one floating aspirator module is provided on each cage, having floats which allow the cage to float on its own. The module has an aspiration nozzle coupled with a respective pump. The system may include an auxiliary aspirator module located in front of the module formed by the floating aspirator.

Abstract: A sludge collector includes a collection box disposed within a sludge holding tank containing a liquid and the sludge or other materials to be collected. A floating weir is positioned at the inlet of the box to control the depth of a stream of materials flowing into the box. The weir operates to automatically match the flow rate into the box to that out of the box without employing complex sensing or actuating mechanisms while at the same time assuring that adequate turbulence is created in the box to mix sludge with the liquid prior to removal. The weir is also designed so as to reliably handle sticky materials. Preferably, the pump is specially designed to handle sticky materials without clogging, and baffles are located upstream of the collector to facilitate prompt sludge collection.

Abstract: A first stage of a two stage apparatus for separating floating paint spray particulates from a collection tank that receives the waterfall backdrop from a commercial paint spray booth has a vertically pivotal weir hinged to a weir box that receives the resulting watery sludge as the floating solids and surface water skim over the weir. A float is connected with the weir by a dog-leg rod to control the flow over the weir at a preselected rate in response to the level of sludge in the weir box, thereby to minimize the proportion of water in the sludge. The sludge is pumped from the weir box into an inlet at the lower end of a consolidator tank. A compressed air diffuser emits streams of minute air bubbles below the inlet gently carries the floating particulates to the water surface where they accumulate and are gradually forced upward as a mass above the surface by underlying particulates continually entering the accumulator. Water from the uppermost particulates drains back into the accumulator.

Abstract: A modular decanting apparatus that is self supporting that may be used in single or multiple configurations to accommodate the removal of wastewater effluent from a wide range of geometric configurations of basins and sizes while substantially reducing the overflow velocities created during a decanting process. It's "Stove Pipe" configuration provides the option of effluent discharge from its top, bottom or mid section and allows effluent to be discharged by internal pump pressure, external pump suction or by gravity flow according to engineering choice. The apparatus includes a weighted support base, and the stove pipe is captured and surrounded by a buoyant doughnut shaped manifold containing fluid inlet valves and a flexible hose with a straight section connecting the manifold to the interior of the stove pipe assembly and also includes a larger flexible hose connecting the stove pipe assembly to the discharge system of a wastewater treatment reactor.

Abstract: A flotation device for the separation of nonmiscible liquids, particularly the separation of water and hydrocarbon pollutants, comprising a cylindrical tank divided by partitions into a feed flow rate homogenization compartment, at least one flotation cell equipped with a cyclone-turbine and a skimming chamber with self-stabilizing chute, and a tranquilization compartment, characterized in that said cyclone-turbine is equipped with a throttling disk and vortex stabilization baffles, and that the skimming chute is equipped with lateral floats and counterweights.

Abstract: A skimmer assembly for use in a well has a shielded float/filter assembly with a hydrophobic/oleophilic filter element, which permits selective passage of lighter than water liquids, such as oil or other hydrocarbons, to the inlet of a pumping assembly. The pumping assembly is provided with two pumps: a lower pump for pumping the lighter than water liquid to the surface of the earth, and an upper pump for pumping water in the well to the surface of the earth. Each pump is operated by a common logic valve, to which compressed air is supplied and which regulates the application of compressed air to the upper side of a diaphragm in each pump. The lower side of the diaphragm is forced upwardly by means of a spring arranged within the pumping volume of the pump housing and a backing plate positioned just below the diaphragm. A bias spring between the backing plate and a centrally located inlet valve function to close the valve from the inlet to the pump.

Abstract: An oil spill skimmer and processor particularly for offshore oil spill recovery includes a series of features which enable efficient recovery of oil from the water surface, even in the presence of considerable debris. Controllable water jets move the oil generally by means of a mound at the water surface, entrapping air which rises and moves the water outwardly. Debris can be steered away by the use of a water jet on one side of the inlet to the apparatus. A further water jet adjacent to a front weir of the skimmer system enables cleaning of debris from the weir itself. Preferably a nozzle is included at the back of the apparatus for the introduction of chemicals into the oil. Further, the apparatus enables the operator to reverse either of two internal pumps to flutter weirs up and down for the clearing of debris. A debris grid or grate at the inlet of the skimmer apparatus traps debris, and a grinder receives trapped debris from the grate. Ground up debris is passed on with the recovered oil.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel apparatus for cleaning and salvaging oil spills in marine environments. The invention is directed to a dual purpose vessel adapted for use in sand dredging and oil spill clean-up comprising: (a) a hull; (b) at least one pump suction tube mounted to the exterior of the hull, the suction tube inlet being located below the water line of the hull, and being rotatably connected to the hull; (c) a draghead which is adapted to ride in part above the water level attached at the end of the suction tube opposite the suction tube inlet connection; and (d) a buoyancy compensator cooperating with the draghead to ensure that at least part of the draghead rides above the water level at all times.

Abstract: A decanting apparatus for a waste water treatment reactor which includes a float system which may be independent of the decanting apparatus end which allows the decanting apparatus to be removed without removing the float system. The decanting apparatus is a unique ball-funnel-shaped sleeve combination which may be powered internally or externally for removal of effluent that allows decanting below the surface at the most optimum level and may be intermittently operated on demand by floating switches or a programable timer. The decanting apparatus may be utilized in various applications including a gravity flow situation and two or more of these decanting apparatus's may be combined to provide more volume of effluent if required. This decanter is also ideal for environments where lower temperature extremes may form ice upon the upper layer of the fluid within the reactor.

Abstract: A particle separator apparatus includes a pond and a separation vault, which receive a runoff stream. The vault includes an entrance for the runoff stream, the entrance having a primary skimmer thereabout for removing floating objects from the stream. A holding chamber is provided for catching and holding particulate matter as the particulate matter drops out of the runoff stream. The holding chamber includes a plate module, having plural corrugated plates spaced apart from one another therein, for providing the aerobic and anaerobic treatment to stabilize the runoff stream. A final skimmer is located at the rear of the vault, and includes a final skimmer plate which directs floating objects to a floating hose, which removes any remaining floating objects from the runoff stream.

Abstract: Filtering apparatus employs both pneumatic controls and a pneumatic drive to eliminate all electrical components. The filtering apparatus includes a perforate plate and a tank with a strip of filtering media supported on the plate. Contaminated liquid is supplied from above and clean liquid is removed from below the filtering media and plate. The filtering media is advanced across the plate by conveying apparatus. The pneumatic drive for the conveying apparatus is operated by pneumatic controls and a float which actuates the drive when the liquid in the tank rises to a predetermined level as the filtering media becomes plugged. The drive is shut off when the liquid drops to a lower predetermined level.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing an oil slick from a body of water through the action of gravity employing a platform supporting an accumulator which platform is substantially vertically movable relative to the surface of a body of water and a sluice gate either directly mounted on the accumulator or mounted on a tethered raft that is interconnected with the accumulator by a flexible hose for receiving portions of the oil slick.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system is disclosed which utilizes only one fiberglass tank which has no compartments but includes a first flow equalization collector surrounded by a cylindrical partition which vertially eliminates hydraulic turbulence and creates a pre-strat zone. A novel floating decanter is disclosed and programmable circuitry including timing of aeration, liquid levels and decanting processes with the results of producing a quality supernatent affluent heretofore unavailable in such a simple system.

Abstract: A desalination apparatus including pressure responsive desalination means, a storage tank and conduit means connecting such storage tank to a pump mounted in a caisson defining a resonant chamber having an opening in one side thereof for receiving the incoming ocean waves. The caisson is configured in accordance with the natural frequency of the incoming waves and amplify such waves to drive a float coupled with the pump. Actuation of such pump pressurizes the storage tank to drive brine through the desalination means for separating therefrom potable water. The apparatus includes a turbine generator arranged to facilitate the pressurizing of the brine.

Abstract: A prefilter for an EDM machine includes a tank for holding flush water with guide rollers and channels used to thread a continuous sheet of filter paper along the bottom thereof such that the flush water is prefiltered by the continuous sheet filter paper. A float switch detects the level of flush water in the tank so that as the filter paper becomes clogged, it actuates a take-up motor for advancing the filter paper through the tank to remove clogged filter paper therefrom and replace it with fresh filter paper. The prefilter may be used as a kit for retrofit to existing EDM machines or provided as part of an original equipment design.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for separating hydrocarbon products such as cutting oil from water. The device includes a receiving tank defining a reservoir which receives a mixture of water and oil. The oil floats above the water and thus forms an upper layer in the receiving tank. A skimmer skims the upper layer from the receiving tank and channels the skimmed portion to a pumping chamber. A venturi jet pump then pumps the skimmed portion from the pumping chamber to a settling tank which then separates the oil and water. The skimmer includes floats which vary the depth of the skimmer as a function of the liquid level in the receiving tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing low density liquids from oil production water tanks.

Abstract: A portable skimming apparatus for skimming oil and/or other liquid from water surfaces comprising a pump for pumping liquid, a floating intake assembly for floating on a liquid surface includes a circular float, a circular plate secured coaxially within the float, central inlet connected by a flexible conduit to the pump, and a peripheral inlet spaced around inside the periphery of the circular float connected by a flexible conduit to the pump for receiving liquid from the liquid surface.

Abstract: A continuous soap skimmer arranged to skim a light phase foamy or viscous material from a heavy phase liquid, the soap skimmer comprising a top float arranged to float partially or completely submerged in the light phase material, and a bottom float, arranged to float completely submerged in the light phase material, or partially submerged in the heavy phase material. The bottom float is further constructed to have a flow pipe mounted therein which is maintainable under a negative pressure. The top and bottom floats are sealed and arranged to remain afloat in their respective light and heavy phase materials despite ballasting fluctuations due to light phase material filling the soap flow path and despite variations in the densities of the respective phases. The skimmer will not sink when filled with the heavy phase liquid, nor will the skimmer weir float above the light phase material under any operating conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel apparatus for cleaning and salvaging oil spills in marine environments. The invention is directed to a dual purpose vessel adapted for use in sand dredging and oil spill clean-up comprising: (a) a hull; (b) at least two pump suction tubes mounted to the exterior of the hull, the suction tube inlets being located below the water line of the hull, and being rotatably connected to the hull; (c) a draghead which is adapted to ride in part above the water level attached at the end of each suction tube opposite the suction tube inlet connection; and (d) a buoyancy compensator cooperating with the draghead to ensure that at least part of the draghead rides above the water level at all times.

Abstract: A device for removing a fluid layer off of another fluid surface is shown. The device includes a funnel having a converging surface and a flow exit area. The device further includes an upper member having a corresponding converging surface which is adjacent to the converging surface of the funnel, and defining a converging annular passageway extending generally from the periphery of the funnel to the flow exit area of the funnel.

Abstract: A sea oil scoop is provided for a vessel having a hull in a body of oil contaminated water, which consists of a housing having an oil inlet port. A mechanism is for hinging the housing to the side of the hull of the vessel. The housing can be angularly positioned with respect to the hull of the vessel, to gather the oil from the top surface of the body of oil contaminated water into the oil inlet port, when in one instance the vessel travels forward and in another instance when the vessel is anchored and the current in the water drives the oil past the vessel.

Abstract: A hollow, floatable, hydrodynamically shaped member supports a screen in canopy-like fashion and is secured to a harness for being lowered into and raised from an effluent stream such as in a closed sewage system. The member floats on the stream and floating substances therein are collected by the screen for subsequent analysis or the like, as may be required for pollution control or related purposes. The harness includes a line for tethering the floatable member so that said member rises and falls with the rising and falling of the stream level. The hollow, floatable member has a removable cap, whereby ballast can be added or removed for adjusting the buoyancy thereof.

Abstract: An oil spill recovery system for collecting spilled oil or other petrochemicals from the surface of water, for separating the collected oil and water, and for separately distributing these liquids to desired destinations. Oil is recovered from the surface of water by a collector head that creates a vortex of vacuumed air which lifts and skims the oil from the water. Once the oil is in the collector head, it is transferred to a separation chamber where the oil and water separate. Sensor devices inside the separation chamber monitor the oil/water phase line and the upper oil level. The sensor devices, continuously monitored by a control processor, signal a series of pumps and valves to discharge either water or oil or both when the liquids have reached certain levels within the separation chamber. The control processor has an operational sequence that provides for automatic control of the oil spill recovery system.

Abstract: The floating decanter apparatus of decanting supernatant from a vessel or basin without drawing floating solids or scum includes a weir for decanting supernatant from the basin and a float for buoyantly supporting the weir in the basin. An actuator is provided for moving the weir, relative to the float, from a first position at which a discharge opening of the weir is above the surface level of the supernatant in the basin, to a second position at which the discharge opening is below the surface level, thereby enabling the supernatant to enter the weir from below the surface. Solids are prevented from entering the discharge opening before and during decanting of the supernatant and means are provided for removing the supernatant to a location outside the basin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovery of oil from a marine oil slick. The apparatus includes a dredge (10) equipped with a suction pump (11) and a suction pipe (13) having a suction collector box (17,60) mounted on the distal end thereof for pivotal movement with respect to said pipe. The dredge is positioned adjacent the oil slick with the collector box in the current path by means of the anchor lines (32a,33a). Drive controls, which may include an automatic positioning system (75), are provided to maintain the lip (20) of the opening at a selected level of submergence along a plurality of incremental lengths of said lip comprising substantially its entire length to accommodate wave action incident from any direction. A plurality of oil/water separation devices (44) mounted on barges (45) or other convenient platforms connect with the pump outlet to receive the mixture of oil and water suctioned through the collector box and to separate the oil and water for collection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-propelled remote-controlled liquid hydrocarbons recovery or liquid hydrocarbons skimming vehicle (ROV) with an on-board liquid hydrocarbons/water separation apparatus, and a liquid hydrocarbons spill cleanup system incorporating the ROV. The ROV has a gimballed funnel for skimming liquid hydrocarbons from the surface of the water and directing it to a centrifugal separator. The ROV forms part of an oil spill cleanup system which can be deployed by aircraft and remotely operated.

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

Abstract: A skimming device (14) for oil-extraction equipment for tanks (3) of coolant liquids with oil in suspension, comprising a support (15) carrying a hollow cylindrical body of adjustable height (20) on which a float member (23) is slidable axially, the float member having an upper wall (24) which communicates with the cavity of the cylindrical body and is adapted to position itself at the correct level (L.sub.1, L.sub.2) for skimming the suspended oil from the liquid in the tank.

Abstract: A portable swimming pool skimmer that may be dragged around the perimeter of a swimming pool by a person gripping its tether line. The swimming pool skimmer has a pair of laterally spaced end walls that are secured to the respective opposite ends of three tubular connecting members. The first two of these tubular members are air tight so that they have a tendency to float to the top of the water surface. The third tubular member has a plurality of apertures therein that allows it to fill with water and causes it to sink beneath the surface of the water. A net is connected between the two air tight tubular connecting members and it has a sufficient amount of slack so that it forms a concave shape when the skimmer is dragged around the pool for collecting the undesirable objects floating on the water surface.

Abstract: An installation for collecting oil or fuel spilled on the sea comprising an oil collecting stage, a first tank and a second tank as cascades, a suction pump and a final tank for separation of oil from water all of which are connected with pipes in the set forth order. The oil collecting stage comprises at least one platform holding a funnel in the center to collect mixture of the oil and water on the surface of the sea and to introduce them to the submerged first tank through a first flexible tubular pipe. The platform is provided with plural buoys which are equally spaced around the platform and connected to retractile cables linking with a descending cable at a junction. The descending cable is guided along with the first flexible pipe into the first tank to be mounted on a pulley secured to the bottom of the first tank and to be fixed to the bottom of a first float in the first tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator for two liquids which are not miscible, consisting of a cylindrical casing (1) in which there are active capacities (9, 10) and passive capacities (8, 35), the passive capacities (8, 35) being disposed at each of the ends of the direction of circulation (FF) of the liquid in the cylinder and serving either as a tranquilizing zone or as a decantation zone or as a buffer zone, at least two active capacities (9, 10) being connected by a common skimmer disposed in the center of the cylindrical casing (1), the active capacities (9, 10) being disposed between the passive capacities (8, 35) and being provided with a rotor-stator assembly (13, 14) adapted to carry out separation by induced air.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing a body of liquid in a treatment basin and for removing floating matter from the surface of the basin. A propeller type downflow mixer is buoyantly supported on a float in the basin with the inlet side of the mixer below the liquid level and the discharge side of the mixer arranged to direct the pumped liquid downwardly in the basin for mixing material in the basin. A shield is provided on the float overlying the inlet side of the pump to inhibit direct passage of liquid from the area of the basin above the shield and to induce an inflow pattern below the surface of the liquid toward the inlet of the pump. A scum receiving trough is mounted on the float and extends along the outer margin of the float with the upper weir edge adjacent the surface of the liquid in the basin to receive matter floating on the surface of the basin. Material received in the trough is selectively discharged to a receiver outside the basin.

Abstract: This invention comprises a valve filter unit (23, 53) comprising a filter (24, 54) the face (25, 55) of which extends angularly to the flow of a fluid medium toward same, and having perforations (26) formed therein; the filter (24, 54) biased by a spring (33, 63) toward a first position wherein the fluid is forced to flow through the filter (24, 54) to remove foreign particles therefrom; said filter (24, 54) movable against the spring (33, 63) in response to additional pressure of the fluid to unseat the filter (24, 54) from its first position engagement with a surface (40, 66) of the conduit (12, 51) within which the filter (24, 54) is mounted, the additional pressure occurring due to a valve (21) downstream from the filter (24, 54) moving away from a closed position with its seat (22) such that the fluid moves quickly past the filter (24, 54) and through the space formed between the filter (24, 54) and the surface (40, 66), thereby cleansing both the filter surface (25, 55) and the mating surfaces of the va

Abstract: A floating decanter apparatus including a float adapted to buoyantly support the decanter apparatus, a decanter receptacle disposed below the float and having an open top surrounded by a peripheral upper decanter rim and outlet means for decanted liquid communicating with said decanter receptacle at a level below said decanter rim. The decanter receptacle is mounted on the float for movement toward and away from the underside of the float and a power operated actuator is mounted on the float and operatively connected to the decanter receptacle for selectively moving the decanter receptacle from a lower position in the decanter rim spaced below the underside of the float to a raised position to seal the decanter rim to the underside of the float.

Abstract: A filtering device has a one-way filter belt guided by an endless screen support belt in the filtration area through at least 120 degrees on an arcuate path for the formation of a deep liquid inlet area. The supply of liquid occurs in the central portion of this arcuate path. Sludge bars coming to rest on the filter belt prevent sludge accumulations in the liquid inlet area.