Abstract: A tub is supplied with hot water through a water circulation system including a pump, a water filter and an electric flow-through heater energized through an electric contactor upon closure thereof. A user of the tub is urged to service the water circulation system upon clogging thereof. For this purpose, water flow fluctuations occurring in the circulation system upon restriction of the water circulation system are sensed and closure of the contactor is precluded for a time interval of predetermined duration in response to a sensing of water flow fluctuations.

Abstract: A thermally regenerable ion exchange material is employed in a disposable cartridge preferably contained within an appliance such as a clothes washer or dishwasher. A hot water source is employed to regenerate the ion exchange material or to be mixed with cold water passed through the treatment cartridge. Additionally, in those situations requiring a high degree of deionization, hot water is used in conjunction with a heat exchanger to heat processed water rather than being mixed with it so as to produce fully de-ionized hot water.

Abstract: The apparatus uses a combination of technologies for treatment of hazardous and nonhazardous liquid wastes. The first treatment step is an evaporation stage where the liquid wastes are heated. The resulting steam and vapors are then oxidized by photolysis and photolytic catalyzed ozone before they are condensed. The steam and vapors are then condensed and the condensate is passed through a column of activated carbon. The activated carbon absorbs any unoxidized Chemical Oxygen Demanding (COD) species and aids in the control of any odors which may be emitted in the evaporation stage.

Abstract: A water purifier for producing potable water from contaminated water, the purifier includes a crystallizer chamber with a plurality of projecting freeze elements, and a water spray unit which directs a fine spray of water at the freeze elements to produce ice coating on the freeze elements. The purifier also includes a refrigerant unit to periodically chill and warm the freeze elements to alternately produce and release ice shells that are melted to form purified water.

Abstract: Excess or unused ink that is recovered from a printing process and which contains fibrous impurities is purified by mixing the recovered ink with virgin ink, heating the mixture to decrease the viscosity thereof, and then straining and filtering the heated mixture.

Abstract: A swimming pool filtering system of the closed recirculatory type having a series connected strainer, pump and filter is provided with a close coupled pump drive motor having two sets of stator windings for allowing the selection of one of two water circulation rates to achieve more efficient pool water maintenance. A specific circulation rate may be manually selected or periods of selected circulation rates may be automatically programmed using a motor stator that is energized through a timer. Reduced pump speed during periods of little or no use results in substantial energy savings and a reduction of noise pollution during evening hours.

Abstract: Process for the extraction of solids from liquids containing solids granulated by heat effect and/or solids the moisture content of which is reducible by heat effect, especially from colloidal solutions with protein content, suspensions and slurries for reducing the fat content of the solid material, in the course of this process grains are formed in the liquid with heat effect, or the moisture content of the grains is reduced, then they are removed from the liquids and dried. The equipment for implementation of the process is also subject of the invention. The process is characterized by heating the liquid to 50.degree.-125.degree. C. temperature with heat transfer ("instant heating ") for a short period, maximum for 2 minutes, then the heated material is kept at 50.degree.-125.degree. C. temperature for at least 2, preferably for 5-15 minutes. This is followed by separation of the grains from the liquid phase with filtration in a space containing vapor of 50.degree.-125.degree. C.

Abstract: A mobile vehicle is utilized to process hydrocarbons having high toxicity due to the presence of PCB. Hydrocarbons containing PCB are blended with metallic sodium at a temperature of about 130.degree. C. and thereafter the mixture is separated into its components one of which is a hydrocarbon containing less than about 2 ppm of PCB.

Abstract: This invention relates to the art of vacuum pre-coat filtering to produce solids capable of being incinerated for their heat value and recovery of non-combustible solids. Specifically, the invention deals with rotary vacuum filtering apparatus containing a coating layer on the filter drum screen of a combustible non-fibrous particulate filter aid, preferably charcoal, which forms an efficient filter bed, is capable of being scraped from the bed in thin film form with the filtered out solids thereon and is capable of being incinerated eliminating heretofore necessary disposal expense.

Abstract: A filter assembly characterized by an electric heater assembly having a heater coil disposed in an inlet flow path to filter media and carried within the filter media. The electric heater assembly also includes a thermostat with the inlet portion of the flow path for sensing fuel temperature immediately prior to passing into the filter media.

Abstract: A drain system adapted for use in fuel processing devices, as well as in other fluid equipment applications, includes sensing means for detecting the presence of predetermined quantities of water or other impurities separated from the fuel, or the presence of other fluids, in an enclosure or container. Drain means are also included for discharging at least a substantial portion of one of said predetermined quantities in response to said detection of the presence thereof. The drain means is preferably actuated and deactuation by automatic control means in order to maintain said water or other impurities, or said other fluids, at or below said predetermined quantity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment of crude oil and well fluids and equipment used in conducting the well fluids. Solar heating means are provided to heat the well fluids to improve the treatment qualities of the fluids. A solar heater is connected to an oil well flow line to remove paraffin and demulsify at the oil well site.

Abstract: A wastewater purification and recycling apparatus is provided comprising means for introducing wastewater having a relatively high concentration of impurities from an industrial process into a boiler used to generate working steam for an industrial purpose, heating the wastewater in the boiler to produce a steam component and a precipitated impurity component, using the steam component for the industrial purpose, condensing the steam component as it is used for the industrial purpose to produce water and selectively recycling the water for use in the industrial process and/or boiler while periodically removing the accumulated impurity component from the boiler.

Abstract: This invention affords a filtration method and apparatus for extracting cell produced antiviral substances (CPAS) from a production broth using cross-flow membrane filtration. The broth is perfused into a first filtration cell and caused to cross-flow across an ultrafiltration membrane in the cell, permitting a first filtrate to pass through the membrane consisting essentially of CPAS and some molecular species and retaining in a first ex-filtrate all remaining portions of the broth.

Abstract: Diesel engine fuel treating means which heats the fuel flowing from the fuel tank to the engine also furnishes heat to the fuel in the tank, provides for removal of contaminants, and inhibits gelling and wax solidification. In some embodiments the heating device is incorporated in the fuel tank, and includes a fuel filter intimately associated with the treating device but accessible outside the tank. In another embodiment the treating device is located outside the tank and includes two fuel heating circuits, one for fuel flowing to the engine and the other for preheating the main fuel supply in the tank. A third embodiment has an axial tubular member which conducts heated and filtered fuel from a top-mounted spin-on filter back through the heating chamber in a second pass and also forms a clamping device for a removable cover and an attaching and fluid coupling device for the filter.

Abstract: A tractor trailer chassis compactly mounts a waste oil cleaning apparatus of hydraulically connected, primary components. A diesel fuel burner fired heater of vertical cylindrical form mounts at one end of the chassis. A blower feeds a large volume of air under pressure to a cylindrical fire box where a fuel air mixture is ignited and fed tangentially into the base of the central chamber within the heater where the products of combustion follow a helical path within the central heat exchange chamber. Waste oil is fed counterflow along a second helical path through an annular chamber separated by a cylindrical metal heat conductive wall from the chamber bearing the products of combustion. Heated waste oil is fed from the heater to a vibrating table type solids separator or shaker mounted at the opposite end of the trailer chassis from the heater where solids are separated from the heated waste oil.

Abstract: A sludge treating apparatus comprises a centrifugal condensing machine for forcedly condensing a raw sludge produced by a waste water treating apparatus. The raw sludge condensed to approximately 94 to 90% in terms of the percentage of moisture content by means of the centrifugal condensing machine is introduced into an anaerobic digestion tank of a deep well type, where the raw sludge undergoes an anaerobic digestion, and a digested sludge obtained from the anaerobic digestion tank is then dewatered by means of a dewatering apparatus such as a belt press, whereupon the dewatered sludge is applied to a post-treatment apparatus. In execution of the anaerobic digestion process, the reactions corresponding to an acid fermentation stage and acid regression stage may be carried out in advance in separate tanks and the reaction corresponding to an alkaline fermentation stage may be mainly performed in an anaerobic digestion tank.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for causing the circulation or movement of a solution comprising a conduit for the solution, a solution of conical shaped particles and an asymmetric microporous membrane disposed in the conduit so that the solution can only pass the membrane through its pores. The pores of the membrane are tapered with substantially all of the large openings on one side of the membrane and substantially all of the small openings on the other side. The conical shaped solute particles can diffuse in both directions through the tapered holes of the membrane but have dimensions which preclude them turning around, fore to aft, inside the holes of the membrane.

Abstract: An engine fuel heater for internal combustion engines that mounts between the fuel filter mount and the fuel filter. Liquid fuel is directed through passages in the heater that are complementary to intake and discharge passages through the filter and filter mount. A heat exchanger is situated in or adjacent the fuel passage and operates to heat fuel entering the filter. Water from the engine cooling system, electrical elements, or a combination of both can be used as a source of heat for the heat exchanging elements.

Abstract: A compact self-sterilizable proportioning hemodialysis system alternatively usable with either a coil type or parallel flow artificial dialyzer without material alteration comprises a hydraulic driven dialysate proportioning pump in a positive pressure flow path to provide dialysate in a controlled concentration to a dialysate receiving canister. A coil-type dialyzer within the canister receives dialysate in a recirculating flow from a circulation pump. A venturi in the recirculating flow path provides a negative pressure to pull dialysate through a suction loop, which may alternatively include a parallel flow dialyzer. A conductivity cell, temperature monitor and blood leak detector sample and monitor dialysate from the canister, and to control the dialysate and indicate fault conditions. The system may alternatively function as a recirculating plate-type dialyzer having high dialysis efficiency.

Abstract: Earth and sand containing bitumen, tar, and/or oil is broken down to particle sizes that can be suspended in water as a carrier for the particles, so that the suspension can be pumped upwardly through an inclined duct or separator where the suspended particles are subjected to horizontal ultrasonic vibrations of between about 18 and 27 kiloHertz for a period between about 5 and 10 minutes. These vibrations completely separate the hydrocarbons from the earth and sand, and entrap gases in the heavier-than-water hydrocarbons so that all the hydrocarbons float to the top of the duct or ultrasonic separator to form a layer which can easily be withdrawn. The cleaned earth and solid particles settle behind a baffled and perforated partition along and above the lower side of the duct or unit, from which lower side these cleaned particles can be removed.

Abstract: Immiscibility between polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) substances and retrofilled non PCB transformer dielectrics allows for the mechanical separation of the PCB substances from the retrofilled dielectrics. Sedimentation, filtration and centrifugation can be employed in the separation process.

Abstract: Apparatus for step-wise purification treatment of contaminated polar liquid, such as water, by the procedure of U.S. Pat. No. 4,224,148, comprising successive flow-connected container units, electrically insulated from the ground, the sequential units providing: (a) macerating/distributing means for producing suspension of selected small-particle-size contaminant which will accept a galvanic charge, (b) means for maintaining acidic pH of 2 to 2.5 in presence of gaseous oxidizing agent, (c) source of soluble metal ions adapted to impart a galvanic charge on the small particles, plus subsequent aeration means, (d) means for introducing alkaline reagent while air blowing to restrain precipitation, (e) means for alkaline flocculation of separable particles, including pH control means and switch means for electrically grounding the liquid medium.

Abstract: A coupling adapter is disclosed for coupling a remotely-located fluid circulation device and a fluid filter to the fluid reservoir of an engine, transmission unit or other hydraulic system in place of a standard spin-on fluid filter. The adapter consists of a disk-shaped body having first and second spaced-apart end surfaces. First and second cylindrically-shaped cavities extend partially into the disk-shaped body, respectively, from the first and second end surfaces. A plurality of concentric ridges intersticed with concentric grooves is provided in the first end surface surrounding the first cylindrically-shaped cavity. A central wall section within the disk-shaped body separates the first and second cavities. A central bore extends coaxially through the central wall section for receiving and supporting a hollow nipple adapted to align and secure the coupling adapter to the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: In an automobile fuel system and particularly for a diesel powered vehicle, it is desirable to provide a water separator to prevent passage of water to the engine and particularly the fuel induction components. It is also desirable to provide ejection means for the separated water which may include a provision to prevent the ejected water from falling to the ground.

Abstract: A water dispenser provided with a synchronous supply water valve system to control the simultaneous flow of water into and from the dispenser and further provided with a water purifier and an ultraviolet tank to provide purified and sterilized water for use.

Abstract: A controller and method for controlling the operation of electrically powered pool related apparatus in recreational pool system, and more particularly for controlling the flow of pool water through the pool system and water-conditioning apparatus, is disclosed. The controller includes a logic circuit formed with a plurality of logic gates coupled to pool-water-sensing apparatus and programmable input apparatus in accordance with a predetermined logic sequence. The pool system includes a swimming pool and spa, and the pool-water-conditioning apparatus includes a solar water heater and a non-solar water heater. The controller is capable of preferential solar heating and of temperature-switched operation, time-switched operation and a combination thereof, as well as manual switching.

Abstract: A device for separating water from diesel fuel is adapted to be used with conventional fuel filter fittings and consists of a conical screen-like member which serves to separate the water from the fuel and in which the inlet providing the fuel which may have water therein is interior of the downwardly diverging conical member. A quiet zone is provided at the base of the cone to reduce turbulence and allow the water to be drained off by an automatically operated valve which operates in conjunction with the air compressor already on the truck.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for utilizing the heat content in waste water which has passed through a biological purification plant, the last step of which comprises subjecting the waste water to sedimentation in a settlement tank. A heat pump is provided having an evaporator section which is heated by means of the waste water which has been purified in the settlement tank which is directed to it through a first conduit. During periods in which the flow rate of the waste water through the purification plant is less than the average flow rate which corresponds to the capacity of the heat pump, at least a portion of the waste water which flows through the evaporator of the heat pump is recirculated to the settlement tank, the latter being utilized as a heat reservoir according to the present invention.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed that provide a quasicontinuous thermal regeneration system for ion exchange resins and adsorption media ("matter") as used, for example, in desalinization processes, comprising an operating (desalinization) vessel, means for transferring measured amounts of matter therefrom to successive regeneration and cooling means and recycle back to the operating vessel. Heat exchange means are provided to transfer residual heat from the cooling step to the regeneration step, transport water is recycled in the process with minimal losses, and optional water softening and decarbonizing pre-treatment and chemical post-treatment steps may be included, the latter to remove dirt and heavy metals from the regenerated matter prior to recycle to the operating vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved wet air oxidation system and method for reducing the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of waste water used from scrubbers of coal gasification plants, with this COD reduction being sufficient to effectively eliminate waste water as an environmental pollutant. The improvement of the present invention is provided by heating the air used in the oxidation process to a temperature substantially equal to the temperature in the oxidation reactor before compressing or pressurizing the air. The compression of the already hot air further heats the air which is then passed in heat exchange with gaseous products of the oxidation reaction for "superheating" the gaseous products prior to the use thereof in turbines as the driving fluid. The superheating of the gaseous products significantly minimizes condensation of gaseous products in the turbine so as to provide a substantially greater recovery of mechanical energy from the process than heretofore achieved.

Abstract: A wet air combustion system including a reactor, a steam boiler, a pressure control valve (PCV) to regulate the heat exchange of the boiler steam with the reactor effluent, and a sensor/responder coupled to the PCV monitoring the reactor influent temperature after preheat exchange with the partially cooled reactor effluent.

Abstract: The apparatus is intended for processing partly solidified slags transported in ladles out of smelting shop and also for processing slags directly besides blast furnaces and steel-making units (e.g. converters).The apparatus comprises a settling bin provided at its inlet with a water-jet granulator. The settling bin incorporates an elevator with perforated buckets for discharging granulated slag. Elevator pulley shafts are located above the level of water in the bin, the head pulley (the furthest from the granulating compartment) is placed higher than the tail pulley (the nearest to the granulating compartment). A drier is provided at the place of discharge of granulated slag from the settling bin.The settling bin is of a sealed design and is divided by a partition into two compartments, one of which is intended for granulating molten slag, and the other, for discharging granulated slag from the bin by the elevator. A constant level of water in the bin is ensured by an overflow partition.

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: Apparatus for mass transfer between fluids, comprises two permeable membranes with a porous membrane support sandwiched therebetween, all pleated together with an accordian pleat to form a pleat package, and sealed in a casing to define three flow channels from one end of the casing to the other, to form a filter having a large filter area in a minimum amount of space for use as a dialyzer or as an ultrafilter in the treatment of blood. By selection of different membrane materials, the apparatus may also be used for oxygenation of blood, and three different fluids, including both gases and liquids, may be treated.

Abstract: Sewage sludge and municipal solid waste are simultaneously processed by first dissolving a catalyst, such as sodium aluminate, in the sludge, then mixing the sludge-aluminate mixture with the municipal waste to form a carbonizing mixture. After dewatering and drying, the mixture is carbonized in a furnace heated by a mixture of city gas and pyrolysis gases given off by the furnace.

Abstract: Fluid conducting apparatus is disclosed for a dialysis system having a dialyzer, a source of dialysis fluid for the dialyzer, a heating chamber for heating dialysis fluid before introduction into the dialyzer, and pump means for pumping heated dialysis fluid from the heating chamber to and through the dialyzer. The fluid conducting apparatus includes first and second fluid conducting means. The first fluid conducting means is adapted to be connected to the source of dialysis fluid and to the heating chamber for introducing dialysis fluid into the heating chamber, and the second fluid conducting means is adapted to be connected to the heating chamber, the dialyzer and the pump means for conducting the fluid from the heating chamber to and through the dialyzer. The apparatus also includes shut-off means adapted to terminate the flow of heated dialysis fluid from the heating chamber to the dialyzer when the rate of flow of fluid out of the chamber exceeds the rate of flow of fluid into the chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for separating heat hardenable constituents from an aqueous solution of thermohardenable fiber binder material by insolubilizing the constituents through the application of both heat and pressure are disclosed.

Abstract: Filter elements and filter assemblies are provided for use at any operating temperatures, having the filter elements disposed in sealing relationship in a leak-tight seal formed at such operating temperature by thermal expansion of at least two sealing components. Thus, at a lower or higher temperature, such as normal atmospheric temperature, the sealing components are contracted, and release the filter elements from sealing engagement, for removal and replacement, while at the selected operating temperature such sealing components are expanded, to form a thermal leak-tight seal therebetween.

Abstract: Water which contains contaminants such as brine may be subjected to a desalination process and made potable thereby by treating the water in a reverse osmosis and ion exchange system, the heat which is present in the water source being utilized to thermally regenerate the ion exchange resin.

Abstract: Ground water which is high in impurity content such as silica, hardness, sulfates, alkalinity, etc., may be made potable by treating the water with thermal ion exchange desalination resins and a reverse osmosis system. The heat which is present in the ground water is utilized to thermally regenerate the ion exchange resin.

Abstract: An electric oil refining apparatus for motor vehicle internal combustion engines designed to remove liquid and solid contaminants from oil which is then recycled. The oil exits from a single small orifice into a vaporization chamber where, due to sudden change of temperature and pressure, the liquid contaminants separate from the oil. The stream of oil is then deflected against a heated concave cup which vaporizes liquid contaminants, and allows oil to flow over the floor of the vaporization chamber and back to the internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle for reuse. A filter is provided at the input to the orifice, thereby avoiding clogging of the orifice.

Abstract: Water produced as a by-product of the electrochemical reaction in a fuel cell is treated so as to enable its use to produce, in a fuel conditioning subsystem including a steam generator and raw hydrocarbon fuel reformer, fuel for delivery to the fuel cell. The water conditioning system includes a novel deaerator wherein fuel cell waste heat is employed to heat water produced in the fuel cell to remove dissolved gases therefrom. The water treatment system also includes a cooler for reducing the temperature of the "deaerated" water prior to its delivery to a filter and demineralizer; the water being delivered to the boiler of the steam generator subsequent to passage through the demineralizer.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed in this application includes a building module having at least one compartment therein in which is contained a toilet system for bacteriologically breaking down solid waste and paper to provide a relatively pure liquid effluent. The toilet communicates with a flush tank into which the effluent is discharged and which communicates with a pump for pumping the effluent to an evaporator for removing excess effluent from the toilet system. Preferably the evaporator utilizes the effluent as a heat exchange medium for heating or cooling air discharged to each toilet compartment which air is circulated back to the atmosphere through a vent opening to help remove odors from the compartment. The evaporator may be arranged to aerate the effluent which is then discharged back to the flush tank so that it can be used to flush the toilet and enhance the biological breakdown of waste.

Abstract: Aerobically decomposable liquors are oxygenated by continuously extracting a portion thereof from an aeration tank and saturating the liquor portion with oxygen within a separate receiver tank, thereafter returning the oxygenated liquor portion to the aeration tank. The continuously flowing liquor portion is cooled prior to its oxygenation so that its oxygen-absorbing capability is increased. Cooling is effected by extracting therefrom the heat required to gasify the initially liquified gas being introduced into the receiver tank as the oxygenating medium. Secondary cooling of the liquor portion before its oxygenation can be effected by extracting therefrom an additional amount of heat as required to gasify a second liquified gas, such as nitrogen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing ammonia nitrogen from wastewater at any given temperature. The apparatus and method includes the concept of increasing the pH of the wastewater to a highly basic condition, exposinng the wastewater to a vacuum having an absolute pressure at least approaching the vapor pressure of the wastewater proportional to the given temperature whereby ammonia gas is then desorbed from the wastewater, and subsequently absorbing the desorbed ammonia in a body of liquid having a pH substantially less than the highly basic condition of the original wastewater.

Abstract: Apparatus for aeration of water for reduction of the biological oxygen demand, which comprises a cylindrical vessel with vertical axis of selected cross-sectional area and height. A horizontal dividing wall is positioned near the bottom of the vessel. Water enters into the space below the dividing wall and passes upwardly through a plurality of narrow slots spaced equally from each other. An air manifold is provided including a plurality of small diameter pipes, or arms, each of which is positioned over one of the slots in the dividing wall. A plurality of small diameter orifices are drilled on the underside of the arms, divided substantially equally on each side of the center line, so that as the water rises it is immediately contacted by the air bubbles, which issue through these orifices. The air bubbles and liquid would rise in a column above the arms. Near the top of the chamber is a horizontal baffle plate, which has an annular space between its outer circumference and the inner wall of the tank.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the precipitation of human blood plasma components characterized in that the initial blood plasma and the precipitating agent are continuously introduced into a precipitation container in an adjusted relationship but separated with simultaneous control of the required pH values. The suspension of the individual precipitants is conveyed across a delay station and then separated. The delay station includes a flow passageway connecting the precipitation container to a separating means, with the flow passageway being so constructed as to permit substantially laminar flow of fluid therethrough. Means are also present in the flow passageway for changing the residence time of fluid therein by permitting selective variation of the length of the flow passageway.

Abstract: An air and massecuite warming device comprising a pair of nested, concentric frusto-conical tubular members positioned above a massecuite separating centrifuge in which steam is directed into the chamber formed between the nested members. The steam is discharged from the inner member by a plurality of nozzles located in the conical wall of the inner member forming a vortex. Before contacting the massecuite, the steam mixes with the air drawn through the centrifuge, raising the air temperature. This warm air reduces the massecuite viscosity by increasing the temperature of the massecuite and the temperature of the centrifuge elements contacting the massecuite thereby increasing the centrifuge separation capacity and improving the purity of the sugar produced.

Abstract: The toilet system includes an evaporator tank having an inlet and an outlet that is at the top portion of the tank, a first electrical heater mounted on the tank, macerator/transfer pump means connected to the inlet of the tank to transfer flushed waste from a toilet to that tank, a vapor treatment system including a vessel having an inlet and a vent outlet and containing a bed of catalyst, first conduit means connected to the outlet of the tank and to the inlet of the vessel to transfer vapor from the tank to the vessel, a second electrical heater mounted on the conduit means to heat vapor passing from the tank to the vessel of the vapor treatment system, and second conduit means connected to the first conduit means between the mounting of the second heater and the evaporator tank to introduce pressure air into the vapor from the tank before the heating of the vapor.