Abstract: A sealing valve plug structure includes a valve plug column corresponding to the drain opening formed in the side wall of an inner drum, and a counterweight hinged to the upper end of the valve plug column. The sealing valve installation structure is installed on the side wall of the drum, and the reset spring is clamped between the sealing valve installation structure and the valve plug column. The counterweight is used to generate an action, under the action of centrifugal force, to open the drain opening, and the valve plug column is reset by the reset spring to make the valve plug block the drain opening, to thereby open and close the drain opening. A cleaning-free washing machine having an inner drum sealed by the sealing valve plug structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: An osmotic power generation system and method for generating osmotic power includes a membrane chamber having a semi-permeable membrane therein defining a first portion and a second portion therein. The system also includes a first pump communicating a first fluid to the first portion and a second pump communicating a second fluid to the second portion. The second fluid has higher total dissolved solids than the first fluid. A second portion energy recovery device is in fluid communication with the second portion. A power generator is in communication with the second portion energy recovery device generating electrical power in response to the second portion energy recovery device and the pressure in the second portion.

Abstract: Provided is a device and a method for fractionating particle-containing liquids. The device comprises at least one separation apparatus and at least one collection apparatus. The collection apparatus has at least two containers and the outlet of the at least one separation apparatus opens into a distribution system that has a repositionable outlet that can be oriented selectively toward the input opening of the containers. The distribution system adds the liquid to the at least two containers of the collection device in a controlled manner as a function of event or time.

Abstract: A controller for water treatment in a cooling system includes a processor, a user interface, a plurality of relays, at least one network port, and at least one communication port. The processor is configured to monitor cooling fluid in the cooling system and cause the system to drain fluid when an amount of dissolved solid in the fluid exceeds a predetermined threshold. The plurality of relays are configured for both wet operation and dry operation. The controller is accessed using a web server on the controller through a communication port. The controller is controller and control parameters are modified via the web server. A relay of the plurality of relays in the controller is configured for either wet operation or dry operation. The configuration of the relay of the plurality of relays is dynamically changed to the other of wet operation or dry operation.

Abstract: The system is for the reception and transport of dry lime mud from a continuously operating pressurized filter in a causticization process. A tube valve is used as an outlet from the pressurized process. The tube valve has a minimum length that is twice a diameter of the tube. A column of lime mud can be held within it as a pressure lock. The column of lime mud can be caused to descend through the tube valve by controlling a difference in pressure between an inner surface and an outer surface of the tube such that the diameter of the tube expands essentially uniformly along its length by 5-10% or by at least 4-6 millimeters.

Abstract: Method for separating a volume of whole blood into at least a plasma component and a red blood cell component comprising centrifuging a separation bag containing a volume of whole blood so as to separate therein at least a first component comprising plasma and a second component comprising red blood cells; transferring the first component into a plasma component bag during centrifugation of the separation bag; transferring into the separation bag a volume of wash solution from a wash solution bag during centrifugation of the separation bag; mixing the volume of wash solution with the second component; centrifuging the separation bag so as to separate therein a washed red blood cell component and a supernatant component; and transferring the supernatant component into a waste bag during centrifugation of the separation bag.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a filter device for filtering out of solid substance from a solid-liquid-mixture where the filter device includes a bearing shaft; a rotation body attached to the bearing shaft and supported by the bearing shaft to be rotatable; a single filter cell formed on the rotation body with a filter structure attached to the rotation body for filtering out the solid substance and a connection channel formed in the rotation body that extends from a filter structure outlet side to an outlet opening formed adjacent to the bearing shaft and via which the connection channel is permanently connected with an intermediate connection channel formed in the bearing shaft; a liquid discharge line connected with or formed by the intermediate connection channel; a plurality of branch-off lines which are branched-off from the liquid discharge line; and a control device having a valve assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a device and a method for fractionating particle-containing liquids. The device comprises at least one separation apparatus and at least one collection apparatus. The collection apparatus has at least two containers and the outlet of the at least one separation apparatus opens into a distribution system that has a repositionable outlet that can be oriented selectively toward the input opening of the containers. The distribution system adds the liquid to the at least two containers of the collection device in a controlled manner as a function of event or time.

Abstract: A magnetic water generator with varied polarization ratios, comprises a magnetization assembly including at least one set of N pole magnetization unit and S pole magnetization unit; one side of each of the N pole magnetization unit and S pole magnetization unit having a water inlet for inputting filtering water; another side of each of the N pole magnetization unit and S pole magnetization unit having a respective water outlet; the filtered water flowing through the gaps being outputted from the water outlets to a respective transmission tube; each of the water outlets being connected with a respective transmission tube; and an electronic flow dispatching unit or a dispatching control disk for inputting water from the N pole magnetization unit and S pole magnetization unit and mixing the water with different ratios so as to have different polarization ratio.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating a volume of whole blood into at least a plasma component and a red blood cell component comprising centrifuging a separation bag containing a volume of whole blood so as to separate therein at least a first component comprising plasma and a second component comprising red blood cells; transferring the first component into a plasma component bag during centrifugation of the separation bag; transferring into the separation bag a volume of wash solution from a wash solution bag during centrifugation of the separation bag; mixing the volume of wash solution with the second component; centrifuging the separation bag so as to separate therein a washed red blood cell component and a supernatant component; and transferring the supernatant component into a waste bag during centrifugation of the separation bag.

Abstract: The apparatus for removing bodies (41) from a liquid in which the apparatus includes a first container (1) which is provided with an inlet (13) through which the liquid is supplied to the first container, and a second container (2) which, in the lower region (35) of the apparatus, surrounds the first container. Between the wall (17) of the first container and the wall (27) of the second container, there is formed a space (26). The wall of the first container is provided with passages (15) through which liquid passes from the first container to the space (26). The passages (15) are dimensioned so as to separate bodies (41) transported by the liquid towards the inside of the wall (17) of the first container. A helix (3) is disposed in a path (7) which is formed by the wall of the first container and is oriented at an angle (&agr;) to the horizontal plane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of contaminated water by biodegradation is provided. In particular, the apparatus and method are suited for the biodegradation of volatile organic compounds (VOC's) such as trichloroethylene and related compounds or benzene and related compounds. The process employs an immobilized soil bioreactor (ISBR) having a headspace re-circulation system.

Abstract: A vessel storing a batch of chemicals for delivery into a dialysate preparation tank includes a machine readable indicator, permitting automatic identification of the contents of the vessel prior to operating the vessel and introduction of chemicals into a tank where the dialysate solution is mixed. Various types of machine-readable indicators may be used, such as, for example, "touch" memory buttons, bar codes, or magnetic strips. Suitable reading devices for the machine-readable indicators are provided for reading the contents of the bottle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the efficiency of the centrifugal separator automatically adjusts in accordance with operator input for varying amounts of solids in contaminated fluid being passed through the separator. A load sensing circuit monitors the load on the drive motor of the centrifuge bowl and a second load sensing circuit monitors the load on the drive motor of the scraper vane. The apparatus further includes a variable speed motor designed to vary the gravitational force with which the centrifuge operates in response to a variety of factors regarding particle size and specific gravity. The load sensing circuits optimize cleaning cycle frequency and reduce failure due to mechanical stress. The load sensing circuits taken in combination with the variable speed drive provide the ability to efficiently and variably monitor the cleansing intervals to provide predetermined levels of cleansing and prevent the overloading of the scraper and scraper mechanics.

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 recovery system for precious metal particles in wash solutions includes a pair of filter elements and a pump mounted within a closed tank. The first filter is of relatively large pore size, and traps layer particles. The prefiltered liquid is collected within the tank. A pump is mounted within the tank, and drives the collected liquid and remaining particles through the second filter, which is of a small pore size chosen to trap the remaining particles. After passage through the second filter the wash water may be discarded.

Abstract: In an automatic washer including a perforate wash basket, valves are provided which restrict the fluid flow through the perforations during portions of the wash cycle when the basket is stationary or slowly rotating or oscillating, but permit extraction and fluid flow therethrough during higher spin speeds. These valves may take the form of individual elastomeric sheet-like components which are attached around the basket, or they may be grouped into functional units occupying larger areas, such as bands or sheets of elastomeric material. The valve openings are formed as slits or cuts in the elastomeric material.

Abstract: A portable pressure screen apparatus is disclosed having a cylindrical shaped pressure housing defining upper and lower hingedly connected halves. The housing includes a slurry inlet aperture raised relative to a filtered slurry discharge port situated at the opposite end of the pressure housing from the slurry inlet aperture. A screen spans the interior of the housing, separating the interior into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Collected particulate matter from the slurry inlet aperture is accumulated in the upper chamber and slurry filtered through the screen leaves the interior of the housing through the filtered slurry discharge port connected to the lower chamber. A support frame is employed to adjustably support the housing in a generally angled attitude relative to the horizontal.

Abstract: In a filter centrifuge with a filter medium, a filter cake is formed following the introduction of a suspension. In a first filtration phase the suspension is exposed to centrifugal filtration a first filtration which dewaters by the inertia forces. In a second filtration phase, the cake is subjected to compressed gas filtration using frictional forces generated by a gas flow. In the second filtration phase, gas at atmospheric pressure flows through the filter cake and filter medium and is exhausted from a filtrate collector space. This space is composed of a gas space and a filtrate liquid space. To obtain flow through the solid cake at an increased pressure difference, it is proposed to provide the filter centrifuge in a pressure housing with a superatmospheric pressure controlled by a difference in filtrate liquid levels in the filtrate liquid space and the annular space following the filter. This liquid control prevents the penetration of filtrate liquid into the gas exhaust line.

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: Apparatus for removing suspended particles from water comprises outer and inner concentrically arranged tanks and a carriage arranged on top of the outer tank for movement around the same. Unclarified water is introduced into the inner tank along with flocculating material for combining with the suspended particles in the water, and the mixture passes from the inner to the outer tank. Gaseous bubbles are introduced into the mixture for attaching to the flocculated suspended particles and floating them to the surface of the water in the outer tank, forming a sludge layer thereon. A scoop device mounted on the carriage removes the sludge for discharge from the apparatus. A plurality of filter beds are arranged near the bottom of the outer tank for removing the remaining precipitated flocs to complete the clarification of the water for discharge, and suction apparatus is arranged above the filter beds for cleaning the same.

Abstract: An improved desludging device for basket centrifuges facilitates the automatic withdrawal of hard sludge from the centrifuge. The device includes a sludge discharge tube and a sludge re-slurrying tube, the tubes being connected in a loop, so that fluid exiting the centrifuge through the discharge tube reenters the centrifuge through the re-slurrying tube. The re-slurrying tube terminates in one or more nozzles or slots, pointed in the general direction of the discharge tube. This continual recirculation of fluid causes the hard sludge in the centrifuge to return to the form of a slurry, and the slurry is periodically withdrawn from the centrifuge. The re-slurrying effect may be enhanced by the occasional introduction of some process liquid, or other liquid, into the centrifuge. The sludge discharge tube and re-slurrying tube are mechanically linked, and are programmed to move towards the rim of the centrifuge until substantially all the sludge is removed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous filter comprising a chamber provided with a cylindrical upper portion and a conical lower portion and having at its upper end portion a feed opening for a slurry to be filtered and at its lower end portion a discharge opening for the filtration cake, a porous support disposed inwardly of, and spaced from, the side wall of the chamber, a filter medium provided on the porous support, an outer annular filtrate-collecting space and an inner, slurry- and cake-holding space defined by the porous support, an agitation shaft extending from the slurry feeding end portion to the cake discharge end portion through said slurry- and cake-holding space, and a spiral or vane-like blade on the agitating shaft for shaving the cake on the filter medium and moving it to the discharge end portion of the chamber.

Abstract: A slurry separator utilizes the power inherent in the pressurized slurry from the slurry pump through a reaction nozzle to drive a rotor, with the slurry distributed through the nozzle being distributed over the surface of a conical grid. The rotor structure also drives squeegee-like blades which scrape the solids downward inside the cone readying screen for the next discharge, and then sweeping them down into a cylindrical auger chamber where they are compacted downwardly against an inverted conical floor to further squeeze moisture through the sides of a housing cylinder. The conical floor of the compacting cylinder presses up against the particulates to be compacted with a resistance that is proportional to the speed of the rotor, achieved through the use of a centrifugal governor. This action makes it tolerant to variations in nozzle flow volume (pressure) and converts energy output into optimum separation.

Abstract: Device for conditioning water produced by environmental conditioning or dehumidification apparatuses or plants, comprising a device (2) for measuring the quantity of water produced by a condenser (1) which transforms atmospheric humidity into water, a feeder (4) of a corrective composition of salts and mineral substances, preferably in the form of tablets (P), for dispensing at least one of them in proportion to the quantity of water measured, a mixing vessel (5) receiving the measured water and at least a tablet (P) provided by the feeder (4), a control and command unit (6) that activates the feeder (4) in proportion to the quantity of water measured and received, and a tank (7) for collecting and filtering the water provided with means (70) for filtering micro-organisms and bacteria and a valve (81) for the exit of potable water.