Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing impurities from a laundry wash effluent including the steps and means therefor of acidifying the solution, infusing a gas into the solution and coalescing the released contaminant droplets by means of baffle plates into droplets sufficient to achieve buoyancy with respect to the solution. The resulting top layer of buoyant droplets is skimmed from the solution and the remaining solution is adjusted to a neutral pH for discharge.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a partially miscible solvent from a contaminated water stream. The apparatus includes a fully enclosed containment vessel having an internal volume bounded by a plurality of walls which define the width, length and height of the internal volume. Devices for feeding the contaminated water, for discharging a solvent rich vapor stream, and for discharging a purified water stream are provided. A dam separates the internal volume into a phase separation zone and a falling film stripping zone with the dam located proximate one end of the internal volume. The dam includes a wall sealably disposed across the entire width of the internal volume and extended upward to a terminal location a distance from the bottom of the internal volume over a portion of the height of the internal volume. In use, the dam determines and maintains a maximum liquid level in the phase separation zone.

Abstract: A medical waste disposal apparatus for heating waste includes a hydrodynamic exhaust scrubber in which water is sprinkled in an atomized or spouted state into a circulation passage as the gaseous pyrolytic product and the steam flow through the passage, so that the product and the steam are dissolved in the water. The product and the steam are thus collected and removed.

Abstract: An apparatus removes water from a liquid mixture which has formed in a compressed gas system. The apparatus includes a gas compressor having an inlet port for receiving low pressure gas to be compressed and a discharge port through which a stream of compressed gas flows. An aftercooler is disposed in fluid communication with the discharge port for cooling the compressed gas stream. A vessel collects any entrained liquid water and lubricant from the compressed gas stream. The vessel has a sump portion and a vent to an atmosphere external to the compressed air system. A heat exchanger heats the liquid mixture within the vessel to a predetermined temperature to vaporize the water. The water vapor exits the vessel through the vent and the lubricant remains in the sump portion of the vessel. A valve permits the separated lubricant to be drained from the sump portion of the vessel to a location external to the compressed air system.

Abstract: The invention is a sewage treatment system with a filter apparatus enclosed within a housing. The filter operates to separate a liquid component from a solid component of the sewage. It does so by having the sewage drop onto a diffuser. The diffuser has a conical shape with its apex facing upward. The diffuser breaks up the sewage and forces the sewage to flow against the filter walls. The filter walls are liquid permeable which separates liquid from solid.The solid component then falls to the bottom of the filter walls which has as its base an incinerator plate. Hot air is then used to dry the sewage. The incinerator plate heats to a combustion temperature and burns the sewage. The ash resultant and the liquid component of the sewage is then removed from the chamber.

Abstract: A novel process and related apparatus for removing common contaminants from used motor oil. Propane, butane or a similar solvent is mixed with the contaminated oil to form a solution. This solution is agitated and then given time to settle thus allowing gravitational separation of asphaltic pollutants. The solution is then percolated through a columned filter to remove heavy metallic contaminants and the solvent recovered by heating the solution.

Abstract: Phase separation equipment for thermally separating an emulsion, in particular, a water-oil emulsion, includes a container for receiving the emulsion, a heater for heating the emulsion in the container, a discharge outlet from the top of the container for evacuating a vapor phase of the emulsion and a system for introducing air into the lower region of the container for forming a vapor cloud at the surface of the emulsion at a lower temperature than would be expected. The vapor cloud is discharged from the container, and the condensible portion of the vapor is condensed and separated from the vapor stream. The separated air or residual gas is then fed back into the air stream supplied to the bottom area of the container so that a closed loop air circulation system is provided. The system avoids discharge of air and noxious odors into the atmosphere while enhancing the separation of the lower boiling point vapor from the emulsion.

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: According to the process the sludge is homogenized and heated to 30.degree.-60.degree. C. temperature. The heated sludge is circulated under 2-4 bar overpressure, and its temperature is raised to about 130.degree.-150.degree. C. in 1-2 sec by conducting steam of 130.degree.-151.degree. C. and 2-4 bar pressure directly into the sludge, thus granulation is brought about in the sludge. The sludge of increased temperature--while its temperature and pressure maintained--is further circulated for about 60-300 sec. Then, the sludge is adiabatically expanded in 1-2 sec by reducing the pressure to about 0.01-0.02 bar. The expanded sludge is separated to water, fat containing water and solid impurity and wet solid phase containing protein.It is characteristic to the apparatus that it is provided with device for heating the sludge, and pipe (18) for passing on the heated sludge connected with the heating unit (5) where an expansion valve is built in.

Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning the interior of a boiler wherein the system includes a cleaning solution reservoir adapted for mounting within an appliance in which the boiler is housed, and a flow conduit circuit having eductor means operative to draw cleaning solution from the reservoir and pass it to the interior of the associated boiler when water under pressure is introduced into the eductor. The system finds particular application in descaling boilers employed in steam cooking ovens and the like wherein the boilers are relatively inaccessible.

Abstract: A device for precipitating polymers from a liquid by at least one precipitant fluid includes a feed line, a nozzle plate having at least one outlet orifice for a polymer containing fluid with the outlet orifice communicating with the feed line, at least one nozzle for at least one precipitant fluid, the axis of which is arranged approximately perpendicularly to the axis of the outlet orifice, a precipitation chamber positioned on the side of the nozzle plate wherein at least one nozzle for at least one precipitant fluid is located, a discharge line for discharging a mixture which contains the precipitated polymer and a degassing chamber which is connected to the discharge line.

Abstract: Small quantities of one or more liquids having a low boiling point dispersed with a large quantity of one or more immiscible liquids having a higher boiling point are separated in a rapid and efficient manner. A non-reactive gas (nitrogen, helium, air, or combinations thereof) 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 or preheated liquid-liquid mixture to be separated, and the liquid-gas blend is mixed, heated and distributed by an improved heat exchanger having thermal conductive gas tubing, metal wools and fins) and 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 with at least a heat pump means to a temperature above the boiling point of at least one liquid but below the pool liquid's own boiling point.

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: An apparatus controls treatment of water flowing through a boiler and includes a device that monitors the conductivity of the water. A controller opens a drain valve at periodic intervals, and closes the drain valve when the conductivity drops below a defined threshold. A mechanism measures the volume of water that flows into the boiler and a chemical is added to the water when a specified amount of water has flowed into the boiler. Alternatively the application of the chemical can occur at regular intervals of time. The chemical is applied for a user definable period of time. The application of the chemical is suspended when the cessation of water flow into the boiler is detected.

Abstract: A portable ozonization system having a tank mounted on a base housing a battery, pump and associated components. A photovoltaic battery charger is mounted on a surface of the tank. Water from the tank is periodically circulated from under the control of a low voltage DC timer by the pump through a venturi where it is subjected to DC generated ultraviolet radiation to treat virus, cysts, bacteria and organic material. Water is withdrawn from the tank for use through a filter to further enhance the water quality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the concentration of a first substance in a first liquid by: (a) subjecting the first liquid to natural osmosis, via a first semipermeable body, with respect to an intermediate liquid, which intermediate liquid is a solution or suspension of a second substance in a second liquid, the second liquid being the same as the first liquid and passing through the first semipermeable body, the second substance being of larger molecular size than the first substance and not passing through the first semipermeable body, whereby the quantity of the second liquid in the intermediate liquid is increased; and then (b) subjecting the intermediate liquid to reverse osmosis under pressure via a second semipermeable body to pass therethrough the second liquid.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for reducing sludges, especially those sludges containing heavy metals and generated in electroplating, to a solid state where the toxic constituents of the waste are prevented from leaching. The process involves mixing a metallic soap with the sludge and then using low-temperature induction heating to form coacervate bonds that encapsulate the toxic waste particles in a pumice-like matrix. The apparatus allows a small amount of metallic soap to be thoroughly mixed through sludge and a continuous ribbon of the resulting putty-like waste to be fed into a series of microwave drying ovens and evacuation chambers. After the drying and dewatering sequences, the apparatus extrudes a pumice-like solid suitable for disposal in accordance with EPA regulations.

Abstract: A method for rapid and efficient cleaning of an internal combustion engine cooling system includes forcing the coolant liquid from the cooling system to the exterior of that system, driving the coolant liquid from the cooling system to the exterior of that system, treating the coolant liquid in a zone or zones outside the cooling system, such treating including effecting precipitation of anions and cations, in the coolant liquid to produce contaminant particulate and removing contaminant particule from the coolant liquid, and returning the treated coolant liquid to the cooling system.

Abstract: Liquid separator including a liquid-liquid hydrocyclone (10) and a method for enhancing the operation of the liquid-liquid hydrocyclone in which the mixture to be separated is first passed through a mixing and/or residence vessel (90), such as a cross plate interceptor skimmer.

Abstract: An apparatus for combining a liquid chromatograph and a mass spectrometer is described. The liquid chromatograph elution solvent is removed and sample particles are carried to the mass spectrometer relatively free of solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for separating oil water and solids from emulsions. More particularly, the present invention provides a process and apparatus for continuously separating oil, water and solids from stable mixtures thereof, comprising heating the mixture to at least about 115.degree. C., rapidly cooling the mixture to below 100.degree. C., separating the solids from the liquids and separating the water from the oil. Preferably, the invention also includes the step of adding a flocculant prior to cooling the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to improvements in processes and apparatus for effecting solvent extractions using liquefied gas or gases in the supercritical state as the solvents and specifically to continuous processes for carrying out such extractions at high pressures. Further, the present invention relates to an apparatus which is a long vertical cylinder of relatively small diameter, wherein the solvent gas and the material to be extracted are continuously circulated through the long vertical reactor.

Abstract: A sludge processing apparatus is provided that includes a processing tank, in which sludge flowing in through a sluge inflow pipe is deposited and processed, a submersible pump disposed in the center of bottom of the processing tank to take in the sludge laid on the bottom of the tank and spout it upward to a liquid surface, a circulation guide plate for circulating the sludge spouted by the submersible pump through the whole tank, a chemical feeder for feeding to the processing tank a selected chemical for promoting activity of anaerobic bacteria carrying out anaerobic digestion, a hot water pipe disposed in the vicinity of the bottom of the processing tank, a heating-and-circulating device for heating a heating medium and circulating it through the hot water pipe, temperature control means for controlling a temperature of sludge in the processing tank to be required value, and a drain pump for pumping supernatant water left after processing of the sludge out of the tank through a drain pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling injection of a chemical liquid in which the chemical liquid is basically injected into a boiler (1) filled with can water by actuating a chemical liquid supplying means (5) for a basic injection period (T2). After the basic injection period (T2) has passed, an accumulative operating period (T3) of water supplying means (4) is measured. During a period for which the accumulative operating period (T3) is smaller than the basic injection period (T2), the supply of chemical liquid is inhibited. When the accumulative operating period (T3) becomes greater than the basic injection period (T2), the chemical liquid is injected at a constant ratio to an amount of water supplied.

Abstract: A solution of water soluble conveyor lubricant is continuously recovered from a moving conveyor through a suction bar. The lubricant is treated to reduce suspended solids, heat sterilized, the pH adjusted, and a bactericide is added. The solution is then recycled at least once to obtain about a 50%-90% recovery, and then is discharged. The process saves a significant amount of water, in addition to lubricant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting accelerated chemical reactions at elevated temperatures and pressures including wet oxidation of materials in waste streams. An influent waste stream or first reactant is directed through a long tubular coil within a containment vessel with a second reactant being added to the influent. The flow rates for the gas and liquid components of the waste stream are set to cause plug or slug flow of the waste stream through the tubular coil. The curvature of the coil tends to induce a secondary flow in the liquid such that the liquid tends to travel in a spiral thereby providing more intimate mixing of the reactants; and the containment vessel may be partitioned to form a series of successive compartments to permit different temperature gradients to be applied to successive sections of the tubing coil across its length.

Abstract: A bath water heater and circulator-purifier apparatus that removes microorganisms and other organic substances found in bath water and maintains the temperature of water at a given level without changing water.An apparatus according to the present invention comprises a removable filter for filtering bath water pumped up from a bath tub, a heater for heating the pumped up water, a temperature sensor for controlling the heater, an ejector for ejecting the filter and heated water into the bath tub with air bubbles having a cleansing and skin-stimulating effect and a container for adding to the bath water a water purifying agent having an effect of separating and agglomerating organic substances as well as an effect of sterilizing and deodorizing bath water and suppressing generation of steam.

Abstract: The invention is a system for removing volatile hydrocarbon contaminates from both water and moisture-ladened air. In detail the invention comprises a steam stripping system for mixing the contaminated water with steam, at below atmospheric pressure, providing clean water for reuse and contaminated steam and vaporized hydrocarbon contaminates. A first condenser receives the contaminated steam and vaporized hydrocarbon contaminates and condenses, at below atmospheric pressure, a portion of the vaporized contaminates and a portion of the contaminated steam into contaminate water. A second condenser thereafter further condenses the steam and hydrocarbon vapor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel aqueous-phase oxidizer and solids separator reactor. More particularly, the invention relates to a two zone pressure vessel in which precipitates and other solids fall or are sprayed from a supercritical temperature super zone into a lower temperature sub zone. The feed material may consist of various waste products which are subsequently oxidized in the super zone of the pressure vessel. The resultant brine or slurry which is found at the lower temperature sub zone of the vessel is removed via a pipe and disposed of accordingly.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating solid substances from liquid mixtures of substances, wherein the liquid substances contained in the mixture are separated from the solid substances by countercurrent extraction with a solvent which, during the extraction process, is in a liquid or supercritical state and which, under standard conditions, is gaseous. The solvent is fed to a cylindrical extraction chamber at the lowest point of the extraction chamber. The solvent leaves the nozzles with a Reynold's number of 40,000 and flows upward in the extraction chamber with a Reynold's number of 2,700 to 8,000.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the oxidation of an aqueous suspension of organic matter at elevated temperature and pressure is disclosed. The organic matter is oxidized in a reactor having a reaction zone consisting of static mixer vane arrangement. The oxidized matter and oxygen-containing gas are circulated through the static mixer to promote the oxidation of the organic matter in reducing COD to the desired level.

Abstract: A drinking water purifying apparatus for purifying water from a water service comprises an ozone generating means for producing ozonized gas, an ozone reaction means for reacting the ozonized gas from the ozone generating means with the water from a water service, and a treating means for treating the water obtained by reaction to the ozonized gas in the ozone reaction means, whereby drinking water being free from organic compounds and smelling substances and having good taste can be obtained.

Abstract: The heat exchanger, which forms a part of the fluid treatment apparatus of this invention, includes an insulated tubular having concentric telescopically nested spaced tubes, wherein the space between the tubes is sealed and filled with an inert gas. The surfaces of the tubes are coated with a hydrogen permeation barrier preferably comprising an aluminum-iron alloy, nickel or copper which limits atomic hydrogen permeation into the space between the tubes, which would combine to form hydrogen gas and result in heat loss. The insulated tubular is telescopically nested in a pipe, forming a fluid heat exchanger and the heat exchanger is telescopically nested in fluid waste circulation pipes, forming the fluid treatment apparatus of this invention. The preferred fluid heat exchanger is a vertically extending deep well reactor suitable for wet oxidation reaction of fluid wastes including municipal sludge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting accelerated chemical reactions at elevated temperatures and pressures including wet oxidation of materials in waste streams. An influent waste stream or first reactant is directed through a long tubular coil within a containment vessel with a second reactant being added to the influent. The waste stream includes gas and liquid components. The flow rates for the reactants of the waste stream are set to cause plug or slug flow of the waste stream through the tubular coil. The curvature of the coil tends to induce a secondary flow in the liquid component such that the liquid component tends to travel in a spiral thereby providing more intimate mixing of the reactants. The containment vessel may be partitioned to form a series of successive compartments to permit different temperature gradients to be applied to successive sections of the tubing coil across its length.

Abstract: An apparatus for chlorinating swimming bath water, includes an electrochemical cell (2) with an anolyte chamber (25) and a catholyte chamber (22), which are separated by an ion-selective diaphragm (290), a metering device (7) for supplying consumption hydrochloric acid to the cell (2), a chlorine gas outlet from the upper space (26) of the anolyte chamber (25), a chlorine gas pipe (29) for transferring chlorine gas from the cell (2), to a circulation pipe (15) for the bath water, an ejector (10) connecting the chlorine gas pipe (29) to the bath water pipe (15). The ejector (10) is adapted to generate a pressure in the chlorine gas pipe (29) which is lower than atmospheric pressure, and a gas flow in the gas pipe (29) which is greater than the greatest chlorine gas production flow of the cell (2). An atmospheric air pipe (35,45) communicates with the chlorine gas pipe (29). A liquid trap device (3) is arranged in the air pipe.

Abstract: The invention concerns a heating arrangement for ambient air introduced into a biological filter intended for the treatment of waste waters. The arrangement comprises intake openings for outside air, a member for heating the outside air, a blower, for blowing the heated air through the filter material layer, as well as air exhaust openings. According to the invention, the said heating member comprises a heat exchanger fitted as operative between the intake openings and the blower, the warmer side of the said heat exchanger being in contact with the waste water flowing in the filter, whereby the outdoor air is heated by the effect of the quantity of heat transferred from the waste water. The heat exchanger preferably consists of a hose made of aluminium, which hose interconnects the intake openings and the blower and which is fitted so that it is at least partly immersed in the waste water flowing in the filter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device comprising an ozonizer (1) in the first region (1') of which container (1) ozone is formed which is dispersed into fluid by a gas feed organ (3). The thusly formed two-phase mixture flows through a second region (1") of the ozonizer (1) to a phase separating element (13). Through the arrangement and disposition of the gas feed organ (3) on the fluid entry side, the second region (1") forms and defines a flow region for the two-phase mixture resulting in the greatest possible ozone feed into the fluid. Such devices have especial application for the sterilization of drinking and bath water.

Abstract: The heat exchanger, which forms a part of the fluid treatment apparatus of this invention, includes an insulated tubular having concentric telescopically nested spaced tubes, wherein the space between the tubes is sealed and filled with an inert gas. The surfaces of the tubes are coated with a hydrogen permeation barrier preferably comprising an aluminum-iron alloy, nickel or copper which limits atomic hydrogen permeation into the space between the tubes, which would combine to form hydrogen gas and result in heat loss. The insulated tubular is telescopically nested in a pipe, forming a fluid heat exchanger and the heat exchanger is telescopically nested in fluid waste circulation pipes, forming the fluid treatment apparatus of this invention. The preferred fluid heat exchanger is a vertically extending deep well reactor suitable for wet oxidation reaction of fluid wastes including municipal sludge.

Abstract: A high rate reactor for the treatment of biosludge has been designed which combines the processes of landfarming, sand bed dewatering, and forced aeration composting. The reactor is essentially a sand bed overlying a drainage system housed in an inflatable, pressurized building.The high rate reactor can effectively treat biosludge through dewatering and biodegradation. Volume reduction, stabilization, and solidification are achieved at improved rates over conventional practices. The reactor operates independent of climate and is a closed system minimizing environmental monitoring.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel apparatus and process for the complete dewatering of sludge containing hazardous and toxic materials, the stabilization of pathogens and microorganisms contained in the sludge and the disintegration and volume reduction of the resultant solids including a blending chamber for the blending of sludge and a predetermined amount of electrolyte, the partial dewatering of the sludge and electrolyte in a filter unit, the adjustment of the resultant filter cake to a desired thickness and the measurement of the conductivity of the filter cake and the transporting of the filter cake to a disintegration chamber where the filter cake is introduced to an automatically-adjustable source of electrical energy reducing the filter cake to particulate solids and where the filter cake conductivity measurements are communicated to the blending station and the source of electrical energy for the automatic adjustment of same.

Abstract: Device useful as a heat exchanger for blood or as an apparatus in which blood may be treated or reacted with selected reactants. Device comprises hollow tubing which has spacing means on its outer surface, said spacing means being in the form of continuous or discontinuous projections or ridges of material. Hollow tubing having such spacing means is also included.

Abstract: A water purification system which includes a source of water under pressure, a source of ozone, and means for continuously injecting measured quantities of ozone into the water being purified. The injector means is preferably a venturi which is interposed along the water supply line, and the ozone source is an ozone generator which is disposed in close proximity to the venturi injector. In order to reduce the decomposition of ozone between the generator and the injector site, cooling means are provided for maintaining the ozone at a temperature preferably below about 60.degree. F.

Abstract: Ozone drinking water purification apparatus having a drinking water supply tank, a drinking water circulation line connected to the latter, and an ozone feed line connected to an ozone generator and leading into the circulation line, the apparatus being in the form of a completely pre-manufactured household appliance, having a connection for a raw water source, and being provided with a refrigeration machine associated with the supply tank and intended for the cooling of the drinking water (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing biofouling caused by deposition and propagation of shellfish and algae in a cooling water system using sea water or river water for example, in a power plant, by periodically feeding ozone at high concentration to the system. An ozonizer is combined with an ozone-adsorbing and desorbing device so as to store ozone by adsorbing of an adsorbent and for a long time at lower temperature and desorbing ozone by periodically sucking at higher temperature if desired, by a water ejector.

Abstract: Liquid is caused to circulate in a shallow tank which has an operational depth less than half the effective maximum distance across the tank. One wall 17 defines with another wall a corner 18 and a bubble curtain 19 is provided along the wall 17 adjacent the corner 18 which imparts to the liquid in the tank an upward vertical component of movement which is asymmetrical along the wall 17, causing greater vertical movement of liquid at said corner than at the other end of the wall. Liquid rising up the wall 17 moving away therefrom by reaction therewith will circulate with a horizontal component due to the asymmetrical arrangement of the bubble curtain. The invention can be applied to the separation of materials of different densities e.g. the separation of suspended solids or emulsified oils from waste water.

Abstract: A device for depolluting a water sheet comprising a hull having a central portion protruding with respect to two side portion which delimit with the central portion delivery pipes to separators. The central portion has a wing for generating swirls of which the orientation reduces the divergence of the surface flow. Each pipe has a floor with a drifting profile with a protruding leading edge for slowing down the flow and for thickening the polluting layer. A vertical partitioning wall separates each pipe into two subchannels of which one communicates downstream with the separator and the other one open, at the rear portion of the device, into a pump.

Abstract: A washing column for the continuous separation between a solid chemical fed in a liquid multi-component system, on the one hand, and the mother liquor in which the solid chemical is suspended, on the other. In a cylindrical working space a stationary, straight, plane washing front is maintained in a packed bed of the solid chemical substance between the mother liquor, on the one hand, and a melt of the solid chemical, on the other. According to the invention, the washing column is double-walled to form an enveloping space, which contains a heat insulating medium and can be pressurized to conform to the pressure within the column. This construction permits the use of a relatively thin, glass inner wall of uniform wall thickness and inner surface. This renders the column resistant to corrosive chemicals, reduces the effect of heat exchange with the surroundings, and prevents instabilities in the washing front.

Abstract: An activated carbon adsorption column for the treatment of waste water is continuously sterilized and/or regenerated in pulsed batches of carbon amounting to 5 to 25 percent of the working column quantity transferred, alternately, from the influent face of the column to one of two, off-stream blow case vessels for steam processing and returned to the effluent face of the working column upon the next programmed pulsing interim.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a biological sewage purification plant wherein the water to be treated is aerated in a tank containing bacteria by means of a rotating impeller or the like, characterized in that a heating medium, preferably steam, is fed onto the surface of the water to maintain it at the optimum temperature for facilitating decomposition by bacteria without excessive heating and resultant destruction of the bacteria.

Abstract: A system and apparatus therefor for the removal and destruction of harmful toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from a fluid, such as electrical transformer oil. The contaminated fluid is pumped through heating equipment to raise its temperature to a predetermined level prior to it being fed into a mixing chamber. An injector mechanism feeds a predetermined quantity of a reagent, such as an elemental sodium dispersion, into the mixing chamber where a power-driven impeller thoroughly mixes the two fluids. This mixture is fed into a reaction zone, preferably consisting of a plurality of closely nested back-and-forth tubes of a predetermined length and cross-sectional area wherein a chemical reaction occurs between the PCB-fluid and reagent forming harmless by-products which are insoluable in the now decontaminated fluid. The solid by-products are removed in a separator, such as a filtering medium or centrifuge, and any gases and water vapor are removed in a deep vacuum degasser.