Abstract: A water management system removes water vapor from the analyte slug that is desorbed from the trap. The water management system includes a device having a passage through which the volatile organic chemicals and water pass, the passage being designed to remove water vapor by swirling action on the stream. The amount of water removed is more than can be accounted for by simple condensation. The invention also includes the adjustment of the temperature of the water management device during the sample concentration cycle to prevent undesired condensation prior to desorption.

Abstract: A device and a related method are provided for reclaiming or recovering dry cleaning solvent from otherwise disposable fluid contained within a separator or other suitable receptacle of a dry cleaning machine. The device includes an evaporator and a fluid transfer mechanism for transporting fluid evaporated by the evaporator through a filter that removes substantially all of the solvent present within the evaporated fluid. Alternatively, a filter can be interposed between the separator or other suitable receptacle and the evaporator so that solvent is filtered before reaching the evaporator. Consequently, the device substantially reclaims or recovers dry cleaning solvent that may still be present within the fluid that is to be otherwise disposed of from the separator or other suitable receptacle.

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 chlorinator employing a vertically tiered arrangement wherein a chassis unit vertically and removably mounts on a lower sodium chamber and contains a cone-shaped structure which depends into the lower chamber and disposes an attached membrane and cathode at angles to the horizontal within said lower chamber. The chassis unit further includes an attached anode within the conical surface, and integral handles and electrical interconnection points. The chassis is rigidly attached to an upper pipe section with which a lid slidably interfits.

Abstract: A regenerating control system for liquid conditioners includes ball valves positioned and sized so that they do not cause any flow restriction during the normal operation of the conditioner. The valves are operated by low voltage D.C. motors which require power only while moving the valves from one position to another position. An electronics control system and timer control the operation of the valves and require very small amounts of power. Consequently, a battery backup system can operate for extended periods of time when a commercial power outage occurs. A two-piece housing assembly provides improved seals for sealing between the two housing halves and between the housing assembly and the valve.

Abstract: A central control valve arrangement for a water treatment system. The central control valve arrangement includes two independently positionable four-way ball valves and at least one of the balls of the ball valve serving as valve body includes with two L-shaped boreholes so that a multitude of couplings between the connections of the ball valves is possible.

Abstract: A water treatment system including a pair of tank assemblies 110, 112 interconnected by a valve module 114 for controlling the communication of water to be treated to an on-line tank and the regeneration of an exhausted tank. Each tank assembly includes a compartment containing a water softening resin 125 and a compartment centering an iron filter media. The valve module is connected to a regeneration solution reservoir 150 by brine conduits 164, 220. A pumping assembly 192 automatically transfers a predetermined amount of a supplemental regenerant fluid from a well 168 into the regeneration solution reservoir at the conclusion of a regeneration cycle. The pumping assembly includes upper and lower chambers 194a, 196a communicating with the supplemental regenerant fluid reservoir 168 and brine supply conduits 164, 220 respectively.

Abstract: A water softening apparatus and method for reducing odor in, and improving the taste of, problem water, including a pair of treatment tanks and a control valve assembly for determining which tank is on-line, and which tank is off-line, and for controlling the regeneration of the off-line tank. An exhausted tank is taken off-line and partially regenerated by communicating a regeneration solution from a reservoir to the tank and passing the solution through a resin compartment after which the solution is discharged to drain. After a predetermined quantity of regeneration solution is passed through the tank, the resin compartment is slowly rinsed using treated water from the on-line tank. Prior to fully rinsing the off-line tank, the fluid flow is terminated leaving a diluted regeneration solution in the off-line tank thereby keeping the off-line tank in a "high solids" condition.

Abstract: A water treatment system including a pair of tank assemblies 110, 112 interconnected by a valve module 114 for controlling the communication of water to be treated to an on-line tank and the regeneration of an exhausted tank. Each tank assembly includes a compartment containing a water softening resing 125 and a compartment centering an iron filter media. The valve module is connected to a regeneration solution reservoir 150 by brine conduits 164, 220. A pumping assembly 192 automatically transfers a predetermined amount of a supplemental regenerant fluid from a well 168 into the regeneration solution reservoir at the conclusion of a regeneration cycle. The pumping assembly includes upper and lower chambers 194a, 196a communicating with the supplemental regenerant fluid reservoir 168 and brine supply conduits 164, 220 respectively.

Abstract: A method for separating a starting fluid containing at least one component which is easy to adsorb and at least one component which is hard to adsorb into the respective components by the use of an adsorption separator which comprises a packed bed where an adsorbent for such components is packed and a fluid passage connecting the front and rear ends of said packed bed so that the fluid is able to be circulated, the method comprising the first step of feeding the starting fluid to an intermediate portion of the packed bed while withdrawing from the separator a fluid rich with either of the components in an amount equal to the feed of the starting fluid from a position downstream of the feed port, the second step of stopping the feed of the fluid to and the withdrawal of the fluid from the separator and moving the fluid remaining in the separator toward the downward direction, and the third step of feeding a desorbent fluid to the separator and simultaneously withdrawing from the separator a fluid rich with eit

Abstract: A water softener control includes a cell of sampling resin which received periodic samples of water which has passed through a major portion of the softening bed. The sampling resin changes volume when it becomes exhausted and the change in volume is employed to initiate regeneration of the softening bed. At the start of the regeneration cycle, regenerative fluid is delivered directly to the sampling resin as well as to the softening bed. The delivery to the sampling resin is through a control valve which is piloted by pressures at a venturi injector which is used to withdraw regenerative fluid from a brine tank. A vacuum operated control valve which is responsive to the closing of an air check valve in the connection between the injector and the brine tank may be employed to positively close the connection from the sampling cell to the injector when the supply of regenerative fluid is exhausted.

Abstract: Ion exchange medium in a water softening system is regenerated cyclically, in response to both a preset timer and a metering device responsive to the degree of hardness of the untreated water and the degree of exhaustion of the ion exchange medium, by slowly feeding regenerating medium, prepared during the softening phase by the metering device, counter current to flow during softening at a rate so as not to disturb the exchange medium and to prevent substantial mixing of the regenerating medium with the water being displaced.

Abstract: A water conditioning system is provided with an improved resin regeneration arrangement. Included in this system is a flow control valve associated with a brine injector mechanism which provides for a very slow rinse of the treatment resin at the end of the brine draw cycle. This provides for greater interaction between brine and resin and, therefore, more efficient and economical use of salt. The flow control valve utilizes a floating ball and a notched seat to permit substantially unrestricted flow when the ball is floating and brine is being supplied to treatment tank and greatly restricted flow when the ball is seated and untreated water is being used to rinse the brine from the treatment tank.

Abstract: A dual tank storage system is provided having a first generally cylindrical upstanding tank adapted to be positioned either adjacent to or within a second tank of larger diameter. The tanks are in fluid connection and are useful in systems requiring the segregated storage of two fluids until the fluids are mixed and used or in systems where a stored fluid is required periodically to regenerate the contents of another container. A cover is also provided which fits completely over the first tank, when the first tank is positioned within the second tank, and forms a seal with the upper rim of the second tank.

Abstract: Regeneration of an ion exchanger in a dishwasher, in which fresh water for regeneration passes through an airbreak receiving jet into a fresh water supply container which dispenses a preselected variable quantity of water by gravity for regeneration into a salt container, displacing salt solution from the salt container into the ion exchanger, thereby providing rapid collection of the water quantity necessary for ion exchanger regeneration, independent of the water supply pressure. The container is of a flat rectangular configuration and is mounted in the vent aperture of the dishwasher tub. A control valve, accessible through said aperture, controls the quantity of regeneration water dispensed.

Abstract: A dispenser for an aqueous solution of a chemical, such as potassium permanganate, that should be confined at all times encloses the chemical in a lightweight disposable jar. The dispenser is actuated by a valve that has a relatively large float on one end of a stem and a diaphragm at the other end of such stem. It is not necessary for the user of the chemical to ever remove it from the container in which it is sold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for the feeding and drainage of a column or a treatment station such as a demineralization station.The device includes a centralized distribution valve mounted on top of the column; which is equipped with at least three inner chambers having movable pistons adapted to connect various ports which the valve contains. The valve is connected with driving means, e.g., a hydraulic dispenser adapted to generate the shifting of the movable pistons for the purpose of positioning them in several specific positions.The device of the invention can especially be used in conjunction with demineralization columns containing ion exchanging resins. The device makes it possible to initiate and progress through the various operating phases or modes either automatically or semi-automatically.

Abstract: A countercurrent liquid-solid contacting apparatus comprises a liquid purifying column for substantially purifying a liquid by passing the liquid upwardly through a bed of purifying material and a regenerating column for regenerating the purifying material used fo purify the liquid. The liquid purifying column includes supply and transfer ports defined respectively at the top and bottom thereof and has therein the bed of purifying material which is spaced a predetermined distance from the top of the liquid treating column to provide a vacant space. The purifying column further includes a liquid inlet and outlet with a portion of the purifying bed above the liquid outlet serving as a settling layer to avoid any possible fluidization and/or expansion of the purifying material.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating water with a regeneratable material (e.g. an ion exchange resin) in which the regenerating reagents are fed to the material by pneumatic means. Preferably, the reagent is diluted in a small multi-fill dilution tank feeding the container(s) for the water treatment material.

Abstract: The water softening system hereof employs a treatment tank containing a mineral bed of ion-exchange resin granules, a brine tank, and a valve for periodically cycling water through the mineral bed for removing hardness and other undesirable factors therefrom, then passing a diluted brine solution through the bed in an opposite direction to its normal service flow to recondition and flush the bed. The control for the system includes electrically operated solenoid diaphragm valves, and a plunger valve responsive to water pressures, for controlling and regulating the flow of water and brine through the mineral bed. A venturi aspirator is incorporated in the plunger valve, whereby a saturated brine solution is drawn and with controlled dilution is caused to flow in a direction opposite to service flow through the mineral bed.

Abstract: The water softening system hereof employs a treatment tank containing a mineral bed of ion-exchange resin granules, a brine tank, and valve means for periodically cycling water through the mineral bed for removing hardness and other undesirable factors therefrom, then passing a saturated brine solution through the bed counter-current to its normal service flow to recondition it, and subsequently flushing the bed to cleanse the granules and remove all undesirable matter therefrom. The control means for the system includes electrically operated solenoid diaphragm valves, and a plunger valve responsive to water pressures, for controlling and regulating the flow of water and brine through the mineral bed.

Abstract: A dispenser for metering a predetermined volume of acid into a water softener brine tank utilizes a generally hat-shaped diaphragm that flops from one surface of a metering chamber to the opposite surface when acted upon by either pressure or suction. The diaphragm essentially lines one-half of the chamber at a time, and its movement either draws acid into the chamber or expels the acid from the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for softening hard water, wherein a raw water pipe, a soft water pipe, a discharge pipe and a salt water pipe are connected with a cylindrical valve seat equipped on a softening tank accommodating ion-exchange resin to open into said tank, a rotary valve whose center hole slidingly fits on the upper end of a water pipe erected through the layer of said ion-exchange resin is rotatably installed in said cylindrical valve seat, said rotary valve is provided with a passage through which said raw water pipe, soft water pipe and discharge pipe can be separately connected with said water pipe and a passage through which said raw water pipe, discharge pipe and salt water pipe can be separately connected with said softening tank without recoursing to said water pipe, and through the rotation of sai rotary valve the combinations of (a) raw water pipe and soft water pipe, (b) raw water pipe and discharge pipe and (c) salt water pipe and discharge pipe can be alternately connected with the softening tank, wh

Abstract: A water softener has a salt container with an inlet duct which can be connected to a source of water to be softened, through a valve unit, and at least two outlet ducts each one of which is connected to the inlet duct of one of the softener containers through a one-way valve.