Abstract: Waste water containing synthetic detergents (syndets) such as water soluble sulfonates or ethoxylated alcohols is reclaimed for re-use by emulsifying with a water insoluble, high molecular weight, anionic surface active oil, then breaking the emulsion by conventional physical or chemical methods, thereby producing a coherent floc which occludes the syndet and all insoluble matter suspended in the water, then separating the floc from the purified water in a coherent mass.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for operating a filter press having a sludge feed pump and a pressure tank in communication therewith wherein during filtration a quantity of sludge is withdrawn and stored in the pressure tank under a cushion of compressed air and wherein sludge is introduced under pressure from the pressure tank into the press during the next charging operation. A conduit having flow control means therein communicates the upper portion of the pressure tank with the press for injecting compressed air therein. The upper portion of the pressure tank also communicates with a compressed air supply conduit having flow control means therein which is controlled automatically as a function of the sludge level in the pressure tank.

Abstract: The invention is directed to process and apparatus for automatically restoring to usefulness spent cleaning and/or drying liquids comprising an aqueous phase and an oil phase, the latter comprising 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane, as the principal component, and a surfactant, said process and apparatus characterized in that electrical conductometric means, liquid level sensing means and time programmed means cooperate and automatically direct separation and removal means in the separation and removal of the aqueous phase from the oil phase, said process further characterized in that, optionally, at least one of the group consisting of 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane, surfactant and water is added to the oil phase, the amount of water added being insufficient to produce an aqueous phase, to restore the oil phase to usefulness as a cleaning and/or drying liquid.