Abstract: Conventional biological processes for treating wastewater include the so-called activated sludge process which is continuous and the sequencing batch reaction (SBR) activated sludge process. The first process requires the use of dedicated, relatively expensive external clarifiers, and the second process is inefficient in terms of treatment volume. A modified sequencing batch reactor process and system enable the efficient, continuous treatment and discharge of wastewater, combing the advantages of the SBR and activated sludge processes. In the present case, wastewater is initially fed in a first direction through a plurality of contiguous cells, the wastewater is subjected at all times to biological treatment in a plurality of such cells and settled in at least one of the cells immediately prior to discharge from the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing solid matter from fluid systems which does not require system shutdown and minimizes the loss of system fluids. The invention first isolates the solid matter collection reservoir from the fluid system and then purges the reservoir for external disposal or recovery of the solid matter. The purging sequence is enhanced through the use of a venting system which prevents pressure differential buildup and also prevents the introduction of air into the separation device during the purging sequence. The entire process can be controlled manually or automatically through a control system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the cyclic regeneration of a water softening system having a plurality of parallel water treatment units, N, each containing a water softening treatment bed which requires periodic regeneration. The method entails first calculating a volume of water to be treated per cycle, V.sub.s, by dividing the capacity of the smallest capacity treatment unit by N. Water is then treated with all the treatment units until V.sub.s water has been treated by any of said units. Once V.sub.s water has been treated by any of the units, an arbitrarily selected first unit is subjected to regeneration while water is treated with all the remaining units. The process is continued by sequentially selecting the next remaining treatment unit for regeneration once another V.sub.s volume of water has been treated by any of the units.

Abstract: A modular gray water processing system is provided comprising a filter, an ultraviolet radiation chamber coupled to the filter and a storage tank for receiving and storing irradiated gray water from the ultraviolet radiation chamber. The filter filters gray water being provided to the gray water processing system and provides the filtered gray water to the ultraviolet radiation chamber. The ultraviolet radiation chamber comprises a plurality of ultraviolet radiation generating modules and a fluid controlling system for directing the gray water entering the ultraviolet radiation chamber to a number of the ultraviolet radiation modules in accordance with the flow rate of the filtered gray water. The irradiated gray water exiting the radiation chamber is directed to the storage tank where it is stored awaiting reuse.

Abstract: A specimen processor, for operation with holder apparatus carrying a viewing screen and a filter device and a container of a biological sample, has a frame with reference structure for aligningly engaging the holder apparatus, and has a transport that carries a manipulation device. The processor operates the transport and the manipulation device to engage the filter device, remove it from support by the holder apparatus and collect cellular particles from the sample onto the filter device. The processor further operates the transport and manipulation device to abut the filter device with the viewing screen for transferring collected cellular particles to the screen, and to return the filter device to carrying by the holder apparatus.

Abstract: A method is provided in accordance with this invention for treating wastewater in a tank having comminute, mix and settle sections. The method comprises receiving wastewater in the comminute section, comminuting solids in the wastewater, mixing the wastewater with air in the mix section, mixing the wastewater without further addition of air, mixing the wastewater with air again, directing wastewater to the settle section, separating solids from the wastewater, returning the solids to the mix section, and discharging the effluent from the tank. In another aspect, this invention relates to an improved apparatus for carrying out the method of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-stage, single reactor, purification system for disinfecting, washing, and concentrating solid wastes, which include contaminated soil, highly concentrated biosolids, spent animal bedding, and spent diapers, etc.A solid waste is fed into the reactor of this invented apparatus. At least one disinfecting and chemical agent (including cationic surface active agent known as quaternary ammonium compound) is fed together with water (as needed) into this reactor to disinfect and process said solid waste with the assistance of a mechanical mixing means inside said reactor. A disinfecting gas is fed to the same reactor as needed. After the period of feeding, disinfecting, processing, and mixing is over, the process water is drained. The disinfected and processed wet solid waste is discharged to an expulsion chamber means which removes residual water and compacts the disinfected and processed solid waste.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing the operation of a trickling filter. Optimization is obtained by using a pair of controlling devices, a timer and an electric motor in combination. The electric motor rotates the distributor mechanism of the trickling filter in response to signals transmitted thereto by the first and second controller. The timer activates the first controller during operation to provide a SK value of between 25-500 mm/pass. During non-peak hours, the timer activates the second controller for flushing the biomass used in the trickling filter operation. The flushing is accomplished at SK values of between 200-1000 mm/pass. A method is also disclosed incorporating the above system.

Abstract: The deionized water purification of this invention is a small compact unit which is inserted between the purified deionized water distribution line in a plant water purification system and the inlet of a point of use apparatus. The small compact modular point of use deionized water purification unit reduces the total organic contaminant loading, the particulate loading, and the ionic contaminants in the purified deionized water from the plant purification system. The purification unit of this invention also includes means for sterilization of the point of use deionized water purification unit and a new technique for preventing damage to the ozone generator used in the sterilization process.

Abstract: A mixing, aerating and decanting unit adapted for floating installation in a liquid treatment basin and operable to provide mixing, aeration, settling and decanting phases in an SBR (sequencing bath reactor) process. The unit comprises a rigid support structure with floats for buoyantly supporting the unit in the basin, a mixing apparatus operable to mix liquid in the basin, an aerating apparatus selectively operable to supply air to the water in the basin, and a decanter apparatus for decanting liquid from the basin.

Abstract: A sequence controller system for regenerating a plurality of water treatment units in a water treatment plant. Each of the water treatment units has a timer and a multi-port valve for sequencing each of the water treatments units through successively repeating cycles of service and regeneration. The sequence controller system has a priority specifying means for setting the time intervals by which only one of each water treatment unit that is ready for regeneration, at the same time, is permitted to begin its regeneration cycle. The sequence controller system also has a common interlock connection between all of the water treatment units to lockout all of the water treatment units from beginning their regeneration cycles except for the water treatment unit that has been priority specified by having the lower set time interval before beginning its regeneration cycle.

Abstract: A cooking oil filtering method comprises the steps of connecting the drain outlets of a series of cooking vats to a pre-filter via inlet valves controlling the connection of each vat to the pre-filter, connecting the outlet of the pre-filter to a second filter assembly, connecting the outlet of the second filter assembly to the inlets of the cooking vats via return valves controlling the return of oil to each vat, and controlling operation of a pump and opening of the inlet and return valves to successively pump oil from each vat in turn through the pre-filter and filter assembly before returning it to the vat.

Abstract: A method for anaerobic biological waste treatment in multiple stages wherein a relatively high strength wastewater is introduced into a first biological reactor to produce an effluent of reduced strength, the effluent is passed into a second biological reactor for reaction therein, passage of the effluent into the second biological reactor is continued until the biological solids in the second reactor enter into a negative growth phase and become relatively stable, whereupon the flow of waste through the reactors is reversed by terminating introduction of the waste into the first reactor and passing the same into the second reactor to cause microorganisms in the second reactor to enter into a positive growth phase and the solids in the first reactor to enter into a negative growth phase.

Abstract: In a process for degassing and filtering liquids, particularly coating emulsions, a feed stream (F) is subdivided into a process stream (N), which is fed continuously to a process use through a main filter (16), and a recycled fractional stream. The fractional stream (T) is used to backflush successive sections of the main filter (16) and in turn is filtered through a supplementary filter (21, 22). In the apparatus for the process, a backflushing device (17) is associated with the main filter (16), the fractional stream (T) is used as a flushing means and the filter surface of the main filter (16) is cleaned progressively. Thus, a liquid with a continually constant grain size distribution, without gas bubbles and particles that cause defects, can be delivered continuously to the specific use.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing and analyzing blood serum includes an input rack for holding test tubes containing whole blood specimens and separator gel, a centrifuge, an optical sensing unit for receiving centrifuged test tubes and generating output signals indicative of whether the centrifuging was successful and, if it was, the boundary position between the separator gel and the blood serum, and a computer connected to receive and analyze the output signals of the optical sensing unit. An aspirator/dispenser needle unit is positioned above the sensing unit and is capable of lowering a needle, under the control of the computer, to puncture the stopper of a test tube and then withdraw blood serum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically propelling a charge of backwash fluid by a compressed gas such as steam to backwash a filter in a filter pair. The method and apparatus provides for backwashing a filter with at least three backwash phases, a first mainly comprising a charge of backwash fluid passing through the filter with significant speed, a second relating to use of flashing steam for secondary cleaning and scrubbing of the filter elements, and a third relating to use of low pressure steam for autoclaving and sterilizing the filter.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating dispersed phases from fluid mixtures comprising a fluid separation chamber provided with a plurality of fluid outlet ports for discharge of fluids with different densities, and fluid inlet means for introducing the mixture into the chamber comprising at least one tubular neck portion in which a cluster of fibers is compressed to a fibrous bed. Each tubular neck portion is arranged to a level between the top portion and a bottom portion of the chamber and at an angle relative to the vertical thereby reducing the chance of accumulation of foamy or solid contaminants in the fibrous bed and allowing continuous removal thereof from the separation chamber.

Abstract: A piping and flow control system for a wastewater reactor having a reaction vessel includes an influent distribution and sludge withdrawal conduit located near the bottom of the reactor, an aeration device located within the reactor, a treated effluent decanting system and an automatic control mechanism including a liquid level sensor. The influent distribution and sludge withdrawal conduit along with the aeration device are selectively flow connected with a pumping mechanism by a piping manifold which is also selectively connected to a source for influent wastewater to be treated by the reactor and sludge disposal. The pumping mechanism is located in a pump column within the vessel.

Abstract: A piping and flow control system for a wastewater reactor having a reaction vessel includes an influent distribution and sludge withdrawl conduit located near the bottom of the reactor, and aeration device located within the reactor, a treated effluent decanting system and an automatic control mechanism including a liquid level sensor. The influent distribution and sludge withdrawl conduit along with the aeration device are selectively flow connected with a pumping mechanism by a piping manifold which is also selectively connected to a source for influent wastewater to be treated by the reactor and sludge disposal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the aeration of cesspools in operation. In one embodiment there is a tool for inserting the aeration device under the bottom of the cesspool. The tool comprises a central cylinder with retractable arms. The aeration device has retractable arms which attach to the tool and compressed air is supplied to the tool to facilitate its passage through and beneath the pool. The tool is then removed leaving the aeration devices in place with a line extending out of the pool to receive compressed air. Other embodiments include the method of inserting the aeration device, a system for aerating a pool, and methods for controlling the operation of the aeration device.

Abstract: A piping and flow control system for a wastewater reactor having a reaction vessel includes an influent distribution and sludge withdrawl conduit located near the bottom of the reactor, an aeration device located within the reactor, a treated effluent decanting system and an automatic control mechanism including a liquid level sensor. The influent distribution and sludge withdrawl conduit along with the aeration device are selectively flow connected with a pumping mechanism by a piping manifold which is also selectively connected to a source for influent wastewater to be treated by the reactor and sludge disposal. The manifold includes a series of control valves which may be selectively opened or closed to allow a single pumping mechanism. A control valve on the decanting apparatus allows treated fluid to be selectively withdrawn from the reactor by the decanting apparatus.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a fluid supply system, wherein in its working mode a pump delivers fluid through a filter in one direction to a discharge outlet, an improvement comprising a relief outlet and controlled valve means interposed between said pump and said discharge outlet and between the pump and the relief outlet, means for selectively controlling said controlled valve means (1) to effect delivery of fluid from said pump through said filter, in the one direction, and through said valve means to said discharge outlet in the working mode, (2) to effect passage of fluid from said pump through said filter, in a direction opposite to the one direction, and through the valve means to said relief outlet in reverse cleaning mode and (3) to effect passage of fluid from said pump through said filter, in the one direction, and through the valve means to said relief outlet in forward cleaning mode.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for continuously filtering a flow of melted plastic which includes a mechanism for purging the filter without interrupting continuous operation. A filter screen is disposed in a circular chamber within the filter housing. A collector plate including a plurality of radially oriented, triangularly shaped passages is disposed on the upstream side of the filter screen, defining triangular pockets for collecting contaminants that cannot pass through the filter screen. A collector head is rotatably disposed for selective registration with the collector pockets, and an indexing mechanism is included for sequentially stepping the collector head around the collector plate for momentary registration with each collector pocket. The collector head communicates with a contaminant discharge passage that is opened and closed in timed sequence with movement of the collector head.

Abstract: In the automatic installation for liquid chromatography according to the invention, the container of product to be fractionated is associated to a measuring container and is provided, as are the containers of eluents, with low level detector means; feed valves are interposed between said containers and the injection pump whereas output valves are interposed between the outlet from the column and the collector containers; a control unit comprises a safety device connected to the low level detectors to control the stoppage of the pump whenever necessary, and a control device receiving the signals from detection means connected to the output of the column and controlling the measuring container and said valves to perform successive cycles of chromatography each one including the steps of injecting a quantity of product, admitting at least one eluent and collecting the or each corresponding fraction.

Abstract: An apparatus for the purification of salt brine having magnesium and calcium hardness includes means for treating a saturated salt brine containing magnesium and calcium ions with an alkali metal carbonate and an alkali metal hydroxide in a preselected sequence and in amounts in excess of stoichiometric proportions to form firm, readily settleable, filterable floc precipitate particles of insoluble compounds of magnesium and calcium, suspended in the treated brine and passing the resultant suspension to a filtering unit to separate and remove the floc precipitate and to provide a purified salt brine.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system includes a tank divided into a horizontal series of filtering sub-chambers by perforated plates. A series of graded filtration media, beginning with a coarse medium and progressing to a fine medium such as sand is disposed in consecutive sub-chambers. Various features are provided with this system to perform desirable system operations. For example, the system is provided with input and outlet pressure sensors, and means for detecting the pressure differential between those two sensors, to indicate the desirability of backwashing the filtration media contained within one or more sub-chambers. The system is further provided with plural pumps and valves to permit backwashing of the fine filtration medium in a direction reverse to the direction of filter flow, and transverse to that direction.

Abstract: A water conservation system for a plating line comprising a series of treatment tanks and a plurality of rinse tanks utilizes timed inlets for admitting fresh water to each of the rinse tanks for a short period of time immediately following the introduction of a part into the rinse tanks. A sediment tank receives the discharge from each of the rinse tanks via overflow ducts, and a holding tankreceives overflow from the sediment tank. The contents of the holding tank are transferred to a treatment tank for batch treatment. A logic circuit controls sampling and testing of the treatment tank to determine the PH condition thereof and to initiate the addition of a predetermined amount of an appropriate neutralizer to the treatment tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for continuously filtering liquids whereby two candle filters are arranged closely adjacent to one another and are connected by a first three-way cock at the liquid inlet ends, a second three-way cock at the liquid outlet ends of the candle filters and a bypass cock for a partial stream and enabling the candle filters to be emptied in such a manner that the candle filters are filled and vented before they are put into operation and one of the two candle filters always is ready for operation with degassed and filtered liquid if one of the candle filters is to be cleaned.

Abstract: A plate filter press has a horizontal guide carrier extending in the length dimension of the plate filter press; a plurality of vertically oriented filter plates shiftably supported on the guide carrier; and a filter plate shifting apparatus for individually displacing the filter plates from a closed side towards an open side of the press. The filter plate shifting apparatus has a motor driving a traveling carrier element and filter plate engaging elements mounted on the traveling carrier element. There is further provided a displacement sensor for emitting signals in response to the motion of the filter plate engaging elements and a monitoring and control device connected to the displacement sensor for receiving its signals for determining the position of the successive traveling paths of the filter plate engaging elements with respect to the guide carrier to determine the required displacement characteristics for each filter plate.

Abstract: The disclosed system for controlling the chemical balance of a body of liquid, such as a swimming pool, compares the output of a chemical balance sensor immersed in the liquid with a standard indicative of the desired chemical balance, then dispenses a chemical into the pool to adjust its balance towards the desired balance. A timer limits the duty cycle of the dispenser to a relatively short dispensing interval followed by a longer non-dispensing interval permitting the dispensed chemical to disperse throughout the pool, the sensing and dispensing cycle then being repeated if appropriate. Preferably, there are a plurality of sensors, comparators and dispensers, each dispenser having a timer to limit its duty cycle. Also, preferably an over-range alarm is employed to alert an attendant when the chemical balance of the pool departs from a given range.

Abstract: A longitudinally elongated settling tank with a converging longitudinal hopper bottom along the length thereof has a longitudinally elongated travelling bridge reciprocating continuously or intermittently through a relatively short stroke between the inlet and outlet ends of the tank from which depends a plurality of longitudinally spaced sludge pick-up heads each sucking sludge from a zone in the bottom of the tank during a preset cycle. Liquid fed into one end of the tank forms a settling pond from which clarified liquid flows over longitudinal weirs at the opposite end of the tank. Because of the short stroke of the bridge, the tank can be reinforced with internal framework between the paths of the suction heads permitting use of lighter sheet metal for the tank. A skimmer is automatically lowered into the top of the pond as the bridge advances to sweep oil, scum, and other material floating on the pond into an outlet and is retracted above the pond on the return stroke of the bridge.

Abstract: Waste water containing pollutants such as suspended solids and emulsified oil is pumped continuously through a self-contained separating or polishing system utilizing a simplified plug-in module to remove the pollutants. The suspended solids are removed by mechanical filtration and the emulsified oil is separated by coalescing oil into floatable droplets which can be skimmed from a water surface and withdrawn for external accumulation. The treated waste water may be returned for further use or pumped to other facilities for further treatment.

Abstract: A multi-point fluid sample collection and distribution system is provided wherein the sample inputs are made through one or more of a plurality of sampling valves to a progressive cavity pump which is not susceptible to damage by large unfiltered particles. The pump output is through a filter unit that can provide a filtered multi-point sample. An unfiltered multi-point sample is also provided. An effluent sample can be taken and applied to a second progressive cavity pump for pumping to a filter unit that can provide one or more filtered effluent samples. The second pump can also provide an unfiltered effluent sample. Means are provided to periodically back flush each filter unit without shutting off the whole system.

Abstract: A closed water recycling system produces portable drinking water from total domestic waste-water, including household sewage. A microprocessor monitors the operation of the system and automatically back-flushes the ultra-filter assembly, regenerates the ion exchange bed when the monitored variables indicate this is necessary, and acts as a failsafe monitor to insure water quality by shutting down the system in case of a malfunction. For example, the bed includes acid and base regenerated resins having different specific gravities. When a monitor indicates that the bed requires regeneration, a water flush separates resins by specific gravity. Acid and bas regenerating solutions are supplied to opposite sides of the bed. The flow of regenerating solution is stopped when the salt band produced during regeneration approaches an outlet at the middle of the bed.

Abstract: The filter has a filtering chamber in which a number of hollow filtering elements are arranged on a circle about the axis of the filter. The chamber has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet and the hollow filtering elements communicate in parallel with the inlet and outlet. A hollow arm defining a passageway is rotatable about the axis of the filter and the passageway is capable of putting all the inlets of the filtering elements successively in communication with an impurities discharging chamber in which prevails a pressure lower than the pressure of the filtered liquid. The arm is connected to rotate with the driven member of a unidirectional step-by-step drive mechanism. The arm is also connected to rotate with the driven member of a second unidirectional step-by-step drive mechanism in the same direction as with the first drive mechanism.

Abstract: A sludge digester is equipped with a network of pipes leading to several separate effluent ports distributed around the base of the digester near its walls. During use, sludge undergoing active digestion within the digester is withdrawn from the digester and forcefully pumped through at least one of said pipes to flush or sweep material tending to settle from less active regions of the digester into other regions undergoing active digestion, thus to prevent accumulations of sludge which is not actively consumed by bacteria.

Abstract: An environmentally protective bilge water disposal system utilizes an inverted dome gravitational oil separator unit in combination with an engine exhaust flash water vaporizor to remove and recover oil contamination from the bilge water prior to its disposal by flash evaporation in the exhaust stack. The system is capable of operating continuously under regulation by an electrical control arrangement that ensures safety of the engine, and shutting down of the system if certain key components do not function in a proper manner. The system includes a pump, an oil separator, control valves and sensors for various operating parameters and mechanical functions of the system, such parameters and functions including bilge fluid level, water pump function, water flow valve function, engine fuel pressure, engine throttle air pressure, engine exhaust stack temperature, separator function, separator dome position, and oil storage level.

Abstract: A water and wastewater treatment apparatus including a tank divided into a horizontal series of filtering subchambers by parallel, perforated septa. Effluent flows through the septa and through a reverse-graded media series including at least one fine medium such as sand. The media may be backwashed by counterflow and right angle flow, the latter being effective to expand and scrub one or more of the layers of media.

Abstract: An environmentally protective bilge water disposal system utilizes an inverted dome gravitational oil separator unit in combination with an engine exhaust flash water vaporizor to remove and recover oil contamination from the bilge water prior to its disposal by flash evaporation in the exhaust stack. The system is capable of operating continuously under regulation by an electrical control arrangement that ensures safety of the engine, and shutting down of the system if certain key components do not function in a proper manner. The system includes a pump, an oil separator, control valves and sensors for various operating parameters and mechanical functions of the system, such parameters and functions including bilge fluid level, water pump function, water flow valve function, engine fuel pressure, engine throttle air pressure, engine exhaust stack temperature, separator function, separator dome position, and oil storage level.

Abstract: Control apparatus for swimming pools to automatically regulate chlorinator and acidifier operation, thereby maintaining a desired chlorine residual and pH level. A first liquid sample from a swimming pool along with a chlorine reagent substance and a second liquid sample from the pool along with a pH reagent are sequentially introduced into a sample cell with a light source projecting light through the sample cell onto first and second photoelectric cells. The first photocell produces a signal having a magnitude that is directly proportional to the chlorine residual in the first liquid sample, and the second photocell produces a signal functionally related to the pH level of the second liquid sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering fluids to remove solid discard particles therefrom, in which the apparatus includes a housing having a filter chamber, an inlet-side sealing chamber, and a discharge-side sealing chamber, a movable fluid inlet member which is movable into and out of the housing and which includes inlet-side and discharge-side bearing surfaces, and flexible sealing members which cooperate with the bearing surfaces in the sealing chambers to seal the filter chamber, a movable length of filter medium, and means for displacing the bearing surfaces and the movable length of filter medium, and which is operated by displacing the discharge-side movable bearing surface so that the movable length of filter medium may pass clear thereof, and displacing the movable length of filter medium clear of the discharge-side movable bearing surface to provide synchronized removal of the used length of filter medium from the filter chamber with discard particles associated therewith which are embedded therein and collec