Abstract: A liquid separator (10) for separating two immiscible liquids having different specific gravities, for example, a first liquid comprising water and a second liquid comprising oil. The liquid separator (10) has a housing (12) that defines a separation chamber (14) and liquid inlet (16), a first liquid outlet (18) and a second liquid outlet (20) mounted above the first liquid outlet (18). A float 26 is positioned within separation chamber 14 to translate in the vertical direction and has a specific gravity between that of the first and second liquids so that it floats at approximately the interface (28) between the two liquid phases (30 and 32). Valve closure devices (38 and 40) contact valve seats in the valves 46 and 56 of first and second liquid outlets (18 and 20) to control the flow of separated liquids from separation chamber 14 as determined by the level of the interface (28) and the length of the valve rods (34 and 36).

Abstract: An inner housing (38) is positioned within an outer housing (36). An gas/liquid mixture is caused to flow along a helical path upwardly through an outer chamber (70) that is formed by and between sidewalls (56, 64) of the outer and inner housings (36, 38). The gas/liquid mixture flows through a passageway (74) between a top end wall (62) and an upper end edge (66), from outer chamber (70) into an inner chamber (72). Residual gas is removed from the gas/liquid mixture by a gas-vent device that projects from top end wall (62) downwardly into the inner chamber (72). Liquid in the inner chamber (72) flows downwardly through an outlet opening (54) into an outlet conduit (44). The outlet conduit (44) has an effluent branch that removes liquid from the apparatus. It also includes a second branch conduit that delivers some of the liquid to the inlet of a re-circulating pump (34). The re-circulating pump (34) pumps the re-circulated liquid back into the lower end of the outer chamber (70).

Abstract: An assembly for purifying water includes a high intensity ultraviolet light or corona discharge ozone generator 4 and output line 15 for introducing ozone into a tube 20 carrying water to be treated. Downstream of the ozone injection point 22 is an ozone contact time segment 24 that terminates at an input port of a bubble separator column 26. The column includes a water level hysteresis inducing means that is adapted to cause water within the column to continuously alternately fill and purge between an upper and a lower water level in order to enhance ozone concentration. The hysteresis inducing means may include a water level sensitive electrically actuated valve 38.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dissolving chemical tablets for creating a variable rate of chemical dissolution in a stream of constant flow rate of untreated liquid, especially water. The apparatus includes a housing in which a container is placed. The container includes a sieve plate or perforated grid which separates the container into an upper chamber in which chemical tablets are stored and a lower mixing chamber. A collection reservoir is defined in an annular outside the container wall and inside of the housing. Several arrangements are illustrated by which a vortex of liquid is generated of controllable variable intensity in the lower or mixing chamber thereby creating uneven liquid pressure beneath the perforated grid as a function of radial distance. As a result, fluid passes aggressively through outer radial perforations or holes in the grid and which impinge on the chemical tablets stacked on the grid.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a water apparatus for treating industrial waste products comprising a first tank (2) containing water at a determined pressure, a second tank (4) placed inside the first tank and with which it is in communication in the lower part and which contains water at a lower pressure than that of the first tank (2), an inlet device (6, 7) of the discharge product in the second tank (4), a first dilution sector (14) of the waste product which is external to the tanks (2, 4) but in communication with the second tank (4) at one end (15) and connected to the other end with a Venturi tube (17), an outlet duct (18) of the waste product diluted by said second tank (4). The Venturi tube (17) is in communication with the first tank (2) and is suitable to create the depression of the second tank (4) with respect to the first tank (2). The second tank (4) comprises internally a further sector (10) for the dilution of the industrial waste product.

Abstract: An assembly for purifying water, the assembly consisting of a tube for carrying the water, the tube for carrying water having an upstream and a downstream end; a high intensity ultra-violet light or corona discharge ozone generator for introducing ozone into said tube for carrying water at an ozone introduction point within said tube; an ozone contact time tube segment situated between the ozone introduction point and the downstream end of the tube for carrying water; a bubble separator column having a water input port and a water output port, the downstream end of the tube for carrying water being positioned so that water emitting therefrom may pass through the water input port; and a water level sensitive electrically actuated valve for alternating collection of water within and discharging water from the bubble separator column.

Abstract: A filtration and subsurface distribution system having a vaulted splitting device (e.g., dosing vault) in a recirculating pump tank. The recirculating pump tank houses a sand filter pump and the dosing vault houses a dosing pump. The dosing vault and the dosing pump may be housed outside and remote from the recirculating pump tank which ensures that effluent will not be mixed within the dosing vault. The sand filter pump doses a sand filter with the septic effluent via a feed line. The effluent is then filtered by the sand filter and returned to the dosing vault via a filtrate return. When the filtrate reaches a certain predetermined level within the dosing vault, the drip pump is enabled and turned “on”. In this manner, the filtrate is dosed or dripped into a drain absorption field without mixing with the septic effluent.

Abstract: A water purification system including a rectilinear housing having a plurality of vertical baffles spaced therein. The ends of each of the baffles are located a certain distance below the housing upper edge or above the housing floor to allow for the flow of washwater therethrough from a housing inlet to a housing outlet. A rectilinear array of media, e.g. corrugated plastic, is located between the baffles for harboring bacteria, and an air supply means is provided therebeneath. A feeder mechanism is also provided on an exterior wall of the housing for feeding supplemental bacteria into the housing to make up for bacteria depleted through the operation and use of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus (18) for receiving rain water from a water collecting means (20) and treating this water according to a treatment cycle. The apparatus has a stop tank (24) to hold incoming water while a treatment cycle is being executed in a main tank (32), so there is no mixing of the treated water with water to be treated. The main tank has various reservoirs (42, 52, 62), valves (30, 40, 50) and buoyant elements (68, 70), and the water flow is strictly controlled by gravity and the buoyancy of the water. Treating solutions such as a mineral solution and a chloride solution are added in predetermined quantities to the water during the treatment cycle, and the treated water is stored into a storage tank (22).

Abstract: A system that makes it possible to merge at least four fluids with a column for separating a feedstock, for example, in a simulated moving bed, comprises at least one trunnion-mounted ball valve, whereby this valve comprises at least one means that makes it possible to circulate one or more fluids, this fluid is placed inside the valve to ensure communication between two zones of the column or between at least one of said zones and at least one point that is outside of the column, and several openings (OA, OB) that are placed to ensure the circulation of fluids according to the stages that are necessary to the separation process that is carried out in said column.

Abstract: A floating skimmer is used for automatically removing oil and other floating matter from the surface of liquid surrounding the skimmer, preferably in a basin or sump. Floats around the periphery and above the general body of the skimmer provide flotation while the unit is at rest. Two liquid removal devices are provided, one to remove the most dense liquid (generally oil) accumulated in the skimmer sump. A gasketed, hinged, floating weir rests on the fluid level in the skimmer sump and when liquid is removed from the sump by either the first or second device or a combination of both, the weir falls back, creating a cascade action which attracts the surface of surrounding liquid into the skimmer sump. Instrumentation is included to provide information for automatic operation and status reporting of the skimmer.

Abstract: Described is a method for making brine to be used for regenerating water softening appliances. The brine is made in a reservoir having a float mechanism therein coupled to a seal that prevents the brine from dropping below a predetermined level in the reservoir. This creates a stock buffer of brine that always remain in the reservoir so that after adding a sufficient volume of water to regenerate a softening applicant, an effective concentration of brine is immediately available above the predetermined level for carrying out the regeneration. This allows for minimal wait time between subsequent regenerations of one or a plurality of water softening appliances. Preferably, an over-flow warning device cooperating with the reservoir water intake is also provided.

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 relates to a water supply and drainage type microorganic deodorizing system, by which a clogging of deodorizer can be effectively prevented in order to decrease a deodorizing capacity, wherein deodorization chambers are provided in two stages in the tower main body, offensive odor constituents are gradually adsorbed by filters of the deodorization chambers as ordered by decomposing action of microorganisms, and decomposed in order to completely deodorize. Furthermore, by providing a water sprinkling system of replenishing water in relation to the filters the performance of the filters can be restored, and furthermore, by providing a water diluting system WC which dilutes cleansing water of the filters, drainage can be prevented from being contaminated, in accordance with drainage standards.

Abstract: A system for separating and retaining liquid with different specific gravities and floatables includes a hood made of plastic and mounted to cover an outlet pipe of a basin receiving the liquid. The hood is formed with a housing dividing the basin into an inlet chamber and outlet chamber and preventing supernatant liquids with a lower specific gravity, floatables accumulated on the surface of a liquid with a higher specific gravity and solids accumulated in the basin from being drawn downstream into the outlet pipe. The hood is further provided with a device equalizing air pressure between the inlet and outlet compartments. A flow restrictor is incorporated in one embodiment to regulate the discharge of liquid from the basin.

Abstract: A mobile separator system for receiving and separating a mixed composition of oil, water, and sludge. The mobile separator system including a tank for holding the mixed composition, and a drain manifold that includes a plurality of drain pipes extending into the tank at varying elevations for allowing the drainage of water from the tank system. A vacuum source is attached to the top of the tank for carrying a vacuum within the tank to draw the mixed composition into the tank. The drain manifold is surrounded by a screen that allows the passage of water and oil, while preventing the passage of sludge through the screen into the drain pipes. A floating check valve is connected to each of the drain pipes to regulate the flow of water through the drain pipe. The floating check valve includes a valve element that has a density which causes the valve element to float in water and sink in oil.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system having a tank with an aeration compartment and a clarifier compartment, an air pump affixed to a top of the tank and having an air line delivering air to the aerator of the aeration compartment. The air line extends through an interior of the tank. A control panel is also affixed to a top of the tank. The control panel is electrically connected to the air pump. A raised platform is formed on the top of the tank such that an outer periphery of the platform intersects at least at one point of the cylindrical wall. The top of the tank also has an access opening formed therein located along the periphery of the cylindrical wall diametrically opposite the platform. The air pump is affixed to the horizontal platform. A housing is attached to the platform. The housing extends over the air pump and the control panel. The housing includes a base affixed to the platform and a cover removably affixed to the base so as to extend over and around the air pump and the control panel.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus provides treatment of water to remove, for example, hydrogen sulfide and iron, dissolved or dispersed in ground water. The system is provided with water from a conventional well and pump and includes a venturi-type aerating device which may be supplied air by a compressor. The air and water mixture are supplied to a first aerating tank through a spray nozzle which reduces the aerated water flow to a mist of fine droplets. A draw tube adjacent the bottom of the first tank provides the water to a treatment tank which is partially filled with a chemically active filtration media. The treatment tank is also equipped with a draw tube which draws off the treated water at the bottom of the tank and provides it to a third, deaerating tank wherein the air separates from the water and is purged to the atmosphere. Reduction of hydrogen sulfide content from 30 ppm to less than 5 ppm has been achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining the condition of cutting fluids in a machine tool sump and for the removal of tramp oil from the cutting fluid has a pump to draw cutting fluid from the machine tool sump and transfer the fluid to an auxiliary tank where the fluid outlet is directed to drive a turbine wheel for rotation of a shaft and simultaneously aerate the cutting fluid. Drums on the shaft are partially submerged so as to be wetted by the tramp oil content. Wiper blades bear against the drum surfaces to strip the tramp oil from the drums as they rotate. A collecting trough is positioned below the wiper contact line to receive the tramp oil as it is stripped from the drum and drain it off to a waste container. In this manner, the cutting fluid is in constant circulation, even when the machine tool is idle.

Abstract: An improved float valve assembly is provided for regulating water inflow to a purification module of a water purification system, such as a reverse osmosis purification module or the like. The float valve assembly is mounted within a reservoir for receiving and storing relatively purified water produced by the purification module, and includes a valve unit defining a vertically extending flow path from a tap water source to the purification module. A primary float carried on a float arm responds to rising and falling water level within the reservoir for respectively closing and opening a primary banjo valve mounted along the flow path. An over-center switch provides snap-action closure of the primary valve in response to rising water level, and the primary float is mounted on the float arm for a limited range of lost motion to accommodate this snap-action valve closure.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for separating water from a solvent during dry cleaning. Included is an inlet capable of receiving a mixture of dry cleaning fluid and water from a basket of a dry cleaning apparatus. The dry cleaning fluid includes a siloxane composition. Also provided is a flow controller for urging a flow of the mixture received from the outlet. Coupled to the flow controller is a coalescent media that receives the mixture urged by the flow controller. A chamber is coupled to the coalescent media for receiving the mixture from the coalescent media to separate the water and the dry cleaning fluid. Also coupled to the chamber is an outlet to remove the dry cleaning fluid from the chamber in the absence of the water.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide is removed from water by methods and apparatus that cause sufficient oxygen to be dissolved in the water for sufficient time at sufficient pressure to precipitate out solid elemental sulfur and other solid sulfur particles.

Abstract: Apparatus to increase the level of oxygen ingested by livestock by oxygenation of the livestock water supply includes an enclosed tank having a top and having an inlet for admitting water from a supply of water and an outlet for discharging water from the tank. The tank has a first inlet port for introduction of compressed air into the tank from an air compressor. The tank has a second inlet port for allowing introduction of hydrogen peroxide. A float is located in the tank to selectively control the introduction of compressed air into the tank by activation of the air compressor when the water level reaches a preselected high point as the water in the tank absorbs oxygen from the air pocket above the water level. The float also opens a valve in an overflow tube disposed within the tank and keeps the valve open until the float reaches a predetermined low point as water is forced out the overflow tube by compressed air entering the tank.

Abstract: A float valve assembly is provided for regulating water inflow to a purification module of a water purification system, such as a reverse osmosis purification module or the like. The float valve assembly is mounted within a reservoir for receiving and storing relatively purified water produced by the purification module, and includes a valve unit defining a vertically extending flow path from a tap water source to the purification module. A primary float responds to rising and falling water level within the reservoir for respectively closing and opening a primary banjo valve mounted along the flow path. A secondary banjo valve is mounted along the flow path at a location above the primary valve, and, in the event of primary valve malfunction, is closed by a secondary float responsive to rising reservoir water level. In a preferred form, the secondary valve remains closed upon subsequent descent of the water level, and is manually re-opened by depression of a reset button.

Abstract: The apparatus treats storm water and includes a cylindrical basket that has a housing with a circumferentially extending air slot near the base of the housing. The basket contains an annular bed of absorbent material surrounded by a filter cartridge. Water flows radially inward through the filter and the bed into a cylindrical inner drainage space which has an outlet at its lower end, covered by a float valve. The drainage space is also in fluid communication with a one-way valve that allows air to pass from the housing into the environment. During operation, the float valve lifts when the water level rises and air is expelled from the drainage space through the one-way valve. As a result, water is continuously siphoned through the basket apparatus. When the water level drops, air enters through the air inlet slot of the housing and rises in turbulent fashion along the filter, scouring the filter and dislodging particulates.

Abstract: A filter housing having a bracket for attaching the housing to a septic tank outlet port and adapted for fluid flow connection to an outlet port on the housing, contains a removable filter element having an outlet port connected to the outlet port on the housing and an opening in the lower end of the housing for delivering septic tank fluid to the filter, and includes a seal element buoyantly responsive closingly to fluid in a septic tank when the filter housing is mounted in a septic tank, operatively connected to the filter element for closing the open lower end of the filter housing and forming a temporary second filter at the lower open end when the filter element is removed from the filter housing.

Abstract: Intimate contact of water with a treatment gas is achieved by mixing the gas and water co-currently in a conduit containing static mixers, and directing the conduit into a gas contact apparatus that contains coaxial inner and outer tanks, the inner tank being open within, and shorter than, the outer tank, leaving a head space above the top of the inner tank. The conduit discharges the gas-water mixture at the base of the interior of the inner tank, permitting the water to flow upward through the annular space between the inner tank and the conduit, then over the weir formed by the open upper end of the inner tank and downward through the annular space between the inner and outer tanks. Gas is separated from the water at the head space, and treated degasified water leaves the apparatus at the base of the outer tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system which makes it possible to remove undesirable liquids, generally an aqueous phase, which precipitate to the bottom of tanks for storing liquid products. Use is made of a drainage device (30) which comprises a concave body (31), a seat (26), and an interface float (8) which has a plug portion (25). This interface float (8) is designed to sink into the product and to float on the aqueous phase. As the level of the aqueous phase drops, the plug portion (25) settles sealingly on the seat (26), halting the drainage operation since all the accumulated aqueous phase has already been drained off. The drainage system may be automatic or manual. In the former case, use is made of a sensor (12) for detecting the presence of an aqueous phase and commanding the process of opening a shut-off valve (11) and allowing drainage of the accumulated aqueous phase.

Abstract: A water purifier using common advantages of natural and forced types operated without an external electric power source, resulting in high efficiency of water purification.

Abstract: A system for separation of fluids and drill cuttings received-from a borehole during an under-balanced drilling procedure. The system is designed to cope with significantly varied pressures and flow rates, particularly in relation to gas content of drill fluids returned to the surface during the drilling process in a production zones and to provide effective separation and to reduce the detrimental effect due to the presence of the drill cuttings in the returned drill fluids. In the present invention there is utilized a first stage, high pressure vessel in which a major portion of the gases ad drill cuttings are separated, and a second stages horizontal low pressure vessel, preferably of greater volume than the high pressure vessel, in which further separating is achieved, including the separate removal of the drilling liquid to be returned to the drill tube.

Abstract: A hydrothermal process (10) is integrated into a wastewater treatment facility (12) to fully oxidize an undigested wastewater sludge produced by the treatment facility. A thickened and conditioned feed mixture comprising sludge from the treatment facility is first pressurized to a critical pressure and then heated to a reaction initiating temperature below the critical temperature. An oxidant is injected into the feed mixture at the reaction initiating temperature to initiate an oxidation reaction in low light-off temperature constituents of the feed mixture to produce a partially reacted mixture and raise the temperature of the partially reacted mixture to at least the critical temperature for water in a supercritical water oxidation reactor (52). Heat from the supercritical water oxidation reaction is used to heat the feed mixture and also, to condition the sludge from the wastewater treatment plant preferably by thickening and heating the sludge.

Abstract: A self-purifying filter apparatus comprising (1) a filter having a first surface and a second surface; (2) flow control means, such as a vacuum pump, for causing a stream of fluid interspersed with solid particulates to pass from the first surface to the second surface through the filter, thereby removing some of the solid particulates from the first stream of fluid and depositing them on the first surface; and (3) a purging device, such as a small reservoir of water (potentially formed, in part, by water previously filtered by the filter), for causing a second stream of fluid to pass from the second surface to the first surface through the filter without substantially changing the position of the filter, thereby rinsing and removing from the first surface at least some of the solid particulates that were deposited there.

Abstract: A septic tank filter system comprises a mounting member adapted for attachment to an interior surface of a septic system tank, at least one open-ended, cylindrical filter housing fixed to the mounting member, and a hollow foraminated filter nested in each filter housing. The filter has a first conduit providing a fluid flow connection between the filter interior and an outlet port in the filter housing. Liquid sewage is filtered during passage from the outside of the filter to its interior. Filtrate flows through the first conduit, then through the filter housing outlet port, thence through the mounting member and finally exits the tank through the outlet pipe in the tank wall. A score line in the filter housing side wall permits ready removal of a section thereof to form an inlet port. Telescoping channel members on the outside of the filter housings allow them to be interconnected with the outlet port of one in fluid flow connection with the inlet port of another.

Abstract: A sludge supernatant decanting device for automatically decanting the supernatant from a sludge holding tank. The sludge supernatant decanting device includes a decant column connected to and in fluid communication with a supernatant discharge conduit and disposed within a sludge holding tank having a plurality of spaced-apart apertures. The spaced-apart apertures are opened and sealingly closed by a plurality of float switches hingedly attached to the decant column by sealed ball bearing hinges.

Abstract: A filter adaptor assembly for a water cooler of the type having a support housing provided with a water bottle support at a top end to support an inverted water bottle over a water reservoir of the housing. The filter adaptor assembly comprises a support platform having a support base and it is connected in support engagement above the water reservoir. Supports are connected to the support base for securing one or more filter cartridges thereto. A dispensing valve is secured under the base and has a conduit for receiving treated water from the filter assembly. The valve has a water level sensing float mechanism which is adapted to detect the water level in the reservoir to dispense or cut-off the supply of treated water to the reservoir. The filter assembly is also connected to a pressurized water supply.

Abstract: A separator (10) for separating a heavier liquid from a lighter liquid is disclosed which is intended to operate between a fuel tank (12) and a fuel pump connected to the fuel outlet (24) of the separator (10). The separator includes a float (30) which is light enough to float on the heavier liquid and which is heavy enough to sink in the lighter liquid. The float controls opening and closing of a valve (44, 46) through which heavier liquid is disclosed from the separator. As heavier liquid accumulates, the float lifts to open the valve (44, 46). A plate (34) subjected to a force caused by fuel flowing into the separator through the inlet (16) prevents the float opening the valve whilst the separator is in sub-atmospheric pressure. The plate can be replaced by a diaphragm which is subject on one side to atmospheric pressure and on the other side to the pressure in the separator.

Abstract: An improved system for filtering liquids containing particles in suspension, comprising a valve system for distributing liquid, a filter and a settling tank, in which the particles suspended in the liquid can settle during various phases at decreasing rates of settling, characterised in that a device are provided for emptying the top part of the settling tank and accompanying the liquid descending in the tank, the operation of the device being delayed for at least a part of the time corresponding to the phase of maximum speed of sedimentation.

Abstract: An automatically draining vacuum apparatus for collecting a fluid to be vacuumed. The vacuum apparatus includes a vacuum generating source which generates a suction force and a tank for holding the fluid to be vacuumed. The tank includes a vacuum port, an inlet and a drainage opening for emptying fluid held within the tank. The suction force at the vacuum port draws the fluid to be vacuumed into the tank through the inlet and prevents the fluid within the tank from passing from the tank through the drainage opening. A float is located in the tank for closing off the vacuum port to prevent the fluid within the tank from passing through the vacuum port. The float has a positive buoyancy with respect to the fluid and is positioned within the tank such that when the fluid within the tank is above a predetermined level, the suction force at the vacuum port and the float buoyancy maintain the float in a blocking position to at least partially block the vacuum port, creating a second suction force.

Abstract: A bubble aeration system and method for removing radon and other contaminants from domestic or commercial water supplies in a single tank having a baffle arrangement or channels creating a sinuous water path for a more effective separation of radon from the water supply and incorporating a storage chamber for cleaned water.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for collecting cutting fluid and chips from a number of machine tools and includes a series of sumps each collecting chips and fluid at a particular machine tool, and a central sealed collection tank drawing from all of the sumps by drawpipes inserted in each sump. A single large capacity pump pumps to filtration equipment, with a predetermined vacuum level maintained in the tank by opening and closing an outlet valve between the pump and the filtration equipment. A level switch at each sump causes intermittent opening of an associated valve causing each sump to be placed in communication with the vacuum in the collection tank, and random opening of the valves causes individual sumps to be emptied by the full suction at the collection tank. The drawpipes are equipped with antivortex end shapes to allow rapid evacuation without drawing air into the system. A vacuum pump removes excess air accumulating in the collection tank.

Abstract: Flotation apparatus (10) for removing finely divided bodies of an insoluble substance dispersed in an aqueous medium, such as oil and solids dispersed in water, comprises a vertical flotation column (12) having a feed inlet (14) and an outlet (22) for the aqueous medium, a sparging system (16) for generating gas bubbles rising upwardly in the aqueous medium to capture and raise the finely divided bodies of the insoluble substance to the surface of the aqueous medium in the column to form a layer (31) of the insoluble substance on the surface of the aqueous medium, a launder (18) for receiving an overflow of the insoluble substance and an outlet (20) for the insoluble substance in the launder. The apparatus (10) can be used in both countercurrent and co-current fashion. In a particular embodiment, the apparatus includes a mechanism for the intermittent dumping of the layer (31) of insoluble substance from the column (12).

Abstract: A filter for aquarium operating in accordance with the lifting-lowering principle comprises a housing with at least one filter compartment for a filter material, a pump which aspirates water after passing through the filter compartment through a suction conduit and supplies the water back into an aquarium, at least one auxiliary chamber supplied with water and a float-controlled valve device controlling an outlet of the auxiliary chamber and communicating with the suction conduit, an auxiliary housing in which the auxiliary chamber is provided and supplied with water filtered after passing of the filter compartment in accordance with the principle of communicating pipes. A passage which is connected with the suction conduit has a valve opening which is alternatingly closeable and openable by a float-controlled valve closing member of the valve device.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a water treatment unit and in particular, those having a treatment cartridge, that indicates the end of life of the unit. The apparatus comprises a housing with at least one opening for the passage of liquid to a chamber, formed by the interior of the housing and the water treatment unit. The chamber includes a support member mounted to the housing. A float is rotationally mounted on the support member. The support member limits float movement to a predetermined distance upon each rotation of the float, resulting from each cycle (use) of the water treatment unit. Once the float has made a specific number of rotations and has travelled the complete distance of the support member (as water fills and drains from the chamber), the float rests in a position where it is visible through an opening in the housing, indicative of the end of life of the water treatment unit.

Abstract: A sump system and method for collecting liquid from a number of locations includes a series of sumps each collecting liquid at a particular location, and a central sealed collection tank drawing liquid from all of the sumps by overhead draw pipes. A single large capacity pump pumps liquid back to filtration equipment, with a predetermined vacuum level maintained in the tank by opening and closing an outlet valve between the pump and the filtration equipment. The collection tank may be initially filled from an overhead clean supply header.

Abstract: A band filter for the removal of foreign material particles from liquid baths, including a tub filled with liquid, guide rollers for a filter band arranged within the tub bath, the band being introduced into the tub from one side, guided with a spacing above the bottom of the tub and subsequently again conveyed out of the tub towards the top. The filter band being configured as a powered endless screen tissue band or as a filter fleece which is placed upon a support belt that is also driven in an endless manner. The filter fleece can in this case be unwound or reeled off a roller arranged outside of the tub, and a negative pressure chamber receiving the filtered liquid is arranged beneath the filter band. The faces of the filter band facing the bottom of the tub lie on a plurality of support faces extending transversely to the guidance direction of the filter band so as to be spaced from each other and parallel next to each other.

Abstract: Water treatment system includes means for mixing ozone generated by the system with untreated water. The ozone and water mixture is delivered to a contact chamber at a pre-selected rate. As the mixture of ozone and water is delivered, ozone and other gases are released from the water into the chamber. Gas accumulates at the upper end of the chamber, forcing the water level down and increasing the pressure in the chamber. A float assembly is normally in a closed position due to the buoyancy of the float assembly and the level of the water. As the water level decreases with the accumulation of gases, the float assembly is held in place by the pressurized gas surrounding the float assembly. Finally, the weight of the float assembly overcomes the float's buoyancy and the gas pressure holding the fluid assembly in place. The float assembly then drops, opening the upper end of the chamber to atmosphere. Gases which have accumulated and stratified at the upper end of the chamber are released to atmosphere.

Abstract: A decanter apparatus and method of operating the same to decant liquid from adjacent the surface in a tank. The decanter apparatus includes a decanter receptacle having a top opening surrounded by a decanter rim, a decant pipe having an inlet end communicating with the decanter receptacle and a discharge end extending out the tank, and a float overlying the decanter receptacle and connected thereto for relative movement between a decanter closed position in which the float engages the decanter rim and a decanter open position in which the decanter rim is spaced below the float. The decanter receptacle when empty in the decanter closed position has sufficient positive buoyancy to buoyantly support the decanter assembly with the decanter rim above the surface of the liquid in the tank. The float has sufficient positive buoyancy to buoyantly support the decanter receptacle when the latter is in the decanter open position and filled with liquid.

Abstract: A system for cleaning water in rivers or lakes or for separating oil and water. The system includes a sucking pipe; vapor-liquid mixing device connecting to the sucking pipe; a pressure pump disposed midway of the sucking pipe; a compressor connected to the connection between the pressure pump and the vapor-liquid mixing device; a pressure tank connected to the vapor-liquid mixing device; a feed pipe connected to the pressure tank; and a pressure valve, attached to the leading end of the feed pipe, which opens at a pressure exceeding a predetermined level. According to this system, the construction can be simplified, and the lifting action by the bubbles can be effected by keeping the pressure of the liquid at a predetermined level or more at all times. Thus, the system can be used anywhere under all circumstances.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device sequence for burning waste oil and includes a circulating system having a pump for circulating the oil therein and a heater for heating the oil to a suitable combustion temperature during this circulation. A combustion oil system is included for diverting a portion of the circulating oil to an atomizing gun for combination therein with a source of atomizing air. The air and oil mixture is injected through an injection orifice into a suitable combustion chamber for ignition and burning therein. A linear actuator is included having a rod with a needle end that is operated by the actuator in a linear manner along the central axis of the atomizing gun for extending through the injection orifice for providing mechanical cleaning thereof and for regulating oil flow there through.

Abstract: The water-treating apparatus includes a membrane filter, which at its inlet end is adapted to be connected by a prefiltering filter to a water supply line and serves to treat water by reverse osmosis and at its outlet end is connected to a waste water line and a pure water line, which opens into a drinking water tank, which is constituted by a diaphragmless container, which is connected to an air supply system for supplying compressed air to the tank driven by waste water in the waste line and from which a rising line extends to a dispenser for drinking water.