Abstract: A water sampling device for field use operates in cleaning and sampling modes and includes a distributor valve that provides selective connection of a sample pump to a plurality of collection units so that a plurality of samples can be taken. The collection units are composed of a filter for removing particulate matter, a liquid-solid extraction cartridge, and a storage bottle. Water samples are automatically collected from a river or other water source, and then pumped immediately through the liquid-solid extraction cartridge which extracts and retains the contaminants from the water. Once the contaminants have been extracted into the cartridge, the sample is chemically stable and resistant to degradation, thereby eliminating the need for much of the special handling of samples that was previously required with field units.

Abstract: A system for treating a portion of water passing through a pressurized water conduit. The system comprises water treatment means such as a reverse osmosis module. An upstream branch line communicates between the pressurized water conduit and the inlet of the water treatment means. Another branch line is provided for connection with pressurized water conduit at a location downstream from the upstream branch line, and communicating with a water outlet of the treatment means. A flow restrictor is provided, positioned in the pressurized water conduit between the conduit connection locations of the respective branch lines. Thus, water can flow through the upstream branch line from the conduit to the water treatment means, and water can flow from the treatment means through the other downstream branch line back to the conduit when water is flowing through the pressurized water conduit.

Abstract: A frontal separator method and apparatus for separating particles from fluids, such as microorganisms from juice, and for providing a sample of juice having a concentrated number of microorganisms therein for ease of detection thereof, comprising a hollow, rotatable, perforated, cylindrical rotor mounted inside of a spaced-apart outer case with an annular separation chamber therebetween. The fluid with particles to be separated therefrom is fed into the separation chamber, the fluid flows through the holes in the rotor and exits through an outlet port while the particles exit from a waste port of the separation chamber. The outer casing preferably also rotates with the rotor, and the holes, which have a diameter substantially greater than that of the particles, are preferably at an angle to a radius of the rotor.

Abstract: Small quantities of one or more liquids having a high boiling point dispersed with a large quantity of one or more immiscible liquids having a lower boiling point are separated in a rapid and efficient manner. A non-reactive compressed gas is heated by recycled energy and make-up energy to a temperature above the boiling point of at least one liquid but below that of at least one other liquid. The heated gas is combined with the unheated liquid mixture to be separated, and the liquid-gas blend is mixed, heated and distributed by an improved nebulizer, forming a mist inside a vessel containing a pool liquid of at least one liquid having a boiling point higher than that of at least one other liquid, which pool liquid has been heated to a temperature above the boiling point of at least one liquid but below its own boiling point. The liquid having high-boiling-point in the mist settles by gravity and merges with the pool liquid.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system comprising a reverse osmosis filter having an inlet port connectible to a source of feedwater under pressure via a feedwater inlet conduit, a product water outlet port for filtered product water and brine outlet port for brine. First and second pressure intensifiers are coupled to the feedwater inlet conduit between the source of feedwater and the inlet port of the reverse osmosis filter. Each of the pressure intensifiers includes a pumping member having a pumping stroke and a return stroke. A control valve in the feedwater inlet conduit controls which of the pressure intensifiers receives feedwater under pressure. The control valve is driven by particular fluid pressures in the first and second pressure intensifiers so that feedwater is alternately supplied to the first and second pressure intensifiers.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for tangential filtration with filter cleaning in which a fluid to be filtered forms a liquid loop and circulates tangentially to one surface of a membrane at a pressure Ph in which a filtrate flows from the other surface of the membrane through a pipe, provided with a flow meter and a first valve, to a tank at atmospheric pressure Pa, filtration taking place by virtue of a positive transmembranal pressure Ph - Pa. In the filtration phase, the hydrodynamic pressure Ph is adjusted by means of a second regulable valve. During the filter cleaning phase the first valve is closed and at the same time the second valve is slightly opened, the second valve is suddenly opened, the first valve is opened and the second valve is progressively closed. The method and apparatus in particularly suited to the filtration of corrosive liquids.

Abstract: A wastewater aeration system in which the volume of wastewater is divided into a plurality of different zones which are aerated sequentially one at a time with the full capacity of the blower supply sized for oxygenation needs. In the case where the oxygenation needs ar significant, the number is obtained by dividing the aeration rate required for mixing by the aeration rate required for oxygenation and rounding upwardly to the nearest integer. The blower capacity should continuously deliver the oxygenation rate to assure adequate aeration for both oxygenation and mixing while minimizing energy consumption. The air supply pipe network includes a header supply pipe for each zone and a valve for each header supply pipe which is automatically controlled by a programmable programmer. In the case where mixing only is required, the number of zones is limited by practicalities in order to prevent undue settling.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis purification system is operated on a ratio of approximately 1 to 1 to 2 to 1 waste water to product water. The system uses the cold water outlet and a cold water path which extends through the RO membrane to remove non-migrating particles trapped on the outside of the reverse osmosis membrane to remove salts from the membrane and allow to prolong the life of the membrane despite low brine to pure water ratio.

Abstract: A vending machine that dispenses either purified ice or purified water in predetermined quantities in response to a fixed payment by a user. The machine consists of compartmentalized sections for each specific function, comprising a water purification and storage portion, an ice making portion, an ice storage portion, and a product dispensing and control portion. Water from an outside source is processed to eliminate particulate and chemical impurities and it is stored for ready availability to purchasers. At the same time, a portion of the purified water is converted to ice and similarly stored in a separate compartment. Just prior to dispensation to a purchaser, the water is further treated by ultraviolet radiation to eliminate micro-organisms. As the supplies of either water or ice are depleted, the machine automatically replenishes them by processing more feed water.

Abstract: The mixer and fluid filtering unit is connectable to a source of a first or base fluid under pressure and to a source of a second fluid or solute which may be a solute pumping unit. The base fluid flows into a mixer section through a first inlet, and a small proportion of the base fluid is diverted into a filter section where it is filtered and passed out as motive fluid for the solute pumping unit. The remainder of the base fluid flows through a compensating valve assembly and into the mixer section where it is mixed with solute by a fluid pressure operated ratio valve assembly which maintains a variable preset mixing ratio. A sensor connected to the compensating valve assembly senses filter pressure drop and adjusts the compensating valve assembly in accordance therewith.

Abstract: Automatic filter cleaning device for liquid circuits, including at least one filter in the passage of the liquid. The device includes a filter situated above a decanting tank for impurities so that its upstream wall is turned towards the tank, while an ultrasound generator is provided to generate ultrasounds in the decanting tank and is connected by a modulator to a projection of a sidewall of the tank. Advantageously, a liquid circuit branch conduit with a branch circuit control valve is provided in order to short-circuit, at least in part, the filtration assembly comprised of the filter and the tank.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a canister containing a reverse osmosis filter unit and threadedly engaged with a control head which is adapted to be coupled to a source of tap water, to a purified water storage tank, to a faucet or other remote usage location and to a waste water drain. The head includes a normally-open inlet valve controlling the flow of tap water to the filter unit and a drain valve controlling flow of waste water to the drain. The inlet valve closes in response to back pressure in the storage tank when it is filled to shut off the apparatus. A normally-closed and normally-disabled bypass valve can be selectively enabled for opening in response to a predetermined lower back pressure in the storage tank when it is less than completely full for diverting purified water from the filter unit to the drain. The drain valve is continuously adjustable between fully open and fully closed conditions.

Abstract: In a liquid purification system, a plenum defining walled housing including a blower and walled drain receptacle having protuberances to space the receptacle from the housing wall to define a lineally extending exhaust passage therebetween sized to provide sound baffling and air exhaustion, the housing further including a pair of filter casings and a pump which are mounted on a frame which absorbs vibrations of the pump independently of the housing.

Abstract: Artificial kidney of the single-needle type, incorporating an extracorporeal blood circuit provided with a haemodialyser (13) or haemofilter (31) positioned between two blood circulation pumps (12, 19). This circuit is also provided with a bubble trap (18) and a safety clamp (26) and means for perfusing quantities of liquid which are capable of being relatively large. The perfusing means comprise a reservoir (23) and a perfusion pump (24) the motion of which is under the control of the sequential motion of one of the two blood circulation pumps (12, 19) and also comprise a conduit connecting the reservoir (23) to the extracorporeal blood circuit by way of the perfusion pump (24).

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a machining liquid of an electroerosion machine comprises a filter, to which is supplied concentrate flow from a concentrate tank and from which is drained a permeate flow. In order to obtain a high machining liquid quality the filter is constituted by a membrane filter, which is backflushed with a backflushing frequency, which is a function of a parameter of the electroerosion process.

Abstract: A hemodiafiltration system which enables concurrent performance, in a single system, of hemodialysis and hemofiltration includes a dialyzer, consisting of a casing and at least one semipermeable membrane accommodated therein for dialyzing and purifying body fluid such as blood, plasma, etc., through contacting of the body fluid and dialyzate via the semipermeable membrane, and pumps for causing the dialyzate to flow through the dialyzer. A controller repeatedly changes the difference between the inflow amount of the dialyzate into the dialyzer per unit time and the outflow amount of the same from the dialyzer per unit time from a positive value to a negative value and then from negative to positive, whereby the repeated operation of taking or sucking out aqueous component or constituent and accompanying waste molecules from the body fluid followed by infusing or forcing a compensatory amount of dialyzate into the body fluid is made possible.

Abstract: The device for controlling the amount of removed water by ultrafiltration can eliminate the scaling error completely by the use of the diaphragms in the scaling mechanism, and thus, the water elimination precision can be improved.

Abstract: A water system comprising a hot water system, including a hot water heater and a conduit coupled to feedwater under pressure for conducting water to and from the hot water heater. An injector pump is coupled to the feedwater under pressure and has a water port coupled to an inlet port of a reverse osmosis module and a brine port coupled to a brine outlet port of the reverse osmosis module and to the conduit. The injector pump provides water to the water port of the injector pump and increases the pressure of the brine at the brine port of the injector pump to greater than the pressure of the feedwater so that the brine can be injected into the hot water system.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis water purification system has a feed water line and outlets for reject and product water. Instead of wasting the reject water by allowing it to flow to a drain, the reject water is returned to the water feed line downstream of the reverse osmosis system so that is can be used for other purposes. A section of the water feed line has a flow restrictor which estabishes a dynamic pressure drop. Feed water for the reverse osmosis system is taken off the feed line upstream of the restrictor and reject water is returned downstream of the restrictor, thereby reducing the water wastage due to the reverse osmosis process.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system including a reverse osmosis filter with a reverse osmosis membrane and having an inlet port coupled to a source of feed water under predetermined pressure via a feed water inlet conduit, a product water outlet port for filtered outlet product water, and a brine outlet port for brine. A pump coupled into the feed water inlet conduit between the source of feed water and the inlet port of the filter and driven by the feed water under pressure. The pump increases the pressure of the feed water so that the reverse osmosis filter receives feed water at an increased pressure.

Abstract: A liquid separator allows a mixture of oil and water to separate, then discharges the two fractions. A separating tank is automatically filled when a float indicates a low level. A second float is close to the bottom of the tank and has a density such that the float will just float in water. The presence of oil causes the second float to sink; and, a switch connected to the float operates either a water valve when the float rises, or an oil pump when the density is low. Lowering of the level by discharging fractions causes the first float to indicate a low level to fill the tank again.

Abstract: An automatic filtration dewatering system includes a cover to which a filtration raw liquid supply pipe and a pressure air supply pipe are connected. A plate having a filter medium support and a filtrate exhaust pipe is selectively closed by a cover with a pneumatic cylinder vertically moving said cover. Filter medium moving rollers are provided on both sides of the cover and plate, and a sheet-like long filter medium is stretched over said rollers for movement a predetermined distance per one step of filtration.

Abstract: Method and an apparatus for producing water with a constant degree of hardness. Hard, cold water is mixed with softened cold water to form a mixed flow with a predetermined hardness degree (of about 6 German hardness degree) resulting from the proportions between the two mutually mixed flows. The apparatus includes a shunt pipe (4), a mixing valve (5) and a flow meter (7). A control circuit (8) controls the setting of the mixing valve (5) in response to the prevailing flow.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a reverse osmosis apparatus comprising a reciprocating pump or pumps including a first cylinder chamber and a second cylinder chamber which is smaller in volume than the first chamber due to a piston rod extending through the second cylinder chamber, a feed conduit connected to the first cylinder chamber for feeding fluid thereto through a first one-way flow piping for fluid flow thereto, a reverse osmosis membrane module including an inlet and an outlet which collects permeate fluid, a second one-way flow piping connecting the first cylinder chamber with the reverse osmosis membrane module inlet for fluid flow to the inlet, a selector connecting the second cylinder chamber with the reverse osmosis membrane module outlet, and a drain conduit connected to the selector for draining concentrated fluid from the second cylinder chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of waste water above ground is disclosed. Effluent is deposited in a first tank wherein solids are broken down and liquified by a primary preconditioning unit. The preconditioned effluent is transferred to a second tank. A secondary conditioning unit in the second tank suspends liquid and solid particles in the tank air and vapor, vaporizes the suspended liquid and any entrained solid particulate material, and then discharges the vaporized material into the ambient atmosphere. An automatic control means senses vapor temperature and operates a stack damper and vacuum means which causes the vapor stream, thus preventing escape of non heat-treated vaporized materials. Another automatic control means activate the secondary treatment unit heater only when the liquid level of the second tank is within a preselected range.

Abstract: "A water purification system has a reverse osmosis filtration unit which receives feed water from a feed water valve and separates it into product water and waste water. A reservoir has a movable separator dividing it into a product water chamber for receiving the product water and a control water chamber. The product water is delivered to an outlet connection from the product water chamber or directly from the filtration unit. A regulator is connected to the waste water outlet port of the filtration unit, the control water port of the reservoir, and a drain line. The regulator has a first valve for providing waste water from the filtration unit to the control water port of the reservoir for urging the separator toward the product water chamber. The regulator has a second valve that can rapidly drain water from the control water chamber of the reservoir and rapidly reduce pressure in the control water chamber, thus facilitating the refilling of the product water chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of removing lead contaminants from drinking water wherein the apparatus includes a first lead-separator tank which receives water from an incoming line. Lead particles are allowed to settle to the bottom of the first separator tank for sequential deposit in a waste tank. A second lead-separator tank receives water from the first tank by means of a mist spray. Lead particles are further precipitated and collected at the bottom of the second tank, and again are sequentially discharged into the drain tank. The second separator tank is connected to a third separator tank, whereby water from the second separator tank is siphoned off and transferred to the third separator tank. Any remaining lead particles in the last tank are again discharged into the waste-water tank. The lead-free water in the last tank is allowed to be directed to various outlets for drinking or cooking purposes only. The remaining or waste water from the waste tank is used for various other purposes, such as washing.

Abstract: A balance device for use in conjunction with a continuous fluid filter exchange system includes a balance beam stand, and a pair of beams pivotally mounted on the stand at respective levels above and below the filter. A source of substitution fluid for the exchange system is suspended from the upper beam while a reservoir for filtrate from the system is suspended from the lower beam. A supply tube devoid of pumps is provided for introducing substitution fluid from the source into the system, and a filtrate tube devoid of pumps is provided for conducting filtrate from the system to the reservoir. Automatic control means is provided on the stand for controlling the flow of fluid into the system as a function of the amount of filtrate collected in the reservoir, and the control means is mechanically coupled to the beams. The device further includes automatic shut-off for terminating the flow of filtrate to the reservoir when the source of substitution fluid becomes empty.

Abstract: Discloses transportable liquid clarifying and screw conveyor/compactor liquid-solid separator apparatus which includes a pressureable clarifier vessel portably mounted on a base with a top and sides converging to the bottom of the vessel for attachment to a sludge disposal apparatus. A sludge inlet enters the top of the vessel and extends to near the bottom of the vessel. An effluent discharge flow control valve is connected through a conduit in the top of the vessel to provide a designated back pressure within the vessel while controlling the discharge flow of effluent liquid from the vessel. The sludge disposal apparatus includes an elongated screw conveyor/compactor mounted at an angle and extending upwardly from the vessel bottom. The compactor housing is tapered to compact the sludge as the screw conveyor carries the sludge to a liquid extraction section. The liquid extraction section has a screen tapered to further compact the slurry while extracting liquid being forced out of the slurry.

Abstract: A device for measuring the quantity of ultrafiltrate eliminated during a dialysis treatment. The device comprises two vessels of a known capacity wherein the ultrafiltrate coming from a pump is alternately received and then discharged by means of valves. The device further comprises two level measuring sensors which each emit a signal each time the ultrafiltrate attains a predetermined level in the corresponding vessel. Such sensors are connected to a processing and count control mechanism for analyzing the above-mentioned signals and for establishing the quantity of ultrafiltrate eliminated by the pump.

Abstract: The filter bed containing aquatic plants planted therein is provided with a lengthwise and/or transverse drainage arrangement containing a predetermined number of drain pipes. Particularly during the growth phase of the aquatic plants, the drainage arrangement constitutes a by-pass flow path by-passing the aquatic plant-containing filter bed. The throughflow through such by-pass flow path is controlled as a function of the operating conditions using adjustable control devices. Furthermore and in order to also control the hydromorphous conditions of the aquatic plant-containing filter bed, outfeed level control devices are provided for controlling the hydraulic gradient along substantially the entire aquatic plant-containing filter bed as a function of its operating conditions. The throughflow through the aquatic plant-containing filter bed thus can be controlled for achieving optimum purification of the inflowing liquid under substantially all occurring operating conditions.

Abstract: A method and related system are disclosed for controlling the operation of a fixed rate pumped hydrocyclone liquid separation unit to maintain a desired back-pressure therein. A pressure control valve and a liquid level control valve are connected to a separated liquid discharge conduit extending from at least one hydrocyclone. The pressure control valve operates in response to the pressure of the liquid introduced into the hydrocyclone and the liquid level control valve operates in response to the liquid level within a liquid holding vessel that supplies the liquid through a fixed rate pump to the hydrocyclone.

Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus includes a sterile filter whose outlet, which is usually closed, is connected to a line leading to a discharge outlet in wherein a bypass valve is employed which can be opened at predetermined intervals both during treatment and during flushing operations. The sterile filter has a primary chamber and a secondary chamber. When the bypass valve is opened during treatment, dialysis solution flows out of the primary chamber of the sterile filter and flushes the pyrogens and particles disposed on the membranes of the filter into the discharge. No sterilizating filtration of the dialysis solution takes place through the pores of the membrane because the flow resistance present in the adjoining dialyzer, in conjunction with a degree of clogging of the pores, prevents such a flow. A ventilation means may be provided whereby the bypass circuit of the sterile filter can be ventilated. The bypass circuit may also be employed for a pressure retaining test.

Abstract: The invention is related to water vending systems for the automatic dispensing of purified water from a machine which is preferably activated by coin or other form of payment. Reverse osmosis filtration of local water together with other water treatment operations is used to improve the quality of the vended water. Stagnation of stored permeate is automatically prevented to assure the freshness of dispensed water. The system is designed to reduce the frequency of servicing and the life of components without decreasing the quality of the vended water. In one embodiment the vending system comprises control means for automatically dumping the filtered water stored in a tank in the system if there has not been at least a predetermined number of vends of water within a predetermined period of time. After the storage tank has been dumped the drain is automatically closed and fresh filtered water is produced to refill the storage tank.

Abstract: An arrangement for separation by flocculation of flocculable substances contained in a suspension, as such is used particularly for purifying the backwater of deinking installations for waste paper processing, comprises a container supplied by a conduit with a suspension coming from a reservoir and admixed with flocculating agents and with air. The container contains a rotor with vertical shaft from which two arms extend outwardly at different heights. The suspension to be purified is delivered by the shaft and the upper arm, and by means of the lower situated arm leading the upper arm at an acute angle the purified water is removed. The floated-up flocculated substances are withdrawn from the surface as flotation scum and optionally by means of a conveying device through a scum conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for controlling the flow of a fluid past a membrane in a dialyzer. The apparatus disclosed includes a fluid conduit for conducting the fluid both towards and away from the dialyzer, a flow constrictor for creating a pressure drop in the fluid conduit either upstream or downstream of the dialyzer, a pump for pumping the fluid through that conduit, and a pressure detector for measuring a pressure corresponding to that pressure drop so as to control the flow therein. The method disclosed includes flowing the fluid through an upstream fluid conduit to the dialyzer and through a downstream fluid conduit away from the dialyzer, producing a relatively constant flow in both the upstream and downstream fluid conduits, creating a pressure drop in one of the fluid conduits, pumping the fluid through that conduit, and measuring the pressure corresponding to that pressure drop so that the flow of the fluid in that conduit can be controlled thereby.

Abstract: A multi stage oil filter assembly is disclosed characterized by a housing including base and cover members and at least one intermediate member arranged between the base and cover members. A first planar filter member is arranged between the cover and intermediate members and a second planar filter member is arranged between the intermediate and base members. The planar faces of the base and cover members adjacent the intermediate member each contain a plurality of concentrically spaced circular grooves and a radial conduit affording communication between the grooves, whereby fluid is distributed across the planar faces of the base and cover members adjacent the planar filter members. The intermediate member contains a plurality of segmented circular concentrically spaced slots corresponding with the grooves of the base and cover member planar faces.

Abstract: A diesel fuel filter, which is arranged in a conduit between a fuel tank and a fuel injection pump, comprises a housing accommodating a filter element and a cover non-releasably connected to the housing. A temperature-responsive switching device for switching fuel overflow quantities from the pump to the tank as well as a ventilation device are positioned in a chamber formed by a protruding formation of the cover and a flat plate connected to the housing. A plate shaped pressure control valve, which opens into a contaminated side of the filter element, connects that side to the chamber.

Abstract: A water treatment or processor device for household use or commercial use (for example, in a restaurant) is provided with fail-safe features in accordance with this invention to shut the treatment device "off" when an element thereof has become ineffective, such as the saturation of an adsorption element or the clogging of a filter element. Once the device is turned "off", it cannot be restarted until the depleted element has been replaced.

Abstract: A system is provided for supplying purified water, without requiring continuous flow of water across the water purification device. A reverse osmosis unit is provided having an unpurified water inlet, a reject water outlet and a product water outlet. The unpurified water inlet is connected to a source of unpurified water. The reject water outlet and the product water outlet are connected to water regulating means. The water regulating means has outlets to drain and to an accumulator tank. When pressure in the accumulator tank is below a predetermined amount, a diaphragm responsive to the pressure operates a pair of spool valves to first automatically direct a first amount of product water only to drain. Thereafter, the spool valves automatically discontinue flow of the first amount of product water to drain and direct the product water to the accumulator tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus of a fixed type for supplying filtered liquid which is able to filter liquid containing impurities of minute solid particles and then supply the filtered liquid while further filtering the same, said apparatus itself being of a fixed type, so designed that the liquid is repeatedly passed through a filter member provided within said apparatus for sufficient filtration, and at the same time, the liquid is filled in a movable container with rollers so as to be freely taken in or out of the apparatus in a completely purified condition, wherein the liquid in the movable container is transferred to fixed tanks, when the movable container is separated from the apparatus so as to be filled with fresh liquid, further to a discharge port through said filter member.

Abstract: A dialysis instrument having a pump located on the dialysate side of a dialyzer for moving body fluids. A disposable cartridge mounted to a main frame includes containers of calcium chloride, priming solution, water, sorbent column, dialysate reservoir bag and potassium/hydrogen citrate reinfusate reservoir. A plurality of monitors detect the status of the flow of fluids and process of dialysis and provide data for the operation of a plurality of pumps and clamps to control the direction of flow of various fluids. The entire instrument is mounted on a scale to detect weight change due to the difference between inflow and outflow of body fluids.

Abstract: An automated control system for maintaining a supply of dissolved oxygen (DO) within a given range in each of a given plurality of pools for treating sewerage, farming fish, or the like, and energizing an alarm system (148 FIG. 1) which, when energized, will warn designated persons of the failure to maintain the amout of D.O. within the given range in a particular pool and with each pool comprising a first sensor for sensing the amount of D.O. in each pool, a settable indicator (146) for detecting, respectively, when the amount of D.O. drops below a first threshold and when the amount of D.O. drops below a second threshold, with both the first and second thresholds being selectively determinable by setting the indicator. Also provided is a communication link for transmitting the amount of D.O. to the indicators, a second sensor responsive to the amount of D.O. dropping below the first threshold (146) to energize the pool aerator (258 FIG. 3) to increase the amount of D.O.

Abstract: An automotive type diesel engine provided with a conventional fuel filter water separator has a solenoid operated drain or dump valve for removing liquid contaminant/water automatically when the contaminant or water reaches a predetermined level actuating a sensor. The removed contaminant or water is then inducted into the engine by means of a venturi/aspirator which in one embodiment has an outlet connected directly to the engine intake manifold to provide the necessary pressure drop or, in another turbocharged diesel engine embodiment, the boost pressure is connected to the inlet of the venturi/aspirator to again induct the liquid contaminant/water into and through the aspirator to be disposed of in the exhaust system of the engine, both embodiments thereby automatically providing for a complete disposal of liquid contaminant/water within the engine and thereby eliminating the need of a periodic draining of the same from the fuel filter by the vehicle operator, for example.

Abstract: A self-contained device for sterilizing water is provided comprising a sterilizing product injection apparatus supplied with power by electric batteries so as to cause injection of the sterilizing product into a pipe transporting water to be treated, a water meter mounted in said pipe and having a head capable of generating a pulse each time the meter has recorded the flow of a predetermined amount of water, and an electric power regulator controlled by said pulses and which, whenever it receives a pulse, lets the current from the battery pass in the form of a short duration signal, the regulator interrupting the current from the battery between the pulses emitted by the meter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating sewage sludge in which the sludge is conveyed to a vessel having an oxygen-rich atmosphere. The sludge is channelled through a first dispersing means to a plurality of second dispersing means by which it is dispersed throughout the oxygen-rich atmosphere where it is completely oxygenated. Preferably, the first dispersing means comprises separable components which define the channelling means. Preferably, the second dispersing means are aligned with the channelling means and either arranged around the inner periphery of the vessel, or attached to the first dispersing means.

Abstract: A fuel filter device for use with diesel engines has a manually operable pump section and a filter container housing therein a filter element and detachably attached to the pump section. The pump section has a manually operable diaphragm facing a chamber having fuel inlet and outlet respectively communicated with a fuel tank and the filter container. The inlet and outlet are provided with valves responsive to the fuel pressure at the inlet and to a pressure variation caused by the diaphragm in the chamber to allow the fuel to flow through the inlet into the chamber and through the outlet into the container in which the fuel flows through the filter element and out of the container to a discharge port of the pump section. An electric heater is disposed in the chamber adjacent to the path of the flow of the fuel in the chamber. A fuel temperature or pressure sensor is disposed downstream of the filter element to provide a signal for the control of the electrical supply to the heater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for treating sewage sludge in which the sludge preferably has its pH adjusted to an acidic range. Then the sludge is conveyed to a vessel having an oxygen-rich atmosphere. The sludge is channelled through two different dispersing means by which it is comminuted and dispersed throughout the oxygen-rich atmosphere where it is completely oxygenated. To assure that the sludge is completely oxygenated, preferably it is caused to travel through two separate angles in the oxygen-rich atmosphere, each being greater than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A multiple purpose tank has an inlet-outlet port, an inlet port and an outlet port connected to a drain. A flexible liquid-proof liner in the tank is connected to the inlet-outlet port to form a variable volume container. Automatic valve means controls the flow of effluent-untreated liquid to the drain and the pressure of effluent-untreated liquid in the tank on the liner and the variable volume container formed thereby. A reverse osmosis module has an inlet port for connection to a pressurized source of untreated liquid and an outlet port connected to the inlet port of the tank. The module has an outlet port connected to the inletoutlet port of the tank to discharge treated liquid to the interior of the tank. A manually actuated control valve controls the flow of effluent-untreated liquid to the tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing oil from water. The invention includes a separation vessel for separating the oil by gravity from the water. The generally oil-free water from the separation vessel is pumped under pressure through an ultrafine molecular filter. The concentrate liquid from the ultrafine molecular filter is directed into a concentrator vessel which separates out the oil which remains in the concentrate liquid. The separated oil is directed back into the separation vessel and the remaining liquid is directed back through the ultrafine molecular filter. Ejection water is periodically directed into the separation vessel to discharge oil accumulated in the separation vessel.