Abstract: A first contaminant selected from oxygen and carbon monoxide is removed from impure liquid carbon dioxide using a mass transfer separation column system which is reboiled by indirect heat exchange against crude carbon dioxide fluid, the impure liquid carbon dioxide having a greater concentration of carbon dioxide than the crude carbon dioxide fluid. The invention has particular application in the recovery of carbon dioxide from flue gas generated in an oxyfuel combustion process or waste gas from a hydrogen PSA process. Advantages include reducing the level of the first contaminant to not more than 1000 ppm.

Abstract: A water purification device including a water inlet that receives water generated by a condenser. The water purification device has a water heating apparatus that receives water from the water inlet. The water heating device has a thermal energy source that can pasteurize or flash pasteurize the water by heating the water to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined length of time. The water heating device expels the water at the end of the predetermined length of time.

Abstract: Hot water pipes, in areas with hard water, tend to fill with scale until they no longer pass enough water. De-scaling water pipes with acid is dangerous, expensive and damages the pipes. Ion exchange and reverse osmosis water softeners eliminate scale buildup in pipes, but are expensive. This invention is a means of keeping the scale precipitate, created when water is heated, inside the water heater by passing the hot water through a removal medium where the scale sticks to the surface. The removal medium can be placed inside the water heater or in a separate tank connected to the water heater; both configurations remove the precipitate from hot water; both save hot water pipes from scale accumulation.

Abstract: A vacuum transport system suited to moving FOG-laden water. The system includes a first reservoir and at least one vacuum pump in fluid communication with the first reservoir and operable to produce a vacuum within the first reservoir. A first accumulator is positioned to collect FOG-laden water from a first FOG-laden water source. A first valve is operable to selectively provide fluid communication between the first accumulator and the first reservoir. FOG-laden water can be drained from the first reservoir into a grease interceptor disposed in the building exterior.

Abstract: A method and system for providing Water for Injection using reverse osmosis. Water for Injection can be produced by reverse osmosis and the reverse osmosis membrane can be kept in a constantly self-sanitizing condition. One way of obtaining a constantly self-sanitizing condition is to maintain the reverse osmosis membrane at an elevated temperature during production of Water for Injection.

Abstract: A drainless reverse osmosis (RO) water purification system provides relatively pure water for on-demand dispensing, while recycling brine to a domestic hot water system. The drainless purification system includes a pre-filter catalyst cartridge for removing chlorine-based contaminants from a tap water supply upstream from an RO membrane. The catalyst is regularly refreshed by a high through-flow of water to a conventional cold water dispense faucet, thereby significantly prolonging the service life of the RO membrane. The RO membrane is incorporated into a multi-cartridge unit adapted for facilitated slide-out removal and replacement as needed. A control valve recycles brine from the RO membrane to the hot water system during pure water production, and recirculates tap water through the RO membrane when a pure water reservoir is substantially filled. The multi-cartridge unit may further include an air filtration system for providing a flow of filtered air.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus having a vessel and a filter made from fluororesin and treated before filtering operation by at least one of adding thermal treatment in gas or liquid and penetrating with fluid composed of hot water or steam at a temperature of less than melting point of the fluororesin.

Abstract: A method of and system for purifying fluid of an internal combustion engine or hydraulic system utilizes an evaporation chamber separate from a filtering chamber. A metering valve may be oriented between the filtering chamber and the evaporation chamber to control the flow of fluid to the evaporation chamber.

Abstract: A filter device includes at least one filter unit (10), connectable to a hydraulic circuit (14), with at least one supply line (16), one discharge line (18), and at least one cooling unit (22). The cooling unit is connected to a secondary branch line (20), is connected to the hydraulic unit (14) parallel to the supply line (16), and is supplied with a hydraulic medium by a switching device (24) once a predetermined temperature threshold value of the hydraulic medium to be cooled is attained. A permanent supply (36) for the cooling unit (22) is provided in the direction of flow of the hydraulic medium in the supply line (18) before the switching device (24). This permanent supply (36), connected in parallel to the switching device (24), flows into the secondary branch line (20) to control the volume flow in reverse flow according to the fluid temperature.

Abstract: A method for use in two-components electrostatic image developers is disclosed, in which secure separation of a carrier coating resinous materials from a core magnetic material is achieved without affecting the properties of the core materials through process steps benign to the environment in super- or sub-critical water compositions under the conditions of a temperature of 300° C. or more and a pressure of 20 MPa. The core magnetic material is subsequently recycled for forming carrier. This method may also be useful for processing waste including magnetic materials with silicone resin coating.

Abstract: A multifunctional filtering device for an aquarium mainly includes a filter box for being suspended at an aquarium. The filter box includes a pump motor for producing mixture of water and air and a vortex flow generator disposed at the center of the inner side of the bottom thereof and in communication with a water outlet disposed at the pump motor. A bubble collector is disposed at the top of the vortex flow generator. The filter box may be suspended inside or outside the aquarium. The filter box includes a water input pipe unit and a water output pipe unit which may be differently configured in accordance with the suspension position of the filter box. The water output pipe unit may be further disposed with a heating rod or ultraviolet sterilization lamp for heating or sterilizing breeding water in the aquarium.

Abstract: The invention discloses a multifunctional water supply tank with pressure-stabilized water storage and quality-distinguished supply of service and potable water, which includes a service water storage room with a water inlet and a water outlet, a potable water storage room communicated with the service water storage room and containing purifying agents, a potable water outlet, and a water outlet communicated with a solar water heater, the present invention solves the problems of insufficient water pressure of tap water pipe network and the secondary water contamination during water supply by the pipe network, meanwhile it heats and preserves the temperature of the water supply tank cover and the water supply pipe walls, and separates pure water from service water, solar heated water, and purified potable water for separate metering and utilization.

Abstract: A cooling system for a fuel cell system is provided with a circulation system including a circulation pump for circulating coolant, the coolant essentially consisting of water and glycol, a fuel cell connected to the circulation system so as to be cooled by the coolant, a heat exchanger connected to the circulation system so as to radiate heat from the coolant and a filter connected to the circulation system and configured to remove oxidation reaction product of the glycol from the coolant.

Abstract: A fluid filtration system includes a filter receiver located in a fluid reservoir housing and a replaceable filter module adapted to mount in the filter receiver. Fluid to be filtered is exposed to a filter media included in the filter module and mounted in a filter chamber provided in the filter receiver. The filtered fluid is discharged into a fluid reservoir located in the fluid reservoir housing and outside the filter receiver. Fluid is then pumped from the fluid reservoir to a fluid user and fluid discharged from the filter user is conducted to the filter chamber for filtration in the filter media.

Abstract: A fluid processor, suitable for the production of sterile water for injection, having a processor assembly and a process control system comprising a pump, a flow splitter, flow restrictors and a pressure relief valve. In a preferred embodiment, the processor assembly comprises a heat exchanger, a reactor and a heater arranged in a nested configuration. The preferred embodiment of the present invention also include a treatment assembly having a combination of filter, reverse osmosis and ion exchange devices and further incorporates an assembly and method allowing for the in situ sanitization of the fluid processor during cold start and shutdown to prevent bacteria growth during storage of the fluid processor. The fluid processor may include an electronic control system comprising a touch screen operator interface, a programmable logic controller and sensors for measuring temperature, pressure, flow rate, conductivity and endotoxin level.

Abstract: A desktop aquarium device with enhanced water filtration is provided. The aquarium device contains a base and a spherical tank. A filtering dish is installed inside the base. The filtering device provides a winding pathway for water to flow through. Along the pathway, biological filtering balls are placed. An air pump is also fixedly installed inside the base. The base is closed from the bottom by a bottom cover. The tank is locked to the base and the tank provides an aquatic environment. Inside the tank, there are a filtering device and a water outlet. Through the water filtration provided by the biological filtering balls along the water pathway inside the filtering dish, the water in the tank requires less frequent replacement, making the aquatic cultivation simpler and more convenient.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are disclosed for separating and purifying aqueous solutions such as seawater by causing a substantially impermeable mat of gas hydrate to form on a porous restraint. Once the mat of gas hydrate has formed on the porous restraint, the portion of the mat of gas hydrate adjacent to the restraint is caused to dissociate and flow through the restraint, e.g., by lowering the pressure in a collection region on the opposite side of the restraint. The purified or desalinated water may then be recovered from the collection region. The process may be used for marine desalination as well as for drying wet gas and hydrocarbon solutions. If conditions in the solution are not conductive to forming hydrate, a heated or refrigerated porous restraint may be used to create hydrate-forming conditions near the restraint, thereby causing gas hydrates to form directly on the surface of the restraint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering and drying a product. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a container having a plurality of porous walls and a plurality of solid walls that divide the container into a plurality of product chambers, a plurality of vacuum chambers, and, preferably, a plurality of heat transfer chambers. Each product chamber shares at least one porous wall with an adjacent vacuum chamber. Each product chamber preferably shares at least one solid wall with an adjacent heat transfer chamber. According to the method of the present invention, a product is introduced into the product chambers, where the product is held while a substance is filtered from the product through the porous walls and the product is dried by reducing the pressure in the vacuum chambers and the product chambers.

Abstract: A multi-phase separation system utilized to remove contaminants from fluids includes a pre-filtering module for filtering a contaminated fluid to provide a filtered contaminated fluid. A condenser module receives the filtered contaminated fluid and a contaminated gas phase for condensing the contaminated gas phase to a contaminated liquid. A phase reaction chamber converts the filtered contaminated fluid to a contaminated mist wherein the mist is subjected to a low energy, high vacuum environment for providing a first change of phase by separating into a contaminated gas phase and a liquid mist phase. The contaminated gas phase is carried out of the phase reaction chamber by a carrier air. A vacuum pump provides the low energy, high vacuum environment in the phase reaction chamber and delivers the contaminated gas phase to the condenser module for condensation providing a second change of phase.

Abstract: A water boiler system for producing steam or hot water includes an apparatus for removing dissolved minerals from the boiler water without the use of water softeners or other chemical treatment agents. An electromagnetic flux producing device first treats water of the boiler system with alternating electromagnetic flux to cause nucleation of dissolved minerals in the bulk boiler water, rather than on boiler surfaces, with nucleated particles then accumulating into particulates which settle by gravity to a low area of the boiler. Water is continuously drained from the low area of the boiler and fed by a pump to a mechanical separator which continuously separates solids from the drain water and continuously passes cleansed water at a high temperature back to the boiler.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes are disclosed for economical separation of fluid mixtures. Broadly, apparatus of the invention is an integrated fractional distillation and perm-selective membrane separation apparatus. More particularly, the integrated apparatus comprises a fractional distillation column and one or more membrane device utilizing solid perm-selective membranes. Processes of the invention are particularly useful for simultaneous recovery of a very pure permeate product, a desired non-permeate stream, and one or more distillate products from a fluid mixture containing at least two compounds of different boiling point temperatures.

Abstract: A conduit has a first end and interior and exterior surfaces extending downstream from the first end. A strainer has a first end and a second end. An upstream portion of the strainer is positioned engaging a projection on the interior surface of the conduit to resist downstream shifting of the strainer. A strainer body extends at least partially downstream of the upstream portion. The apparatus may be used as a strainer/coupler and may be used to filter water in a chiller apparatus.

Abstract: A system for composting-free disposal of organic waste and method thereof included a heating apparatus, a pretreatment apparatus, and a decomposition apparatus. The heating apparatus heats the pretreatment apparatus and the decomposition apparatus. The organic waste is separated into a slurry and a surface oil-water mixed liquid by the pretreatment apparatus. Microbial enzymes and raw material are added into the slurry to become a mixture. The mixture is then decomposed and sterilized by the decomposition apparatus to become a composting-free organic fertilizer product. All these procedures can be carried out within 3 to 24 hours. The system and the method thereof provides an efficiently fast, space-saving way to deal with organic waste and achieve environmental protection and sanitation.

Abstract: A multifunctional filtering device for an aquarium mainly includes a filter box for being suspended at an aquarium. The filter box includes a pump motor for producing mixture of water and air and a vortex flow generator disposed at the center of the inner side of the bottom thereof and in communication with a water outlet disposed at the pump motor. A bubble collector is disposed at the top of the vortex flow generator. The filter box may be suspended inside or outside the aquarium. The filter box includes a water input pipe unit and a water output pipe unit which may be differently configured in accordance with the suspension position of the filter box. The water output pipe unit may be further disposed with a heating rod or ultraviolet sterilization lamp for heating or sterilizing breeding water in the aquarium.

Abstract: A process for treating waste products discharged in a waste water from an animal operation, such as a swine confinement facility includes a holding tank for receiving waste water from the flushing of the facility in which solids to accumulate at the bottom thereof; wherein as conveyor transfers solids from said bottom at a rate preventing agitation of the waste water, to a compactor for removing additional water content and to a product dryer for converting the solids into a dry product. The product dryer includes a water heating system with water lines connected in a closed loop to the holding tank. The heating system thermal treats the circulating waste water and waste solids to a temperature sufficient to reduce undesired constituents therein. The product dryer is vented to a separator for recovering ammonia contents in the waste material.

Abstract: A cooling device includes a cooling unit (10) through which a fluid to be cooled, especially hydraulic oil, can flow and a filter unit (12) for filtering fluid. The cooling unit (10) and the filter unit (12) are joined together as one piece. The filter unit (12) is placed together with the cooling unit (10) inside a device housing (14). The cooling device can be constructed in a manner that is considerably more compact and lighter, while having an output that is comparable to that of prior art solutions.

Abstract: A method of treating wastewater sludge includes pumping, continuously, raw sludge into a first digester and treating the raw sludge at a specific temperature of between about 51° C. to 60° C.; transferring the treated wastewater sludge to a batch tank; treating the wastewater sludge in the batch tank, anaerobically, at a thermophilic temperature which is not more than 2° C. warmer than the specific temperature in the first digester; and disposing of the treated wastewater sludge as a Class A biosolid. A wastewater sludge treatment system includes a first thermophilic digester for treating raw wastewater sludge at a specific temperature in a range of between about 51° C. to 60° C., and discharging a treated wastewater sludge; a batch tank for receiving the treated wastewater sludge discharged from the first digester and for thermophilically treating sludge at a temperature in a range of between about 51° C. to 60° C. and not more than 2° C.

Abstract: A method for treating particulate biodegradable organic waste includes sizing the waste and adding a base prior to introducing the waste to a thermal hydrolysis reactor and hydrolyzing the waste at a temperature of about 130° C. or greater and a pressure greater than the saturated water vapor pressure to produce a slurry including solubilized organic material and residual solids. The solubilized organic material is separated from the residual solids using a liquid/solid separator and the solubilized organics are subjected to anaerobic digestion to produce a methane gas. The base is preferably potassium hydroxide (KOH) at a concentration of about 1%. The method may further include preheating the particulate biodegradable organic waste with latent heat of the separated solubilized organic material prior to thermal hydrolysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removal of suspended solids from water, waste water and other effluents is disclosed. The raw fluid being extracted is placed in a pressurized equalization chamber by a pumping apparatus. The fluid might be ground in advance to reduce the size of solid particles suspended therein to a manageable size. Solids can settle from the fluid before pumping into a second chamber for further setting. Chemicals are injected between the first and second chambers. The sludge recovered from from the base of the chambers can be sterilized using conventional methods, and the separated fluid discharged from the clarification chamber is further cleaned, also using conventional methods. The method and apparatus of the present replaces or supplements conventional mainframe biological treatments.

Abstract: Water to be desalinated or otherwise purified is enriched by having hydrate-forming substance dissolved into it, without causing hydrate to form. Hydrate kernels are brought into contact with the enriched water to be treated, and the hydrate kernels grow outwardly into the water to be treated by incorporating dissolved molecules of the hydrate-forming substance and water from the water to be treated. Thus, substantially solid, generally spherical hydrate masses, which are preferred for hydrate-based desalination or purification, can be formed. Hydrate-forming substances can be dissolved into the water to be treated under conditions not conducive to formation of hydrate, such that hydrate does not form, using vigorous means. Hydrate-forming substance is also preferably dissolved into the water to be treated under conditions suitable for hydrate to form, but without causing hydrate to form, e.g., by being infused into the water to be treated using infusion membranes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a septic heater system and method for preventing a freeze-up in a septic system. The heater system typically is used with a previously-installed septic system that includes a septic tank, drop boxes, connecting sewer pipe, a drainfield, and one or more vertical access/cleanout pipes which rise from one or more portions of the septic system to corresponding access ports at ground level. The heater system, which is adapted for connection to the access ports of one or more of the vertical access cleanout pipes, comprises a heater and fan system defining an output port for providing a flow of heated air at the heater output port. The heater output port is defined by a structure configured for coupling the output port to one or more of the access/cleanout pipes. The heater and fan system, when activated to provide the flow of heated air and when coupled to an access/cleanout pipe, prevents septic-system freeze-up by delivering the heated air down the access/cleanout pipe to the septic system.

Abstract: A heated ultrasonic treating device (6) comprising a sump (13) through which suspended matter-containing liquid passes, a temperature-controllable heater (14) disposes in the sump (13), and a ultrasonic vibrator (15) disposed in the sump (13). The heated ultrasonic treating device (6) uses the ultrasonic vibrator (15) to apply ultrasonic waves while heating organic drain passing the sump (13) with the heater (14), thereby pulverizing suspended matters and reducing the amount of SS. In addition, a treating column, where pulverized suspended matter-containing liquid is aerobically treated by aerobic microorganisms, is prevented from efficiency lowering due to clogging.

Abstract: A method and system (10) for utilizing water to transfer heat are provided. In one embodiment, the system (10) includes two water softeners (16) for removing the hardness of the feed water. The water softeners (16) are coupled to a filtration device (14) and deliver the softened water thereto. The filtration device (14) removes minerals from the water so as to produce a filtered water volume and a rejected water volume. The filtration device (14) delivers the filtered water volume to a heat exchanger (12). The heat exchanger (12) evaporates the filtered water volume and produces a mineral deposit volume. The mineral deposit volume is delivered to the filtration device (14) for removal of the mineral deposits so as to produce a recycled water volume and a blowdown water volume. Thereafter, the recycled water volume is delivered to the heat exchanger (12) for reuse, and the blowdown water volume is discharged to the waste vessel (24).

Abstract: A process for treating acidic and metallic waste water, particularly the rinsing water and/or used acids from pickling plants. The process includes the step of adding an alkaline solution or gas to bind the free acids in the waste water, followed by separation of the waste water into a first partial stream with high metal content and a second partial stream with low metal content. To achieve a more economical embodiment, particularly in terms of favorable energy consumption, and also reduce the nitrate load as much as possible, the free acids are bonded by adding ammonia solution or gas, and the first partial stream with the high metal content is fed to a regeneration plant to undergo pyrohydrolytic treatment, preferably by spray roasting. The second stream can be recycled to a rinse station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid filter, for example an oil filter for cleaning lubricating oil, especially for use in internal combustion engines of motor vehicles. A ring-shaped filter insert separates an unclean side from a clean side in the interior of the liquid filter. A metal filter housing comprises a first flange with which the liquid filter can be screwed to a component via a screw connection, said component having an inlet for uncleaned liquid, an outlet for cleaned liquid and a relatively pressureless idle duct. The first flange contains an axially acting outer seal that includes inlet, outlet and idle duct, and a carrier receiving compartment encircled by the outer seal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desalination of salt water (and purification of polluted water) are disclosed. Saline (or otherwise polluted) water is pumped to a desalination installation and down to the base of a desalination fractionation column, where it is mixed with hydrate-forming gas or liquid to form either positively buoyant (also assisted buoyancy) or negatively buoyant hydrate. The hydrate rises or sinks or is carried into a lower pressure area and dissociates (melts) into the gas and pure water. In preferred embodiments, residual salt water which is heated by heat given off during formation of the hydrate is removed from the system to create a bias towards overall cooling as the hydrate dissociates endothermically at shallower depths, and input water is passed through regions of dissociation in heat-exchanging relationship therewith so as to be cooled sufficiently for hydrate to form at pressure-depth.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved means of purifying water which comprises a water treatment apparatus comprising a treatment housing (10, 60) having an inlet (18, 65) for the water to be treated, an outlet (25, 67) for the treated water, a heater (17, 76) within the housing to come into direct contact with the water and a filter (22, 23, 78, 79) between the heater and the outlet, characterised in that means (38, 81) are provided to fill the housing with water up to a maximum level which leaves a headspace (10A, 80A) between the water and the roof (14, 61) of the housing, the entrance to the outlet being below the operating water level (10B, 80).

Abstract: A self-cleaning strainer which may be installed upstream of a heat exchanger to prevent debris greater than a critical size from reaching the heat exchanger. The strainer is preferably mounted just upstream of a heat exchanger in order to minimize the possibility of debris reaching the heat exchanger. The strainer comprises a screen element which can be advanced across the flow path of the fluid between two rollers. The screen element is placed so that the fluid must flow across the screen element face to continue through the process pipe; the screen may be perpendicular or parallel to the fluid flow axis of the strainer body or at an intermediate angle to it. Flow blocking members are used so as to direct the flow to pass through the screen element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the removal of hydrogen peroxide from spent pickle liquor used in a steel strip pickling process. The process utilizes an enclosed decomposition tank which includes a pickle liquor inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, at least one vent pipe, an internal baffle, and a heat source.

Abstract: An auxiliary oil filtration system and method for filtering oil in an engine is provided. The auxiliary oil filtration system consists of an auxiliary filtration device, an integral oil transfer pump controlled by an electric motor and that is in electrical communication with an electrical control unit, an electronic pressure sensor, fluid conductors, and means for connecting hardware. The auxiliary filtration device is separate from the primary engine lubrication system, and includes a media supply reel having a roll of filtering media thereon which is moveable to a take-up reel. A media indexing system advances the media supply reel as the filtering media becomes plugged. An electronic pressure sensor dictates the advancement of the filtering media when a pre-determined differential pressure across the filtering media is attained. When all of the filtering media has been transferred from the supply reel to the take-up reel, the cartridge is replaced.

Abstract: A treatment system for use in a water delivery system for eradicating bacteria such as the Legionella bacteria. The treatment system includes an ultraviolet light source for killing bacteria entering the water delivery system, an electrochemical precipitation unit and a blending valve in communication with water discharged from the precipitation unit and a source of hot water.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of a wiping solution, which includes ink flocculation apparatus for flocculating ink contained in a used wiping solution by the addition of a flocculant to the used wiping solution; solid-liquid separation apparatus for separating, into sludge and a filtrate, the used wiping solution containing the ink which is flocculated by the ink flocculation apparatus through filtration of the used wiping solution; distilled water production apparatus for producing distilled water and a concentrated solution through heating of the filtrate which is separated by the solid-liquid separation apparatus; water recycling apparatus for recycling the distilled water which is produced by the distilled water production apparatus as a raw material of a wiping solution; and post treatment apparatus for separating the concentrated solution into steam and a solid residue through heating of the concentrated solution which is produced by the distilled water production apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desalination of salt water (and purification of polluted water) are disclosed. Saline (or otherwise polluted) water is pumped to a desalination installation and down to the base of a desalination fractionation column, where it is mixed with hydrate-forming gas or liquid to form either positively buoyant (also assisted buoyancy) or negatively buoyant hydrate. The hydrate rises or sinks or is carried into a lower pressure area and dissociates (melts) into the gas and pure water. In preferred embodiments, residual salt water which is heated by heat given off during formation of the hydrate is removed from the system to create a bias towards overall cooling as the hydrate dissociates endothermically at shallower depths, and input water is passed through regions of dissociation in heat-exchanging relationship therewith so as to be cooled sufficiently for hydrate to form at pressure-depth.

Abstract: An improved method for the aerobic thermophilic treatment of organic material of the type in which air is passed through organic matter contained in a reactor, in which at least a portion of the air that has passed through the organic matter in the reactor being captured and again passed through the organic matter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus enabling water-conditioning processes to be performed using a heater initially equipped with an aquarium tank for the purpose of supplying heat. Instead of allowing heat to propagate globally, reactor housing is introduced in the tank enclosing the heater so as to form a localized hot zone. The temperatures of the hot zone are maintained at high degrees sufficient to initiate various water-conditioning processes with efficiency, including alga control, ammonia control, water-hardness control, and sterilization. The construction of the reactor housing is simple and inexpensive, and its geometry is compatible to a heater which can be purchased commercially. In short, multiple functions are added to a heater installed in an aquarium, performing water-conditioning processes in addition to the basic task of supplying heat, allowing water quality of the aquarium to be improved and maintained.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for processing municipal waste starts with a biomass that has been treated in at least one steam autoclave and dilutes the resulting biomass in a dilution tank while agitating the resulting mixture a sufficient amount and at an effective temperature to cause cellulose fibers within the biomass that became twisted during processing within the autoclave to relax and straighten out. The biomass mixture is fed into a hybrid anaerobic digester having separate zones for digesting the solid portion of the biomass and the fluid portion of the biomass. The hybrid anaerobic digester is a vessel having an inner zone for digestion of the solid portion of the biomass and a concentric outer zone having attached growth media that retains methane producing organisms which produce biogas from the fluid portion of the biomass.

Abstract: An improved water purification system for production of USP purified water and/or USP water for injection include backwashable, chlorine tolerant microfilter or ultrafilter for initial filtration of the feed water (10). The filtrate from the filter (18) is provided to a dechlorinator (18) prior to being subjected to an optional, reverse osmosis membrane unit (60) and then to a still (66) which discharges purified water at USP standards for purified water or water for injection.

Abstract: A method and system (10) for utilizing water to transfer heat are provided. In one embodiment, the system (10) includes two water softeners (16) for removing the hardness of the feed water. The water softeners (16) are coupled to a filtration device (14) and deliver the softened water thereto. The filtration device (14) removes minerals from the water so as to produce a filtered water volume and a rejected water volume. The filtration device (14) delivers the filtered water volume to a heat exchanger (12). The heat exchanger (12) evaporates the filtered water volume and produces a mineral deposit volume. The mineral deposit volume is delivered to the filtration device (14) for removal of the mineral deposits so as to produce a recycled water volume and a blowdown water volume. Thereafter, the recycled water volume is delivered to the heat exchanger (12) for reuse, and the blowdown water volume is discharged to the waste vessel (24).

Abstract: Actuated bypass valves for use in swimming pool systems are disclosed. The valves automatically bypasses a swimming pool heating unit except when the heating unit is placed into service. The disclosed valves reduce the energy requirements of the circulation pump when the heating unit is bypassed. The valves comprise a tee-shaped valve body. Flow within the valve body is controlled by a sliding plate which slides relative to a stationary plate, where the sliding plate and the stationary plate each has a plurality of openings. Means for actuating the valves may comprise a 24 VAC solenoid. Minimal travel of the sliding plate is necessary for the valve to open from a minimum flow area to a maximum flow area. Methods for utilizing the disclosed valves are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved water purification system for production of USP purified water and/or USP water for injection include backwashable, chlorine tolerant microfilter or ultrafilter for initial filtration of the feed water (10). The filtrate from the filter (18) is provided to a dechlorinator (18) prior to being subjected to an optional, reverse osmosis membrane unit (60) and then to a still (66) which discharges purified water at USP standards for purified water or water for injection.