Abstract: A belt type oil and grease skimmer for removing hydrocarbon contaminants from surfaces of bodies of water is disclosed. The skimmer includes a housing and frame structure for positioning above a contaminated body of water. An idler roll and a coating nip roll pair are rotatively mounted on the structure for rotation about generally horizontal axes when the skimmer is in use. An endless belt is trained over the idler roll and between the nip rolls and is suspended in a contaminated body of water when the skimmer is in use. A pair of wipers are positioned on opposite sides of the belt at a wiping location between the idler roll and the nip rolls for removing belt adhered hydrocarbons. A receptacle is positioned to receive wiper removed hydrocarbons. The receptacle includes a heat chamber and a heat transfer wall for transferring heat from the chamber to heat collected hydrocarbons. The wipers skew the belt to cause the formation of a containment draining depression upstream from the wipers.

Abstract: The automatic grease separator receives wastewater containing grease and other light fluids, separates the water portion from the light fluids portion, and stores the light fluids portion. A computer is used to control the operation of separator functions including automatic transfer of light fluids from the separator to grease containers and automatic shut-down of the separator when its capacity is exceeded. Warning devices which indicate malfunction or the need for maintenance also are controlled by the computer. The grease separator uses grease level sensors based on capacitive level sensing. These sensors are insensitive to coating of the sensors by grease and oil. The grease and other light fluids are maintained in a fluid phase by the thermostatic-controlled addition of hot water. This feature provides an added element of safety by eliminating the need to heat the separator by a resistant heater which introduces the possibility of a grease fire.

Abstract: A system for separation of fluids and drill cuttings received-from a borehole during an under-balanced drilling procedure. The system is designed to cope with significantly varied pressures and flow rates, particularly in relation to gas content of drill fluids returned to the surface during the drilling process in a production zones and to provide effective separation and to reduce the detrimental effect due to the presence of the drill cuttings in the returned drill fluids. In the present invention there is utilized a first stage, high pressure vessel in which a major portion of the gases ad drill cuttings are separated, and a second stages horizontal low pressure vessel, preferably of greater volume than the high pressure vessel, in which further separating is achieved, including the separate removal of the drilling liquid to be returned to the drill tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating water to produce potable water includes a filter connected to an inlet of a heating unit in turn connected at an outlet to an input of a container with cooling components for separating out heavy water. The heavy water separator is coupled at an outlet to a tank having cooling and heating components and an ultraviolet radiation source for irradiating the water sample from the heavy water separator with ultraviolet radiation during a freezing and subsequent warming of the water sample. A storage vessel and a silver ionizer are disposed on a downstream side of the ultraviolet treatment tank. Various operations, including timing and water transfer, heating cooling and irradiating, are controlled by a programmed computer. Temperature sensors are disposed in the heating unit, the heavy water separator and the irradiation tank for monitoring temperatures of the water in the heating unit, the container and/or the tank.

Abstract: An elongated, cylindrical oil, water and gas separator with end closures for receiving a flowing mixture of oil, water and foamy gas improved by means for defoaming the gas, separating the oil, water and gas into distinct laminar layers and a means for absorbing the impetus and energy of the flowing water layer as it impacts the end closure near the water outlet conduit, and can include a heating means for reducing the viscosity of the mixture with increased heat exchange surface, an electric field through which the oil can flow downward for coalescing water droplets that may be entrained within the oil and further can contain a series of coalescing baffles having a spray jet washing system and hinged bottom segments to expedite cleaning and maintenance.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for separating a light liquid from a heavy liquid in a mixture of these liquids are provided which enhance the gravitational separation of such liquids. Thus, water laden with greases such as from a commercial kitchen is contemplated to be substantially rid of the greases by the present apparatus and method. The apparatus comprises a separation chamber; an inlet port; an exit port for each of the light and heavy liquids, with the exit for the light liquid being positioned at about the fluid level of the mixture of liquids; a level control for maintaining the fluid level; and a heater element to heat the mixture, thereby decreasing the viscosity of the light liquid and further driving its separation from the heavier components of the mixture. In the preferred practice of the invention, a skimmer and a series of fluid flow obstacles are also employed along with the heater element to achieve optimal separation.

Abstract: A waste-oil cleaning apparatus includes a processing tank for holding waste-oil, and arranged such that non-oil liquids in the waste-oil settle in the base of the tank. A conduit and valve arrangement is provided for withdrawing the settled non-oil liquids from the base of the tank. The apparatus also incorporates an oil cleaning unit including a pump, a mesh filter and a centrifuge. Waste oil in the tank is cleaned by pumping oil out of the tank and passing the oil sequentially through the mesh filter and the centrifuge after the settled non-oil liquids are withdrawn from the base of the tank.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and system to recover heat from wastewater in a new or existing building comprising a convector heat exchanger with thermal storage that accepts wastewater of any temperature, an in-line separator to direct large solids away from the heat exchanger, a process to create turbulent flow in the tubing from which the heat exchanger is made, an automatically switched vibration base to improve heat transfer, an automatic flush system for the wastewater heat exchanger and a method of installation in slab-built buildings.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating grease from an effluent stream containing grease and water includes a separation tank, having a separation chamber; in which the grease and water in the effluent separate with the grease floating on top of the water. Grease is heated to a liquid state then pumped from the separation tank when the depth of the grease has reached a predetermined depth below an upper surface of the effluent in the separation tank. The pumping of grease from the separation tank is interrupted after a predetermined period of time. Separated water passes through a relatively low passage to a trap chamber which has a water outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating contaminated waste water into a substantially uncontaminated homogeneous extract water portion and into a heterogeneous raffinate fluid portion. Upon being subjected to sufficient circular flow, in an environment emulating the action of a centrifuge, the heavier liquid and solid components are caused to gravitate out of the waste water. This apparatus is constructed with an elongated housing means which is preferably disposed between a water storage tank and fluid contaminant discharge device. Contained longitudinally within the elongated housing is a separator chamber having a portion of a frustoconically shaped centrifugation surface which directs the incoming waste water into a turbulent and circular pattern. As the waste water gains momentum during this centrifuge-like flow pattern, it abruptly strikes a substantially vertical impact plate which precipitates the forced separation of the impurities and contaminants from the waste water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid separator for isolating a component from a composite fluid having one fluid entrained within, but immiscible in, another fluid, and the two fluids have differing specific gravities. An enclosed chamber of the separator houses an elongated spillway having a first end that receives the composite fluid through an inlet-port. A second end of the spillway, located in the chamber's sump, includes spillway outlet-ports for discharging the composite fluid into the chamber. The separator also includes a flat, first solid plate that slopes diagonally across the chamber from the top of the spillway near the inlet port to the sump. A flat, second solid plate slopes diagonally across the chamber from the bottom of the spillway in the sump to a juncture with the first solid plate. Fluid flowing through the separator passes through gaps between the peripheries of the first and second plates and a wall that encloses the chamber.

Abstract: A belt type oil and grease skimmer for removing hydrocarbon contaminants from surfaces of bodies of water is disclosed. The skimmer includes a housing and frame structure for positioning above a contaminated body of water. An idler roll and a coating nip roll pair are rotatively mounted on the structure for rotation about generally horizontal axes when the skimmer is in use. An endless belt is trained over the idler roll and between the nip rolls and is suspended in a contaminated body of water when the skimmer is in use. A pair of wipers are positioned on opposite sides of the belt at a wiping location between the idler roll and the nip rolls for removing belt adhered hydrocarbons. A receptacle is positioned to receive wiper removed hydrocarbons. The receptacle includes a heat chamber and a heat transfer wall for transferring heat from the chamber to heat collected hydrocarbons. The wipers skew the belt to cause the formation of a containment draining depression upstream from the wipers.

Abstract: A power fluid heating system according to this invention includes a heating apparatus positioned within a power fluid container having a first power fluid pickup conduit, a second power fluid pickup conduit positioned within the first power fluid pickup conduit, and a heat exchanger for directly heating both the power fluid in the container and the power fluid in the first and second pickup conduits. The power fluid heating system also includes a water separating device. The water separating device includes a power fluid reservoir and a heat exchanger inside the reservoir. The power fluid heating system also includes a heat exchanger having heat exchange fluid medium passages for the flow of a heatable fluid through the passages so that the heated power fluid exiting the water separating device provides heat transfer to the heatable fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a contaminated liquid diesel fuel and the like into a substantially uncontaminated homogeneous raffinate fuel portion and into a heterogeneous extract portion. Upon being subjected to sufficient circular flow, in an environment emulating the action of a centrifuge, the heavier liquid and solid components are caused to gravitate out of the diesel fluid and the like. This apparatus is constructed with an elongated housing means which is preferably disposed between the fuel tank and fuel filter of a diesel engine and the like. Contained longitudinally within the elongated housing is a separator chamber having a portion of a frustoconically shaped centrifugation surface which directs the incoming impure and contaminated fuel mixture into a turbulent and circular pattern.

Abstract: The present invention entails a method and a system for continuously removing oil from the cleaning solution being utilized in a tank for cleaning parts and particularly removing oil from parts prior to an electrocoating operation. Oil containing cleaning solution is pumped to a smaller oil removing tank where the cleaning solution is subjected to a cooling operation. Once the cleaning solution within the oil removing tank is cooled to a certain level, the oil bonded with the surfactant portion of the cleaning solution is separated and removed through a gravity removal process. This process is continuous as the cleaning solution from the parts cleaning tank is continuously circulated through the oil removing tank where oil is effectively stripped or removed from the cleaning solution before it is returned back to the parts cleaning tank.

Abstract: Grease is separated from a mixture of grease and water in a grease collection tank having first and second access ports by skimming the grease from the mixture with a skimmer, and pumping the grease with a pump located in the first access port from the skimmer through a conduit to a storage container located in the second access port.

Abstract: A fuel treatment apparatus and process is provided utilizing a blending head thereon defining a plurality of passages therein including a first passage and a second passage connected by a blending passage which includes a thermostat for blocking off the blending passage. The blending head functions to direct fuel into a fuel treatment apparatus having a settling chamber with a fuel introducing conduit passing through the top of the chamber and extending to a lower portion of the chamber to define a fuel inlet in the lower portion of the chamber. A buoyant valve is located within the conduit to permit fuel introduction during normal operation but to close off the conduit during periods of non-operation thus closing off fluid communication between the fuel treatment apparatus and the fuel tank. A fuel outlet is provided to remove the fuel after the treatment. A recess in the bottom of the chamber has a drain in the bottom thereof for the removal of moisture from the bottom of the chamber.

Abstract: A septic system has an above-ground septic tank which is installed in the house for which it is to be used, or within an enclosure attached to the house. The septic system further includes a secondary containment sump which surrounds the septic tank, and an in-ground leaching field. The septic tank has a removable cover, an inlet for receiving waste material, and an outlet for discharging liquid effluent to the leaching field which is built into the ground around the house. The secondary containment sump is operative for containing leakage or spillage of the septic tank contents in the event the septic tank leaks. In this connection, the septic system further comprises an alarm which signals the presence of fluid in the containment sump. The septic system still further includes an electric heater and thermostatic switch for preventing the septic tank from freezing. The instant septic system is particularly effective for use in waterfront areas where in-ground septic tanks are not permitted.

Abstract: An automatic grease interceptor for separating grease, fats and oils from wastewater is disclosed. The interceptor includes an interceptor chamber having an inlet, an outlet chamber with an outlet and a removable baffle positioned within the interceptor chamber. A grease removal device is attached to the interceptor chamber for removing accumulated grease from the interceptor chamber. A grease level sensor is positioned within the interceptor chamber at a first threshold level, wherein an indication of grease at the first threshold level by the first grease level sensor will activate the grease removal mechanism to thereby automatically remove grease from the interceptor chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for maintaining the temperature of waste water entering a grease trap below a preset temperature. The apparatus is useful to prevent grease which has collected in the grease trap from being washed into the sewer system by persons attempting to flush the grease from the trap with hot water. A temperature sensor monitors the temperature of waste water flowing into the grease trap. Cold water is introduced directly into the waste water conduit, upstream of the trap, through a valve controllably coupled to the temperature sensor whenever the temperature of waste water in the waste water conduit exceeds a threshold temperature.

Abstract: A fuel processing unit can dewater and heat fuel before delivery to a filter. The unit has a housing with a settling chamber and an inlet communicating with the chamber. The housing has a filter connection adapted to connect the filter in series with the chamber. The unit also has a heater cable with a predetermined length. The heater cable extends from the chamber through the inlet and outside the housing.

Abstract: In order to improve an apparatus for removing wax particles from circulating water from spray booths, comprising a system tank, to which the circulating water coming from the spray booth can be fed via an inlet, such that an efficient removal of wax particles from the circulating water is possible, it is suggested that a separation zone be provided in the system tank following the inlet, the wax particles floating up into a layer near the surface in this separation zone, and that an intake of a suction means for a floating phase comprising the layer near the surface be arranged in the system tank on a side of the separation zone opposite to the inlet.

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: An apparatus for purifying fuel, comprising a closed container having a top, a bottom, an inlet for impure fuel and an outlet for purified fuel placed at a level over the inlet, both coupled near the top of the container, a heating bulb to heat the impure fuel and allow the settlement of impurities and a valve in the bottom to remove the impurities from the container; a partition wall coupled in the container above the inlet and under the outlet, and a hollow body dependently coupled to the partition wall, defining a surrounding chamber under the partition wall to receive the impure fuel to the bottom of the container, an inner chamber in the hollow body under the partition wall, for purifying fuel, and an upper chamber over the partition wall for purified fuel; and a passage in the partition wall communicating said inner and upper chambers, to allow passage of the purified fuel to the upper chamber.

Abstract: A waste water treatment equipment adapted to treat, with high removal performance at all times, waste water drained from various sources such as sewage containing solid wastes left after crushing garbage sent out from cooking room, home kitchen, etc. The equipment is provided with a pretreatment device in which chemical is supplied to a treatment tank so as to accellerate decomposition of the solid waste left after crushing garbage by fermentation and putrefaction, and digestion of the solid wastes and water pollution materials by anaerobic bacteria. The sewage pretreated in the pretreatment device is introduced in a sewage treatment device in which sewage is caused to flow in a plurality of sewage treament tanks sequentially in order, and the pollution materials such as BOD, COD, etc. in the sewage are subject to oxidation decomposition and removal by activated sludge process beds of specific configuration in which arrangement of activated sludge varies for each tank.

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: A process for separating the grease, solids and water components from grease such as grease traps and fry grease. The grease is collected and introduced into a primary holding tank to effect primary crude separation. The grease is removed to a second stage separator for further concentration. The water and solids are separately directed to a second stage to separate these components. The separated water is treated suitable for discharge into a sewer. The solids are dried and the solids and grease are then suitable for re-use. In the preferred embodiment, the separators are centrifuges. Heating of the grease may also be necessary to achieve proper viscosity for handling and to remove bacteria.

Abstract: A separator for removing oil-like substances from water using vertical columns of coalescing media to then enhance separation of the two phases. The coalescing media is an inert packing material having surfaces to enhance coalescing without significant resistance to flow. Final oil removal is achieved by a vertical column of charcoal pellets. The separator is of particular value in the processing of oil/water discharges from air compressing systems. This produces water that can be discharged in an environmentally safe manner to conventional sewers, etc. The oil is held in a convenient storage vessel for ultimate disposal. No pumping devices are needed in the separator as flow is provided either by the pressure in the outlet from the compressor system, or by gravity from a feed tank. The vertical columns are arranged within a cylindrical vessel to minimize floor space and plumbing. The oil concentration in the product water is below current EPA standards.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the solids and oil/grease components of a water mixture includes a tank for holding a water mixture for a period during which heavier-than-water components of the water mixture settle to the bottom of the held water mixture and lighter-than-water components rise to the top of the held water mixture. It includes devices for separating solids from liquids in a flow of solids and liquids and for separating oil/grease from water in a flow of oil/grease and water. A first discharge line from the tank adjacent the location of the heavier-than-water components communicates with the device for separating solids from liquids, and a second discharge line from the tank adjacent the location of the lighter-than-water components communicates with the device for separating oil/grease from water. A third discharge line from the tank intermediate the first and second discharge line is provided for the removal of water with reduced solids and oil/grease components.

Abstract: A filter for continuous filtration of a liquid includes conventionally a vessel having a center shaft on which is arranged at least one rotating filter element defining an inner space for liquid obtained at filtration. Further there is provided a washing device for washing of material deposited on the filter element, a connection between said inner space and outlet means from said vessel and a separator connected to said outlet and adapted for separating filtrate and gas. Means is provided outside said vessel for generating an overpressure in the gas space of the vessel and a lower pressure in the interior of the filter element at least corresponding to the evaporating temperature of the filtrated liquid for evaporation of the liquid in the separator. The separator is provided with a cooling device for cooling the separated gas and an outlet for condensate obtained at cooling.

Abstract: Generating centrifugal action by forcing a stream of petroleum fuel admixed with water along a fixed spiral path, separating the inner and outer portions of the stream, settling out the water in the outer portion, and recombining the two portions less the settled out water. This is particularly useful in a fuel line from which most of the fuel is continually recirculated to the fuel tank.

Abstract: A treater apparatus for separating mixed oil, water and gas into these components and including an elongated tank having a first end and an opposite, second end. A horizontally extending partition plate extends across the first end portion of the tank below a heater tube. The mixture is introduced to a point below one end of the plate, then reverses flow along the heater and over the partition plate until it contacts a vertically extending, transverse corrugated baffle plate. The longitudinal flow of the mixture is reversed several times as it flows over the heater tube and against the crenulated baffle plate. Water separates from the oil, and gas moves to the top of the tank and is removed by a vertical pipe. In the opposite, second end of the tank, a T-shaped partition plate subassembly further separates oil and water, and directs each into a separate removal chamber defined within the tank.

Abstract: The invention is related to a fuel purifying apparatus, especially diesel fuel, which consists in a hollow cylindrical body that has a fuel intake orifice and an exit orifice through which the fuel, respectively, enters the apparatus to be purified, and leaves in the direction of the vehicle engine with increased purity properties; a fuel flow conduit in fluid communication with the intake orifice, solidly arranged on the inner wall of the cylindrical body and whose fuel discharge orifice is next to a metal deflector plate that extends diametrally and also substantially in a longitudinal manner, in the interior of the cylindrical body; and an electric heating element that partially penetrates the cylindrical body through an insertion orifice made in said body, the inner end of the heating element being near the deflector plate to heat it. In addition, the apparatus incorporates drainage elements for withdrawing from the apparatus the impurities separated out of the fuel.

Abstract: A grease/oil separator of the type primarily used in industry for the removal of grease/oil contaminants from water flowing from a restaurant or like business to the conventional sewer facilities and being of the type which includes a heater structure mounted within a receiving container. A heat conductive wing defines a heat sink and is secured to an under portion of a trough or receiving portion of a containment removal sump. The heat sink is dimensioned and configured to extend into submerged relation within the liquid reservoir of the receiving container and transfer heat, through conductivity therefrom to the heat sump so as to maintain the heat sump at a minimum predetermined temperature sufficient to prevent grease/oil contaminants from solidifying and clogging the removal sump.

Abstract: Water purification is performed in a simplified manner within a vessel having at least the lower portion thereof filled with a filtration media such as activated carbon. A spout is provided near the upper end. A filter media placed in the spout. The top of the vessel is closed with a cap which is vented to permit the escape of matter which is vaporized during the heating phase. The vessel preferably has a handle to aid in the dispensing of the purified water. The vessel is preferably formed of a material which is safe for use in microwave heating devices. A valve may be provided at the bottom of the vessel for dispensing purified water directly into a container such as a cooking vessel or beverage maker. In another embodiment the liquid is purified as it rises through the carbon in the container.

Abstract: A water separating apparatus for a fuel system comprises a reservoir and a heat exchanger disposed inside the reservoir. Through a heat exchange process, fuel flowing through the reservoir is heated to melt ice crystals in the fuel and to cause water contaminants in the fuel to precipitate from the fuel. The reservoir includes a coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet, and has a flat side for mounting onto a flat mounting surface. Coolant lines connect the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet to a source of fluid bearing waste heat. The heat exchanger includes at least one tube running between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet. The heat exchanger also includes an enclosure disposed so as to enclose a portion of the tube and define a pre-heat chamber. Openings in the enclosure provide communication between the fuel inlet and the pre-heat chamber, and between the pre-heat chamber and the fuel outlet.

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: Cold trap for the purification of liquid metals containing dissolved impurities comprises several independently operating cooling modules, so as to bring about the crystallization of impurities, a liquid metal supply pipe, a purified liquid metal discharge pipe and a series of filter assemblies arranged in a staggared manner and on which the impurities crystallize. The cold trap is particularly suitable for the purification of the molten sodium used in nuclear power stations.

Abstract: Small quantities of dirty oil used in industrial facilities, such as hydraulic fluid, lubricating oil and the like, are reclaimed by placing a batch of such fluid in a relatively small, vertically axised tank having an elongated, transversely arranged, low-temperature heater located a distance above the tank bottom. The heater causes the fluid to generally circulate upwardly and downwardly in closed loops within the tank portion above the heater so that foreign particles and water gravity-settle into the tank portion below the heater. Transversely arranged rows of permanent magnets located in the tank above the heater attract and immobilize magnetizable ferrous particles carried by the fluid. After a period of fluid circulation, the cleaned fluid located generally above the heater is pumped out of the tank for re-use.

Abstract: A waste water collection and discharge system includes a buried waste water collection container which receives solid and liquid waste through an inlet. A dry vault located outside the container has a closable entryway which permits access to the vault from above ground. A pump which fits in the vault has an inlet which receives waste water from a fluid inlet tube that extends into the collection container, and an outlet which passes waste water through a fluid outlet tube to a remote collection site. A level sensor senses the level of the waste water in the collection container and initiates and terminates operation of the pump to maintain the level within predetermined limits. The pump, motor, level sensor and motor control system are interconnected into a unitary module which can be placed into and removed from the vault from above.

Abstract: Water purification is performed in a simplified manner within a vessel having at least the lower porton thereof filled with a filtration media such as activated carbon. A spout is provided near the upper end. A filter media placed in the spout. The top of the vessel is closed with a cap which is vented to permit the escape of matter which is vaporized during the heating phase. The vessel preferably has a handle to aid in the dispensing of the purified water. The vessel is preferably formed of a material which is safe for use in microwave heating devices. A valve may be provided at the bottom of the vessel for dispensing purified water directly into a container such as a cooking vessel or beverage maker. In another embodiment the liquid is purified as it rises through the carbon in the container.

Abstract: A system is provided for purging contaminants from dry cleaning fluid used in a machine for dry cleaning clothing while concurrently decontaminating the filter cartridges through which the dry cleaning fluid is passed. The system is coupled in a recirculating loop to and from a machine for dry cleaning clothing. A plurality of filter cartridge housings are employed so that one filter cartridge housing can be selected and isolated from the dry cleaning machine, while the other filter housings remain in the recirculation loop. A portion of the dry cleaning fluid in the selected housing is vaporized within the filter housing while another portion is forced in liquid form through the filter cartridges in a direction opposite to the flow in the recirculation loop. This liquid portion is passed to a separate boiler for vaporization. The vaporized dry cleaning fluid from both the filter housing and the boiler is condensed and passed to a gravity separator, where water is separated from the dry cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A continuously flowing fluid is processed by being fed to the top of a hydraulic downdraft column (17) which is of a height such that the pressure at the bottom thereof will approximately be at the pressure necessary to create supercritical water conditions. The fluid is conducted to the bottom of the column (17) and received in a reaction chamber (21) in which the majority of the fluid is recirculated around an annular baffle plate (24). The material in the reaction chamber (21) is heated to a temperature above that necessary to create supercritical water conditions by an independent reaction taking place in a heating chamber (32). The result is that the fluid will undergo chemical reactions at the supercritical temperature and pressure range and will be of a lower specific gravity than the unprocessed fluid.

Abstract: A process of the type employing freezing and thawing of metal hydroxide sludge to effect phase separation by gravity settling of solids to permit removal of the purified water, and a preferred system for carrying out the process. Commercially available refrigeration equipment, suitably modified and adjusted to operate in the freezing of sludge in sheets and breaking the sheets into relatively small pieces, is utilized in order to minimize the costs of hardware end controls. The frozen sludge particles are deposited in a melt tank containing a quantity of sludge which has previously been frozen and thawed.

Abstract: A plant for treatment of sediment of natural and waste waters comprises a crystallizer (1), a melter (2), a condensing heat exchanger (4), a compression refrigerating unit (3) communicating with the crystallizer (1) and the melter (2) which is in communication with the sediment dehydration apparatus (5). The evaporator (8) of a crystallizer (1) has two cylinders (9). The plant comprises a refrigerant feed unit (13) and a refrigerant discharge unit (15), a planetary gear drive, a sediment application unit (17) and a sediment removal unit (19). The crystallizer (1) has a recirculation station (6). The sediment application unit (17) is made in the form of pour-on nozzles (18). Installed between the cylinders (9), at an angle to their walls with a clearance (.delta..sub.1, .delta..sub.2) are screens (12). The sediment removal unit (19) has at least two cutting tools (20) with flexible pick-ups.

Abstract: The apparatus provides for a housing mountable on a trailer for conducting the process in-situ. A pump withdraws substantially all hydrocarbon-contaminated matter from the oil waste pit and delivers it into a lower chamber formed in the housing, wherein the hydrocarbon-contaminated matter is separated from the heavy solid particles and heavy salt water. The hydrocarbon-containing mixture, after being separated in the lower housing is delivered into the upper chamber formed in the housing and heated to facilitate separation, by gravity, of hydrocarbons, water and fine particles into various layers for subsequent withdrawal from the housing. The process of withdrawal of the hydrocarbon-contaminated mixture continues until hydrocarbon content of the oil waste pit is reduced to such degree that the waste pit becomes substantially hydrocarbon-free and is environmentally safe.

Abstract: A heavy oil such as an atmospheric pressure residue, a reduced pressure residue of petroleum, etc. is heated to 400.degree. to 500.degree. C. to carry out polycondensation and provide a pitch containing mesophase microspheres. This pitch is once cooled to 200.degree. to 400.degree. C. and a turbulent flow is imparted thereto to cause agglomeration of the mesophase microspheres. The resulting agglomerates are separated to obtain a crystallizable material enriched with quinoline insolubles. Production of the crystallizable material is preferably conducted in a separation tank accommodating the lower part of a heating polycondensation reactor (6) and having a stirring device (12).

Abstract: Apparatus for anaerobic digestion of organic waste material comprises a container divided into three interconnected chambers situated one below the other, the upper chamber being an inlet chamber, the lower chamber being a mixing chamber and the intermediate chamber being a settlement chamber, the inlet chamber having an inlet for material to be treated, a duct from the inlet chamber down into the mixing chamber, at least one transfer duct from the mixing chamber up into the settlement chamber, the duct or ducts extending below the upper extent of that mixing chamber, a gas collection zone at the upper extent of the mixing chamber, at least one recirculation duct from the base of the settlement chamber down into the mixing chamber, a further gas collection zone in the upper extent of the settlement chamber and an outlet from the settlement chamber situated below the further gas collection zone.

Abstract: Exhaust heat from engines used in oil field operations can be utilized to (1) at least partially separate a water-containing wellstream fluid into a progressively enlarged hydrocarbon phase which floats on the remainder of the wellstream fluid and/or on a water phase and (2) vaporize lighter fractions of the hydrocarbon phase for use as fuels for such engines. The level of the wellstream fluid in the separation vessel and the depth of the hydrocarbon phase which forms a top of the remainder of the wellstream fluid and/or water phase are automatically adjusted so that a heater tube which directs exhaust heat through the separation vessel is predominantely in contact with the hydrocarbon phase. The lighter hydrocarbon vapors thus produced are collected and, preferably, superheated prior to being used as fuels.

Abstract: Cold trap apparatus for the purification of liquid metal such as sodium comprises a cooled vessel (20) within which a number of concentric cylinders (23) are located such that the liquid metal flow takes place downwardly in the gap between the vessel (20) and the outermost cylinder (23) and upwardly along the gaps between the cylinders (23). The cylinders (23) present extended surfaces across which the liquid metal flows with deposition of solute (24) along such surfaces. The surfaces of the cylinders (23) may be of a roughened nature with respect to the liquid metal flow, e.g. they may be covered with a single layer mesh (21).