Abstract: A continuous Liquid-Solids Circulating Fluidized Bed (LSCFB) preferably for use as an ion exchanger consists of two fluidized bed columns, a fluidized bed adsorber (downer) operating in conventional fluidized bed mode for adsorption of ions of interest and a fluidized bed riser for desorption of ions (operating as a riser fluidized bed) to provide regenerated particles. Ion exchange particles circulate continuously between the riser and the downer i.e. the particles that have adsorbed ions in the absorber pass from the adsorber (downer) to the desorber where they are regenerated and the so regenerated particles are return to the adsorber near the top of the adsorber column. The LSCFB can be used in processes for continuous recovery of the ions of interest.

Abstract: An ion chromatography system having a suppressor means which is provided with a main body for accommodating an ion exchanger ready for measuring; a chamber for accommodating a virgin ion exchanger, and an automatic exchanging means which discharges a used ion exchanger from the main body after an optional number of times of measurement and supplies the ion exchanger accommodated in the chamber to the main body. The ion chromatography system can measure a slight amount of ion species in a sample at a high sensitivity by conducting continuously a large number of times of measurement while the discharge of waste liquid can be minimized without causing a reduction of suppressing effect and a reduction of resolution performance of a desired ion species.

Abstract: A liquid filtering apparatus is placed in a vessel having a bed of filtration material and an intake for introducing unfiltered liquid, that includes a washbox, an airlifting tube extending from the washbox and including an intake end and means for introducing a primary gas to the airlifting tube, the airlifting tube passing through a central pipe, which extends from just below the washbox to a position just above the intake end. At least one screen cartridge is oriented in a generally angular downward direction in the bed and is in communication with an effluent chamber defined in part by the outer surface of the central pipe. A reject line extends from the washbox, and an effluent collector extends from the effluent chamber. A method of filtering and cleaning the filtration material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid filtering apparatus is placed in a vessel having a bed of filtration material and an intake for introducing unfiltered liquid, that includes a washbox, an airlifting tube extending from the washbox and including an intake end and means for introducing a primary gas to the airlifting tube, the airlifting tube passing through a central pipe, which extends from just below the washbox to a position just above the intake end. At least one screen cartridge is oriented in a generally angular downward direction in the bed and is in communication with an effluent chamber defined in part by the outer surface of the central pipe. A reject line extends from the washbox, and an effluent collector extends from the effluent chamber. A method of filtering and cleaning the filtration material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid filtering apparatus is placed in a vessel having a bed of filtration material and an intake for introducing unfiltered liquid, that includes a washbox, an airlifting tube extending from the washbox and including an intake end and means for introducing a primary gas to the airlifting tube, the airlifting tube passing through a central pipe, which extends from just below the washbox to a position just above the intake end. At least one screen cartridge is oriented in a generally angular downward direction in the bed and is in communication with an effluent chamber defined in part by the outer surface of the central pipe. A reject line extends from the washbox, and an effluent collector extends from the effluent chamber. A method of filtering and cleaning the filtration material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for separating oily films from sand particles carried in a solvent free water stream includes the use of a jet pump scrubber in a density classification tank to treat such oily coated particles at controlled operating temperatures above 65° C. whereby, at such controlled temperature, enhanced cavitation in the jet pump separates the oily film from the sand particles to form slop oil, the tank providing for recirculation of the particles through the jet pump before discharge.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating the heavy hydrogen isotope content of the contaminated water by contacting the contaminated water with a molecular separation material including a support medium carrying a plurality of hydration sites having associated waters of hydration, whereby a portion of the waters of hydration are replaced with heavy hydrogen isotope water molecules from the contaminated water. The hydrogen isotope water molecule content of the contaminated water is thus decreased. The molecular separation material is preferably a polymer, such as a polystyrene/divinyl benzene cross-linked polymer, having hydration sites with associated waters of hydration. Preferred hydration sites are obtained by reacting the polymer, which has been sulfonated or phosphonated to create reactive sites, with a salt of, for example, aluminum, sodium, magnesium, copper, zinc, cobalt, iron, nickel, manganese, potassium and chromium.

Abstract: An improved vertical filtration unit which includes an airlift and a washbox designed for more efficient washing of dirt particles from the filtration material. The washbox consists of a filter media shield, and a washbox skirt for washing of the filtration material. A throttling valve on the wash water discharge line regulates the overall cleaning rate of the unit. The filtered liquid is discharged via a riser pipe which feeds into a filtered liquid box before exiting the filtration unit.

Abstract: A filter apparatus removes foreign substances contained in raw water by passing the raw water through a filter layer (8) made up of a particulate filter medium disposed in a filter tank (1).

Abstract: A filter comprises a main tank and at least two separate beds of particulate filter media contained in respective conical recipients integrated within the main tank so as to minimize the overall height and weight of the filter. A transport pipe is provided for each conical recipient in order to transport dirty filter media therefrom to a washing device in which the dirty filter media is washed as it flows downwardly in counter-current with a wash liquid. A filter media return pipe is provided for each conical recipient in order to return the cleaned filter media therein. The provision of multiple transport pipes and return pipes ensures efficient distribution of the filter media within the filter.

Abstract: A radial flow fluidized unit (RFFU) (250) employing non-bonded media particles (56) for removing impurities from an influent, that can be backwashed and/or regenerated by fluidizing the media particles (56) to free the impurities therefrom. During a fluidization operation a fluid applies a drag force on a section of the media particles (56) within a volume of the unit where the media co-acts with the influent: (Volume 1). The drag force transports the media particles (56) into a second volume (Volume 2) for fluidization. Under normal conditions the top portion of the unit contains the packed media (56) where the influent co-acts with the media (56) (Volume 1). The RFFU (250) can also operate in the reverse where the bottom or opposite end contains the packed media (56) for co-acting with the influent.

Abstract: An improved water softening process is provided which also reduces anion content. A first stream of water is passed through an anion-exchange unit to remove undesirable anions and raise the pH. The first stream of water is then provided to reactor/clarifier water softening equipment, where it acts as a source of hydroxyl ions. Preferably a second stream of water which did not pass through an anion-exchange unit is also provided to the water softening equipment. The streams of water are combined and processed through the softening equipment, where hardness ions are precipitated out, yielding softened water with reduced anion content. The anion-exchange system utilized preferably has a counter-current continuous resin train and a counter-current continuous resin regeneration unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for contacting solids and fluids are provided, where the fluids are allowed to traverse a downward path through a plurality of vertically arranged chambers in which said solids are located. The solids may be transferred upwardly through the chambers to assure optimal contact between the solids and the fluids. The transfer of the solids may be accomplished by fluidizing the solids and transporting them in a carrier fluid in a fluid flow loop. At the desired transfer location, the solids are prevented from completing passage through the fluid loop.

Abstract: A continuous filter device for liquids has a filter chamber that receives a granular bulk material forming a filter bed. The filter chamber has rectangular inner-walls with a liquid-permeable inlet side and a liquid-permeable outlet side positioned opposite the inlet side. A liquid-impermeable outer wall is positioned at the inlet side and forms together with the inlet side an inlet chamber. The inlet side has openings allowing flow of a liquid to be filtered from the inlet chamber into the filter chamber. A liquid-impermeable outer mantle is positioned at the outlet side and forms together with the outlet side a filtrate collection chamber. The outlet side has openings allowing filtrate flow from the filter chamber into the filtrate collection chamber. A cone-shaped removal chamber is connected to a lower end of the filter chamber. A flow discharge chamber is connected to an upper end of the filter chamber.

Abstract: A filter with a horizontally fed filter chamber having loose bulk material as the filter medium has a wall on the upstream side and downstream side to hold back the loose bulk material in the filter chamber. The filter chamber includes a compressed air-lift pump disposed inside of the filter chamber for pumping the loose bulk material from a bottom area of the filter chamber, through a bottom lifter connected with a stand pipe to an upper rinse chamber, and a hopper disposed at a bottom of the filter chamber having entrance slots and surrounded by a chamber that is provided with a rinse water inlet tube connected to a raw water chamber.

Abstract: A filter media washing system for washing contaminants from filter media of a plurality of filtration vessels. Each filtration vessel has a filtration screen subdividing the filtration vessel into a filter media containing chamber and a filter media-free chamber. Each filter media containing chamber of each filtration vessel has a first fluid passage connected thereto and is located distally from the filtration screen. A second fluid passage is also positioned in each filter media containing chamber, but it is located proximate to the filtration screen. The first and second fluid passages are fluidly coupled, one to the other with a decontamination unit located fluidly therebetween for separating filter media from contamination carried therewith. The decontamination unit includes a contamination separating pump, a contamination separating chamber, a contamination separating screen and a return manifold. The return manifold has a first and second return conduit.

Abstract: A separator for use with a fluidized-bed bioreactor. A lift draws a slurry of liquid, media and biomass from the fluidized bed. A biomass discharge is connected to the lift and located above the height of the fluidized bed for discharging excess biomass. A media discharge, also connected to the lift, discharges media from the slurry and returns the media to the fluidized bed.

Abstract: A water treating apparatus is provided which can treat waste water for use as raw water in an ultrapure water producing system without addition of various kinds of chemicals. The apparatus includes a first water tank for receiving acid waste water, a second water tank for subjecting the waste water from the first water tank to solid-liquid separation and discharging supernatant liquid, an ion exchange tank including ion exchange resin and an aeration tube for generating treated water through a membrane filter, a precipitation tank for settling ion exchange resin, an air lift pump for introducing ion exchange resin from the precipitation tank into the first water tank, and a return air lift pump for returning ion exchange resin from the second water tank to the ion exchange tank. The ion exchange resin acts to exchange ions with fluorine ions of treated water in the ion exchange tank and is regenerated by acid waste water in the first water tank.

Abstract: In the biological purification of sewage water or drinking water, it is known to purify the water in a filter bed of granular filter medium, wherein the filter medium is transported from the bottom of the bed to its upper side with the aid of air, so as to obtain a continuously working filter. It is suggested in accordance with the invention that the amount of filter medium to be transported is divided into two or more parts which are transported in parallel, so as to prevent the flow conditions in the transport tube having a negative effect on the reactivity of the filter bed by decreasing the bacteria strain.

Abstract: A suspension is delivered to a filter bed comprised of granular filter medium in a continuously working filter at the lower part of the bed and is then permitted to flow upwards through the bed. With the intention of optimizing the capacity of the filter, the suspension is now guided into a central region of the bed. The suspension is divided from this region into at least two specific proportional quantities which are each led from the filter bed in a respective ring-shaped pattern at mutually different heights in relation to the extension of the bed, these ring-shaped patterns having different diameters and each being adapted to the extension of the filter medium in the direction of the diameter.

Abstract: A separator is provided for use with a fluidized-bed bioreactor. A lift draws a slurry of liquid, media and biomass from the fluidized bed. A biomass discharge is connected to the lift for discharging excess biomass. A media discharge, also connected to the lift, discharges media from the slurry and returns the media to the fluidized bed by means of a media return assembly.

Abstract: A continuous sand filter has a tank provided therein with a first separation container and a second separation container. The continuous filtration of the waste water is carried out in the first separation container and the second separation container. The first separation container is provided with an arresting piece capable of enhancing the filtration effect. The light and the heavy impurities are treated separately in the first separation container. The further filtration process is carried out continuously in the second separation container.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously separating ion exchange resin particles with upwardly flowing carrier fluid. The apparatus includes a first vertically oriented separation vessel and a first collection vessel for receiving the first fraction of resin particles from the upper zone of the first separation vessel. A first rejuvenation tank is connected to the first collection vessel for receiving the first fraction of resin particles from the first collection vessel. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes a second vertically oriented separation vessel and a second collection vessel for receiving the first sub-fraction of the second fraction of resin particles from the upper zone of the second separation vessel.

Abstract: A water treating apparatus is provided which can treat waste water for use as raw water in an ultrapure water producing system without addition of various kinds of chemicals. The apparatus includes a first water tank for receiving acid waste water, a second water tank for subjecting the waste water from the first water tank to solid-liquid separation and discharging supernatant liquid, an ion exchange tank including ion exchange resin and an aeration tube for generating treated water through a membrane filter, a precipitation tank for settling ion exchange resin, an air lift pump for introducing ion exchange resin from the precipitation tank into the first water tank, and a return air lift pump for returning ion exchange resin from the second water tank to the ion exchange tank. The ion exchange resin acts to exchange ions with fluorine ions of treated water in the ion exchange tank and is regenerated by acid waste water in the first water tank.

Abstract: It is possible to filter a suspension or emulsion in a filter bed of particulate filter medium by allowing the suspension to flow upwards through the filter bed simultaneously as the medium flows downwards through a filtering tank wherein filtration takes place. Filtration thus takes place during counterflow between suspension and filter medium. The supply of suspension takes place in the lower part of the filter bed and the filtered liquid phase is taken away from a zone above the filter bed. The polluted filter medium close to the bottom of the filter tank is taken out for conveyance to a washing apparatus above the filter bed and after washing is returned to the upper side of the filter bed. For providing a filter which has a considerably lower construction height for a given and unchanged volume of the filter medium, the washing apparatus is lowered so that its lower part is at a level below the upper surface of the filter bed.

Abstract: A filtering process for and apparatus separating air bubbles and granular filter medium from a filtrate contaminated by the filter medium and bubbles when passing through a filter bed formed by the filter medium for treatment of a suspension or liquid solution, a gas being passed through the filter medium in contact therewith, includes providing a treated filtrate zone (3) above the filter bed (2), collecting the treated filtrate in the filtrate zone, conducting granular filter medium from the filter bed (2) upwardly through a conveying pipe (4) to a position above the filter bed and thereafter downwardly through a washing apparatus (5) from which the filter medium is precipitated onto a plate (11) above the filter bed.

Abstract: An improved vertical filtration unit includes a bell-shaped lower end for the air-lift tube, an injection ring for introducing air into the air-lift tube at a considerable volume, and a washbox with a more efficient scrubbing arrangement for washing dirt particles from the filtration material. The bell-shaped lower end makes the transporting of a mixture of dirty filtration material and water to the top of the filtration unit more efficient than with the conventional straight tube bottom. The tube receives compressed air from two horizontally positioned inlets positioned 180.degree. from each other. The flat and round target plate makes the scrubbing of filtration material more efficient, while a baffle prevents the filtration material from being ejected from the washbox.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel continuous ion exchange apparatus capable of performing both ion exchange treatment and regeneration treatment within a single column by the use of ion exchange resin(s) whose ion exchange abilities can be regenerated by acid or alkali.

Abstract: A biological purification process, a secondary treatment of partially cleaned waste water for example, is carried out in a porous bed of loose granules which float in the liquid. The granules are continuously washed to remove coagulated impurities by means of a small quantity thereof being entrained from the top of the bed in a small volumn flow of the effluent of the process, mixed with the inflowing impure liquid and then returned to the bottom of the bed. Excess reaction gas may also be delivered to the bed via the inflowing liquid and unreacted gas collected for reuse.

Abstract: A filter system (110) includes a tank (130) with a conveyer (140) for, preferably continuously, conveying filter media (11) from a filter zone (119) in the tank (130) where the filter media (11) traps predetermined matter (16), such as particulates, to a quiet zone (115) in the tank (130) where the predetermined matter (16) separates from the filter media (11) and is allowed to accumulate and be withdrawn from the tank (130). The conveyer (140) preferably includes a screw auger (141) and a duct (142) for containing the screw auger (141). The filter media (11) is preferably buoyant when the fluid (21) being filtered is water.

Abstract: A filter apparatus of the dynamic mass granular filter type, for filtering contaminants from a liquid includes a vessel which contains a first chamber, a second chamber and a conduit pipe which connects the two chambers. The first chamber includes a sump defined by vertical walls and a flat bottom, and supports a dynamic filter bed of granular filter material. The second chamber receives a portion of the mass of granular filter material drawn from the filter bed in the sump and a portion of the liquid, in a flow of liquid through the conduit pipe and cleans and returns the portion of the mass of granular material to the dynamic filter bed through an opening in the second chamber, the size of which is adjustable from a position remote from the vessel. A filtrate recovery chamber, positioned within the dynamic filter bed, has perforated side walls for passing filtrate into the recovery chamber. The side walls are parallel with the movement of the filter materials passing the filtrate recovery chamber.

Abstract: A deep bed filter system comprising a plurality of filter media beds, each having a respective media regeneration sub-system that includes some components associated with an individual filter bed and other components that are shared with all filter beds in the system, thereby improving the utilization of available space and lowering the materials and labor costs relative to known systems. A central column extends upwardly along the axis through the upper and lower portions of the vessel, thereby defining an annular volume extending substantially from the bottom of the vessel through the upper and lower portions. A plurality of distinct tubes extend through the central column, with each tube having a lower, intake end situated at the bottom for drawing dirtied filter media from the lower portion of the vessel into the column and transporting the drawn media upwardly through the column to a second discharge end at an elevation above the filtrate level of the filtrate region.

Abstract: A filter apparatus of the dynamic mass granular filter type, for filtering contaminants from a liquid includes a vessel which contains a first chamber, a second chamber and a conduit pipe which connects the two chambers. The first chamber includes a sump defined by vertical walls and a flat bottom, and supports a dynamic filter bed of granular filter material. The second chamber receives a portion of the mass of granular filter material drawn from the filter bed in the sump and a portion of the liquid, in a flow of liquid through the conduit pipe and cleans and returns the portion of the mass of granular material to the dynamic filter bed through an opening in the second chamber, the size of which is adjustable from a position remote from the vessel. A filtrate recovery chamber, positioned within the dynamic filter bed, has perforated side walls for passing filtrate into the recovery chamber. The side walls are parallel with the movement of the filter materials passing the filtrate recovery chamber.

Abstract: A moving bed filter in which the liquid to be filtered is introduced into an internal chamber centrally disposed in the filter bed. The liquid flows through the filter bed to filtration nozzles which are disposed near the outer periphery of the filter bed. A portion of the filter bed media is continuously removed from a recessed chamber below the floor of the filter bed, transported by gas lift through a lift conduit to a washbox located above the filter bed, and cleaned by a countercurrent flow of the filtrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are a process and apparatus for effecting chemical and/or physical reactions by means of solid-gas contact. The apparatus has a shaftlike reaction chamber widening in upward direction and divided into compartments by means of horizontal grids. The process is performed by introducing a particulate solid of about 0.5 to 5 millimeters particle size into the reaction chamber and passing a gas stream in upward direction through that chamber at an output sufficient to keep the particles in floating condition. A floating bed of solid particles will be formed in the reactors then and excellent solid-gas contact suitable for affecting chemical and physical reactions is provided hereby. A special embodiment relates to the removal of nitrogen oxides from flue gases with the aid of a particulate catalyst.

Abstract: A filtration device 5 is provided in the state being submerged in slurry comprising adsorbent component stored in a reaction tank 1. The filtration device 5 incorporates a plurality of filtering-membrane elements 8 each comprising a filtering membrane 10 having less than 0.1 .mu.m of through-hole diameter. These filtering-membrane elements 8 are vertically disposed in parallel with each other at predetermined intervals between surfaces of adjoining filtering membranes 10. A suction pump 14 is provided by way of linkage with the filtering-membrane elements 8 via a suction tube 13 for sucking processed liquid. A gas-dispersing device 16 is disposed below the filtering-membrane elements 8. A blower 18 is provided in linkage with the gas-dispersing device 16 via a blowing duct 17. An adsorbent regeneration apparatus 21 and an adsorbent feeding pump 22 are respectively interposed on the halfway of an adsorbent circulation duct 20.

Abstract: A deep bed upflow filter (10) for removing suspended solids from an influent stream to provide a clean filtrate, comprising an upright vessel (12) having a vertical axis (14), top and bottom ends (16,18) and contiguous upper (20), lower (22), and intermediate (24) regions between the ends. The upper region contains filtrate (26) up to a first elevation (28) and an outlet (30) for drawing the filtrate out of the vessel. The intermediate region contains particulate filter media (32) for removing the suspended solids from influent moving upwardly through the media as the media, dirtied with solids, moves downwardly into the lower region. The lower region is generally tapered (36) inwardly toward the vessel bottom and contains dirty media (34) that has moved downwardly from the intermediate region. Influent is introduced (44) between the intermediate and lower regions, and the dirty media is collected (46) at the bottom and transported (50) to a regenerative washing compartment (52).

Abstract: A chromatography column having a media supply and product/buffer inlet assembly positioned at the inlet of a dispersion section at the top of the column and an outlet assembly positioned at the collection section at the bottom of the column for receiving and discharging product components and buffer liquid and for discharging liquefied spent media. The media and product inlet assembly includes a housing having a product and buffer inlet passage including a selectively movable media supply nozzle extending through the housing. The nozzle may be positioned through the dispersion section into the column housing for spraying media in the form of a slurry into the column housing, and may be withdrawn after the media bed is packed. The collection section of the column includes a hollow rod extending through a discharge conduit through which spent media may flow. The rod has a probe at the upper end for entering into the column, a point at the end of the probe being adapted to puncture and chip spent hardened media.

Abstract: A relatively simple and more economical method for regenerating activated carbon wherein at least partially spent activated carbon is fed from a portable container directly to a heating zone without the use of liquid to transport the at least partially spent activated carbon to the heating zone. A portable container for use in the activated carbon regeneration method can be used to hold the activated carbon during adsorption processes, during storage of the activated carbon, and during transportation of the activated carbon between an adsorption site and a regeneration site. In the activated carbon regeneration method, the portable container is preferably positioned adjacent a conveyor so that the spent activated carbon can be delivered directly to the conveyor with an auger. The spent activated carbon is then fed directly to the heating zone with the conveyor.

Abstract: An elongated column of ice crystals is effectively used as a filtration medium for separating the flavor and color components from a juice in connection with an overall concentration process. Juice is fed into the top of the column and flows down through the ice crystal bed. Simultaneously, ice crystals are introduced into the column from the bottom in a countercurrent manner. Substantially all of the flavor and color components of the juice will become trapped by the ice crystals. After the juice has traversed the length of the column, the filtrate is easily and inexpensively concentrated to increase its Brix by evaporation. Flavor and color components are recovered from the ice crystals using a wash column. The flavor components are combined with the concentrated serum to yield a final concentrated juice product.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes a vertical column of filter media contained in and defined by a liquid-impervious vessel. A filtrate collection chamber is fixedly and centrally located in the media column. The collection chamber has liquid impervious top and sidewalls and an open bottom, whereby liquid to be filtered and introduced through a feed pipe at the top of the media column passes downward through the media column past the collection chamber and then upward into the collection chamber, is removed through a filtrate collection pipe. The apparatus may include equipment for continuously washing and recycling the filter media, and auxiliary alternatives for increasing the efficiency of the apparatus. Also included is the novel method for practicing the invention, particularly with the novel apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for removal of a desired material from a liquid is described, in which the liquid is cycled through a plurality of liquid treatment containers in a first direction and brought into countercurrent contact with a medium for recovery of the desired material cycled through the treatment containers in a second, opposite direction. After treatment of the liquid, the medium is advantageously regenerated in a plurality of medium regeneration containers. The used medium is cycled through a plurality of medium regeneration containers in a first direction and brought into countercurrent contact with a medium regeneration liquid cycled through the regeneration containers in a second, opposite direction.

Abstract: A chromatography system comprises a chromatography column 1 consisting of a column tube 7 having end flanges 19 and 27 at its lower and upper ends, supporting an upper end cap 3 carrying a piston rod 9 and a piston 11. The system further comprises a container 20 for the separation media used in the chromatography column, this container having a neck ring 24 of injection moulded construction with a mouth end of a bag 22 embedded therein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a lining of a pulsed column which allows for an extended exchange of the solid phase with the liquid phase. The lining is composed of stacked baskets and rings, the baskets having a perforate bottom and the rings having a central hole. The size of the perforations in the baskets are such that the solid phase is retained therein while the central hole in the rings allows the solid phase to pass therethrough and go on to the next lower basket. The inside of the column is subjected to high frequency, low energy pulsations which move the liquid and solid phase in a back-and-forth manner. Additionally, the inside of the column is subjected to extremely low frequency, high energy pulsations so as to remove one portion of the solid phase located in a basket and cause it to go down towards a next lower basket.

Abstract: Sorbable ions are removed from aqueous compositions by the use of an apparatus and method which permits the aqueous composition to flow in an uninterrupted or continuous manner. Included is a resin cycling contactor assembly which continuously accepts the flow of aqueous composition and which turbulently contacts it in a generally co-current elongated contactor path during which ions are removed from the aqueous composition and sorbed to the resin. The resin cycles within the resin cycling contactor assembly until a selected degree of resin contamination is achieved, at which time a predetermined portion of the resin is removed from the resin cycling contactor assembly and replaced by regenerated resin. The resin is regenerated within a regenerator assembly which accomplishes regeneration by counter-current flow of liquids through a packed resin bed.

Abstract: A filtering system includes a filter vessel containing a movable granular media bed, a feed stream inlet port for flowing a liquid-solid stream through the bed for filtration, a dirtied media outlet and a cleaned effluent outlet. A vertical cleaning section in either a separate stand-alone washing section vessel or in a washing section within the filter vessle, includes a wash path in which a washing liquid typically a portion of the cleaned effluent washes contaminants from the dirtied media resultant from filtration of the feed stream. The resultant contaminants-containing wash water is pumped to waste but a sidestream thereof is recycled at least in part to the filter vessle to a location in the vessel between the feed stream inlet port and the dirtied media outlet so that the liquid ordinarily transported with the dirty media at the bottom of the filter is replaced, at least in part with the recycle liquid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuous separation and optional recovery of one or more contaminants from a liquid, and in particular, for isolation of one or more specific elements, isotopes, ions, complexes and/or compounds from mixtures of similar or dissimilar materials, whereby the liquid containing such mixture is treated continuously, and the thus-isolated material may if desired be economically recovered. Through the use of means for continuously moving an affinity medium in a direction countercurrent to the flow of a liquid containing the material to be isolated, it is possible to obtain contaminant removal efficiencies comparable or superior to what would be obtained with heretofore known methods, and to achieve selective removal of one or more contaminants from a mixture. The affinity medium is selected on the basis of its ability to form an association with one or more of the components of the mixture being treated.

Abstract: A sand filter is provided where dirtied filter media, generally sand, is continuously withdrawn from the filter container and lifted to the top of a juxtaposed separate wash vessel outside the container. The dirty media cascades in zig-zag fashion across and down a series of vertically spaced inclined baffles in the wash vessel extending alternately from opposite sides of the vessel so that a thin, relatively wide media stream falls from one baffle down to the next. A wash liquid, normally clean filtrate from the sand filter container, enters an inlet port adjacent to the bottom of the wash vessel and due to the coaction of the spaced baffles forms vertically-oriented circular flow patterns or vortices in alternative clockwise and counter clockwise directions so that portions of the wash liquid flow are directed to flow along with and in the same direction i.e. co-current flow, as the downwardly progressing and cascading media stream falling from one baffle member to the next baffle member.

Abstract: A liquid/solid contacting column and method of operating same is provided. The column is of the type in which a vertical series of stages is defined by vertically spaced perforated plates or trays which allow for forward flow up the column during which solid adsorbent in a fluidized state is contacted by liquid flowing up the column, and flow of solid adsorbent and liquid down the column during a reverse flow part of the operating cycle. The column is provided with outlet means in the form of one or more ports or ducts for a stream of liquid and solid adsorbent from the space above the lowermost plate or tray and wherein such outlet means is located at a predetermined height above said lowermost plate or tray.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling a wellbore in the earth from a location in a body of water wherein the drilling operation generates a substantial amount of a mixture of solid drilling cuttings, water, and at least one hydrocarbonaceous oil, wherein the water and oil are removed from the solid drilling cuttings so that the cuttings are put into a condition in which they can be disposed of in the body of water or elsewhere without adverse effects.