Abstract: A semi-conductor etching system includes a tub for holding a corrosive fluid that is maintained at an elevated temperature and a weir basket which is located in the tub and is also adapted to hold the corrosive fluid. A pump and filtration unit is located in the tub and includes a one piece corrosion and high temperature resistant housing having a pump chamber, a filter chamber spaced from the pump chamber, an inlet port for allowing fluid to flow into the housing and an outlet port for allowing fluid to flow out of the housing. A fluid passage is provided in the housing for allowing fluid to flow between the pump chamber and the filter chamber. A pump impeller is housed in the pump chamber of the unit and a filter is housed in the filter chamber. The housing and the pump impeller include a plastic material which can withstand the corrosive action of the high temperature corrosive fluid. A pipe communicates the pump and filtration unit outlet port with the weir basket.

Abstract: A liquid purification arrangement comprising a housing having an ambient inlet and lineally extending exhaust passage between the housing wall and a drain pan, the housing having a liquid inlet and outlet for a liquid system disposed within the housing which system includes a pump to move the liquid in the system, a blower, an orificed, looped liquid circuit and filtering arrangement, a moveable frame support, a disinfection/rejuvenation receptacle, an ultra-violet and distillation microbial reduction arrangement, a heating and cooling storage arrangement with a collapsible-expansible storage bag and switch arrangement therefor, and a check and alternating valve arrangement.

Abstract: Engine lubricating oil is removed from the engine sump, passed through a strainer and pumped at superatmospheric pressure through a heater to raise the temperature to 150.degree.-180.degree. F., a portion of the heated pressurized oil is passed through a filter and to the oil sending unit of the engine while the remainder of the heated pressurized oil is refined by filtering to remove particles above 5 microns and to vaporize and remove vaporizable contaminants; the refined oil being returned at atmospheric pressure by gravity to the engine sump.

Abstract: A high pressure liquid chromatography jacket includes a rectangular, fluid-tight enclosure which has a removable cover on which a pair of tubing seal fittings are mounted. The fittings form a fluid-tight seal around the inlet and discharge tubes of a chromatographic column which is mounted in the enclosure. The enclosure is connected to a source of temperature controlled fluid which circulates through the enclosure and controls the temperature of the chromatographic column.In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a valve is provided which allows sample materials being loaded to enter a sample storage loop, which is exposed to the temperature controlled fluid. The sample, whose temperature has been controlled by the temperature controlled fluid, is then injected into a chromatographic column under high pressure.

Abstract: A method for more selectively removing macromolecules from a plasma solution, whereby plasma containing the macromolecules to be removed is provided and heated to a temperature near or above normal body temperature but below the boiling point of the plasma solution. The heated plasma solution is filtered while at a temperature near or above normal body temperature but below its boiling point with a membrane filter to remove selectively macromolecules from the plasma solution. An apparatus for accomplishing the foregoing is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for converting a bottled water dispenser for use with a continuous source of water are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, means for reducing the pressure and filtering the continuous source of water are provided. In a most preferred embodiment, the apparatus is configured to substantially reside within the existing dispenser apparatus, thus eliminating the need for bottled water. A housing is provided which contains a filter in an upper portion thereof, the lower portion shaped to conform to an existing tank within the bottled water dispenser in order to provide good thermal communication between the apparatus of the present invention and the existing refrigeration means. Chilled water is retained in the lower portion of the housing and is filtered upon demand, thus providing freshly filtered water to the user at a pressure and velocity substantially the same as that produced using a bottled source, without the contaminants expense and inconvenience associated with bottled water.

Abstract: Magnetic attracting means, especially a permanent magnet, is disposed in a high pressure feed water heater drain pipe line or air separator water tank of feed water and condensed water systems in a thermoelectric power plant. By adoption of this arrangement, iron oxides contained in water in the feed water and condensed water systems can effectively be attracted and removed by this magnetic attracting means.

Abstract: A fuel heating type fuel filter device having a fuel filter assembly and a fuel heating device connected to the fuel filter assembly. A fuel filter element is housed in the fuel filter assembly. The fuel heating device includes a housing having a fuel passage which is connected to the fuel filter assembly. A heater is disposed in the fuel passage to heat the fuel and liquify a solidified wax component contained in the fuel. A wax sensor is provided in the housing to sense the amount of solidified wax contained in the fuel. A switch is housed in the housing and turned ON to supply an electric power to the heater when the amount of solidified wax is more than a predetermined value.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a reaction apparatus having an externalized heat exchange mechanism by which heat may be added to or withdrawn from a reactant mixture. In one aspect, the present invention includes a cased well which extends approximately 5000 feet vertically into the earth in which at least one reaction vessel is suspended from a support plate at substantially ground level surface. The reaction vessel comprises an outer closed-end tube in which an inner open-end tube is disposed in a concentric manner to define an annulus which is in flow communication with the bore of the inner tube. Substantially parallel to the reaction vessel and also suspended from the ground level support plate, is a conduit which extends into the chamber defined by the well-casing.

Abstract: A process for continuous or batchwise melting of silicon powder in particular, powder having a large amount of fines, and a melting crucible for carrying out this process are specified. The melting crucible is designed so that a melt pool having a certain minimum height and which is covered by unmelted silicon powder is provided. Thus, added material first comes into contact with silicon powder which is already present and only gradually reaches the melting zone. The amount of melt produced which exceeds the minimum height of the melt pool flows out of the melting crucible. The minimum height is maintained in the process by using a crucible which has a siphon-like outlet in the base.

Abstract: The ultra-filtration in a hemodialysis operation is controlled by a control apparatus which is connected to a balancing device (1) and to a dosing device (9) to form a closed loop control circuit for the metered supply of dialysis concentrate into the balancing device and for the metered supply of fresh dialysis solution into the dialyzer. The closed loop control circuit controls the alternating supply of fresh dialysis solution into one chamber of a balancing device and the withdrawal of used-up dialysis solution from the other chamber of the balancing device. The closed loop control circuit also controls a pump for the metered withdrawal of used-up dialysis solution out of the dialysis circulatory system. The dosing device operates as a proportionality device to produce fresh dialysis solution from water and dialysis concentrate whereby the concentrate is dosed and the dialysis solution is also dosed or metered.

Abstract: A unit for cleaning and reclaiming contaminated coolant, including a unitary tank structure having a first storage compartment for contaminated coolant and a second storage compartment for clean coolant. A drag-type conveyor extends along the bottom of the first compartment for removing coarse contaminants in the form of a sludge. A pump supplies partially cleaned coolant from the first compartment to a filter unit disposed above the second compartment. The filter unit employs a movable conveyor belt having a filter paper extending over the belt for movement therewith. The coolant from the first tank is discharged onto the filter paper so that contaminants collect thereon and move with the filter paper for external discharge. The cleaned coolant flows downwardly through the filter paper and collect in the second compartment.

Abstract: A device for treating aqueous solutions with magnetic lines of force includes a pipe through which the solution passes. An electromagnetic coil surrounds the pipe and a core consisting of endwise connected alternating short sections of magnetic and non-magnetic material is disposed coaxially with and spaced from the pipe. Located between the pipe and the core is a helical baffle. A housing is spaced from and surrounds the coil. Air circulation vents are located at the upper and lower ends of the housing. Annular cooling fins extend outwardly through the coil with their outer peripheries terminating in the gap between the coil and the housing. A plurality of apertures are formed in the exposed outer portions of each cooling fin with the apertures of one fin being staggered relative to the apertures of the adjacent fins.

Abstract: A sorption/desorption gas analysis apparatus includes a sorption/desorption bed having a thin layer of sorption material fixed to an outside surface of a first and a second adjacent tapered bed element arranged in a mutually mating configuration. The bed elements are further arranged to be selectively moved with respect to each other to produce a first flow volume therebetween past the sorptive material during a sorption mode of operation and a second substantially smaller flow volume past the sorptive material during a desorption mode of operation. The sorption/desorption bed is used in the gas analysis apparatus by first exposing the sorption bed to an impinging flow of a sample gas containing the constituent of interest which is sorbed by the sorptive material in the sorption mode of operation.

Abstract: In a method for reprocessing aqueous, oily and greasy cleaning solutions by separating oil and grease out of the solution in an oil separator, a mixture of oil, grease and cleaning solution separated in the oil separator is subjected to vaporization for the purpose of thickening it, the hot water vapor thereby resulting is used to heat the oil separator and the condensed water resulting from the vapor is fed back to the cleaning solution for its regeneration. An apparatus for performing this method is characterized in that the oil separator is enclosed by an outer casing, in the bottom region of which the separated cleaning solution containing oil and grease is collected and vaporized, the hot vapor thereby resulting being utilized to heat the cleaning fluid in the oil separator. A condensate collecting tray is provided between the bottom region of the outer casing and a bottom wall of the oil separator and condensed water flows from this tray back into the cleaning solution.

Abstract: A baffle divides a housing into first and second compartments. The first compartment includes a chromatography oven having a fan for circulating heated air over the columns while the oven is closed and for sucking ambient temperature cooling air in the first compartment into the oven while the oven is open. Ambient air is sucked into a tortuous path in the first compartment. Cooling air from the second compartment flows into the first compartment via openings in the baffle. The cooling air flows over the oven exterior and is at least partially sucked into the oven by an oven fan while the oven is open. The oven heater, coaxial with the blades, is located between an oven wall and blades. A ring baffle, having approximately the same diameter as and coaxial with the blades, is located between the wall and the blades. A fan outside of the oven sucks air from the oven through an outlet while the oven is open.

Abstract: Continuously flowing water contaminated with organic and inorganic materials is treated by being fed to the top of a downdraft column (25) of a hydraulic column reactor (10) and conducted to the bottom thereof to a reaction chamber (18). The pressure and temperature conditions in the reaction chamber (18) are maintained at approximately the necessary pressure and temperature to create supercritical water conditions to thereby treat the water and its lower specific gravity. The treated water can then be separated in the reaction chamber (18) into a particulate and precipitate enriched portion and a particulate and precipitate depleted portion, which portions are conducted upwardly in separate updraft columns (29, 30) and continuously removed therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use with a dry cleaning system having a filter for filtering the dirty solvent comprises a first pressure vessel (28) for vaporizing the filtered solvent and a second pressure vessel (58) for condensing the vapors into purified liquid solvent for collection and reuse. The upper end of the second pressure vessel (58) is upset to provide an annular chamber about the upper end of the condenser coil (76) which extends in closely spaced apart relationship into the reduced lower end of the second pressure vessel, so that clogging is avoided and better contact with the condenser coil and thus more complete condensation is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus 10 includes a valve arrangement (104, 106, 108 and 118) by which the filter can be backflushed with hot fluid, such as steam in order to recover solvent from the saturated filter and render it safe for ordinary disposal.

Abstract: An improved vapor degreaser apparatus includes means for selectively disposing a desiccator assembly within a conventional water separator for drying and removing excess water from a solvent.

Abstract: A device for destroying bacteria which accumulates in drainage pipes and the like. Previously, no device has been provided which will destroy bacteria which accumulates in drainage pipes.This invention provides a housing (5,58) provided in the S-bend of a drainage pipe and includes a heating element (32,34,68) which causes water and bacteria which gathers in the housing (5,58) to boil to destroy bacteria. Heat is also transferred to the drainage pipe to destroy any bacteria which gathers on the side of the pipe.The invention may also include a timer (80) to supply power to the heating means (32,34,68) for a desired amount of time and also may include an automatic actuator (62) which causes the timer (80) to supply power to the heating means (32,34,68) when water and/or contaminated matter passes down the drainage pipe.

Abstract: A fuel filter system including a transparent sediment bowl which is protected from thermal shock by means of a flame deflector mounted on and surrounding the lower portion of the sediment bowl. The flame deflector is made of stainless steel and has a wall thickness between ten thousandths and fifteen thousandths of an inch with a stiffening flange about its upper edge. The sediment bowl is preferably made of chemical resistant plastic transparent to visible light providing mechanical shock resistance with the flame deflector providing thermal shock resistance.

Abstract: Apparatus for the transfer of substances between two fluids with the simultaneous tempering of at least one of the fluids. The apparatus includes at least one heat permeable membrane having first and second opposing surfaces for the transfer of heat therethrough. First and second fluid conducting means are provided for conducting a first and second fluid, respectively. Transfer means are provided for transferring substances between the first and second fluids. The second fluid conducting means conducts the second fluid along the first surface of the heat permeable membrane and third fluid conducting means are providing for conducting a third fluid along the second surface of the heat permeable membrane for tempering the second fluid. According to the preferred embodiment, the transfer means may comprise either means for directly mixing the first fluid into the second fluid or may comprise a semipermeable membrane for diffusing substances therethrough between the first and second fluids.

Abstract: A method for separating components of a substance, for example, a fatty acid ester such as palm oil, by dissolving the substance in a solvent. The resultant solution is circulated and cooled in a circuit with crystals being formed in the solution as the temperature is lowered. The crystals are continuously separated from the circulating solution during the crystal separation phase of the process. The crystals are then preferably washed and recovered. Preferably there is a second crystallization phase in the process. The invention includes the apparatus used to carry out the process and, particularly, novel fractionating columns and filter surfaces within said columns used in the preferred embodiments of the process.

Abstract: An aerator for bodies of water having a housing with a concave top wall, an annular buoyant core and a plurality of aerator pumps which draw water from beneath the core and spray the water in vertically spaced sheets onto the top wall of the housing. A telescoping tube extends from the central opening of the top wall down through the core and down near the bottom of the lake. An impeller is provided in the telescoping tube for driving the water down through the tube and out through the outlet opening thereof. A heater is provided below the top wall and on the outside edges of the aerator pump to prevent ice formation thereon. A screened enclosure is provided beneath the buoyant core through which filtered water can be drawn by the aerator pump. A plurality of legs are adjustably secured to the housing for supporting the housing on the bottom of the lake bed.

Abstract: A device for recovering cleaning elements, such as form-rubber balls or other particles, from a heat-exchanger stream traversing a tube-bundle heat exchanger comprises a vertically oriented cylindrical housing or duct traversed axially by the main stream of heat-exchanger fluid and at least one separating sieve built into the housing for intercepting particles entrained in the stream and recovering them therefrom. The separating sieve is inclined to the axis of the housing and has, at least partially, an ellipsoidal boundary where it meets the inner wall of the housing. At the lower part of the sieve a collecting tube is provided, along the ellipsoidal boundary, and is formed with a laterally open longitudinally extending slit constituted a mouth through which the particles pass into this tube. A fitting at the low point of the tube conducts the collected particles from the collecting tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering oil spills on water comprising surrounding an oil spill with booms attached to a recovery vessel having sluice gate openings in its bow and then moving the vessel into the oil spill while applying pumping suction action at the openings to draw the oil into the vessel. The oil and any water entering the vessel with the oil is directed along a horizontally disposed and heated conduit where the oil is allowed to seek its natural level above the water. Baffle means are provided along the conduit to entrap the oil above the water from whence the oil is drawn off to a storage and settling tank. A U bend is formed in the conduit to recover any remaining oil in the system before the water is discharged from the vessel.

Abstract: A system to be incorporated in new or in existing buildings where the waste lines of lavatory sinks, showers and clothes washing machines are connected to a storage reservoir for accumulation of water therein. This accumulated water is filtered and treated and thereafter used for the operation of water closets of toilets, the storage reservoir providing for the gravitational separation of solids from the water which are periodically flushed from the reservoir into the sewer. The pumping action which delivers the accumulated water to the water closets of toilets may be hydraulically operated by a portion of the water drained to the storage reservoir.

Abstract: A continuous sludge heat treatment apparatus in sewage disposal system having an axially porous member within a vertical vessel and radial apertures in the side wall of vessel below the axially porous member, so as to have almost all part of sludge exposed to, and thus heated directly with, steam supplied through the radial apertures while the sludge fed into the head of vessel falls down in the form of thin strings through the axial pores and hits the tail of vessel.

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: A method of decomposing pyrogenic molecules in contaminated water which is disposed within a closed water container to produce, with surprising low energy requirements, pyrogen-free water.The method comprises placing water which is suspected to contain pyrogenic material (herein called "contaminated") into a sealable pressurizable container, sealing said container, heating said sealed container to a temperature of from about 180.degree. to about 230.degree. C, preferably about 200.degree. C, to create within the container a pressure sufficient, i.e., from about 15 to about 36 atmospheres, to prevent the formation of steam in said container while destroying all pyrogens in the container. After attaining the desired temperature for a brief period, that is, about 1-10 minutes, the heat is removed and the sealed container is cooled to room temperature in any suitable fashion and the water therein is ready for use or storage within the container, as the exigencies of circumstances dictate.

Abstract: A grease removing device for removing liquid grease from solutions such as soups and broths and a method for using the device are disclosed. The grease removing device includes a flat plate having a multiplicity of projections on its undersurface. A container for holding coolant and a handle are also provided. In operation, the plate is cooled to a temperature lower than the freezing point of the grease; the undersurface of the plate is then brought into contact with the floating grease; and the plate with the attached solidified grease is then removed from the solution.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for rinsing an object which has been removed from a chromium plating bath, and which has a source of chromium-containing anions thereon, while preventing the delivery of these anions to the environment. In carrying out the invention, chromium-containing anions are removed from the rinse water by an anion-exchange resin. The resin is periodically regenerated by backwashing it, delivering a dilute alkali metal hydroxide solution to the resin, delivering a more concentrated solution of alkali metal hydroxide to the resin, and by rinsing the resin. Effluent from the backwashing and the initial portion of the regeneration procedure is retained and later delivered to the resin. Effluent which contains a higher concentration of chromate ions, displaced from the resin, is delivered to a concentrated chromate solution storage tank.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for disposing of aqueous sewage and for producing fresh water by coking the sewage in the liquid phase to form gases, coke and an effluent which is extracted with a hot liquid hydrocarbon to form a hydrocarbon-water solution and a hot concentrated brine. The hot brine is injected into the sewage sludge to heat same to coking temperature. Hot water is removed from the hydrocarbon-water solution, used for space heating or the like and thereby cooled. The cool water then is passed through a carbon absorber to remove traces of hydrocarbon dissolved therein, and chlorinated to give potable water.

Abstract: A system for treating waste waters including a pair of concentric tanks forming a space therebetween which serves as an aeration chamber. Untreated but screened waste water is discharged into the (annular) space and withdrawn therefrom by a pump which passes the liquid through an oxygenating device which induces air into the liquid. The liquid is then circulated through long tubing wound around the outside peripheral surface of the tank to obtain intimate contact between the gas, liquid and solids therein and to convert dissolved material into insoluble material by a conventional biochemical process. The liquid thus processed in the tubing is introduced into the central or inner tank where the treated solids rise to the surface for recycling in the system while the liquid effluent is filtered and discharged to a river or stream.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for dewatering slurry recovered from waste water, generated in the production and treatment of metals, are provided in which the flocculated slurry is first dewatered mechanically to provide a water output which is returned upstream for further treatment, and a sludge output containing about 25-32 percent by weight (w/o) solids and the remainder free liquid. The sludge is passed through a thermal drier and, after substantially all the free water has been removed, is disposed of as desired.