Abstract: A fuel filter system employs a first filter (12) to separate water from the fuel and a second filter (38) which receives the water portion from the first filter (12) and removes the water from the residual fuel with the use of hygroscopic material (42) and recycles the residual fuel back to the fuel tank (16).

Abstract: A self-contained, portable rainwater collecting and purifying system for collecting, filtering and disinfecting rainwater or other precipitation primarily for drinking purposes. In a preferred embodiment the portable rainwater collecting and purifying system is characterized by a housing which contains the system components. The bottom of the housing is typically fitted with skids or wheels, and a pair of sloped water collection panels is typically hinged to the housing for receiving the falling rainwater. A collection gutter receives the rainwater from the panels and drains the rainwater into a vertical standpipe fitted with a typically screen filter or filters. As the rising water in the standpipe eventually overflows, the overflowing, partially filtered water leaves the standpipe and enters a water collection tank through a hopper typically fitted with a gravity-flow filter or filters.

Abstract: Methods comprise processing wastewater to produce useful products. Preferably wastewater is ash leachate from landfills which is processed using magnetohydrodynamic treatment followed by electrolytic cell treatment to produce sodium hypochlorite. Methods further comprise removal of hazardous substances from wastewater for subsequent storage and processing of wastewater.

Abstract: A calcium carbonate mineral is placed in a lower portion of a second water tank, while sludge precipitated in a sixth water tank is returned to an upper portion. A blower and an air diffusion pipe weakly aerate the lower portion. Thus, an unreacted chemical sludge zone is formed in the upper portion of the second water tank. As a result, the second water tank can execute a primary treatment of fluorine in a waste water by the calcium carbonate mineral, a secondary treatment of fluorine and a primary treatment of phosphor by unreacted chemicals, treatment of surface active agent by microorganisms in a return sludge and reduction treatment of hydrogen peroxide by anaerobic microorganisms in the return sludge. The unreacted chemicals are thus reused, so that the amount of generation of waste can be reduced and concurrently the treatment can be executed with energy conservation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for decoloring liquids, in particular ground water, by means of a membrane filtration unit, wherein the following steps are carried out: i) subjecting the ground water to a biological treatment in a bioreactor; ii) feeding the effluent from the bioreactor of step i) to the membrane filtration unit, in which membrane filtration unit a separation between biomass and decolored ground water takes place; followed by iii) feeding back the biomass from step ii) to the bioreactor. The invention also relates to decolored ground water and to a device for decoloring liquids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for selectively removing organic and inorganic contaminants from plating baths. More particularly, the invented method relates to the use of a source of energy in combination with chemical oxidants, alone or in conjunction with a catalyst to oxidize organic contaminants in the plating bath to a level such that the electroplating bath can be recovered and reused after appropriate chemical adjustment. The oxidative treatment method may be a continuous process or a batch process that is performed in a single pass and the endpoint of the oxidative process detected by a sensor. Residual organics, and chloride ions in the bath are removed from the solution by a chemisorption or physisorption treatment. Inorganic contaminants are removed from the electroplating bath by selective ion exchange resins or electrodialysis, while particulate and suspended colloidal particles are removed by filtration before the treated plating bath is recycled.

Abstract: Phosphorus in wastewater is removed by using an apparatus including a settling tank, an anaerobic tank, an aerobic tank, and a final settling tank. Nitrogen in wastewater is removed by using an apparatus including a settling tank, an anaerobic tank, a nitrification tank, and a final settling tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating an organic waste water which are capable of utilizing compact equipment by reducing the, quantity of a sludge to be treated. Organic waste water (A) is subjected to an aerobic biological treatment in a biological treatment tank (3). Then, solution (B) obtained by the treatment in the biological treatment tank (3) is solid-liquid separated into treated water (C) and sludge (D) in precipitation tank (5). A portion of the sludge (D) separated in the precipitation tank (5) is returned to the biological treatment tank (3) through a route (6). A portion (E) of the sludge separated in the precipitation tank (5)is concentrated by a concentration device (8). Thereafter, the concentrated sludge (E) is solubilized by thermophilic bacteria in a solubilizing tank (10).

Abstract: Method for dewatering of water-containing sludge in a sewage well or the like, wherein the water-containing sludge is collected in a tank, the sludge is separated in a downstream filter and the purified water is returned to the well, wherein at least one adjustable and inflow controlling valve is coupled between a suction tank and a downstream filter, a feeding device is arranged for continuous or intermittent discharge of the sludge separated in the filter to one or more compressing units, intended for compressing of the fed sludge, further comprising a container for storing the compressed sludge and tanks units and pumps for receiving and transporting the squeezed out and purified, respectively, and in the process oxygenated water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for utilizing waste waters which comprises the separate collection of gray water and/or black water and membrane filtration of the separately collected gray water and/or solids/liquid separation of the separately collected black water. The present invention preferably relates to a process for producing potable water from gray water or one or more of its partial streams. Moreover, an apparatus for producing potable water from gray water and an apparatus for utilizing black water and its use is described.

Abstract: A device and method for the filtration and purification of suspended solids from high turbidity wastewater or other fluids using a slow circulating fluid stream flow inside a vessel of fluid containing a mixture of coagulant and suspended solids. By determining and using a calculated velocity of the flow of the fluid in the vessel, suspended solids are caused to separate from the fluid in which they are suspended by natural actions of gravity and pressure differentials in the vessel ceasing the rise of the suspended solids. The suspended solids are filtered from the water or other fluid by a filter layer of the suspended solids themselves which form a filter element for the fluid at a determined level in the vessel wherein suspended solids are separated and drain back though a return orifice leaving cleansed fluid to rise through a secondary filtration system of buoyant balls floating at a higher lever.

Abstract: A system and process for removing contaminants from water and wastewater, where the water or wastewater is transformed into purified water that can be discharged to the environment. Wastewater is transported through several stations for purification, including an electrochemical cell. The purification process begins by sending the wastewater to a classifier through an in-line basket strainer. The wastewater stream in the classifier is drawn through a solid-liquid hydrocyclone, which returns the solids to the classifier and sends the remaining liquid to feed tanks. Contaminants that float are removed from the wastewater by skimming from the surface of the feed tank. The wastewater underflow from the feed tanks is pumped directly to the electrochemical cell where it enters into the bottom of the cell, and exits from the top of the cell. The discharge, including coagulated solids, hydrogen gas, and oxygen gas, is mixed with a polymer as well as compressed air just prior to entering a static in-line mixer.

Abstract: A filter for use in a fuel injection device, the filter having a bore extending along at least a part of its length and comprising a plurality of channels formed in its outer surface, the channels defining, with a housing part for the filter, passages for fuel flowing from an inlet end of the filter to an outlet end of the filter. Each of the channels is in fluid communication with an adjacent one of the channels by means of a clearance passage. The filter also comprises a plurality of radially extending recesses formed at the inlet and outlet ends of the filter, each of the radially extending recesses being in fluid communication with a channel and defining, at least in part, a plurality of inlet and outlet passages for fuel flowing into and out of the channels respectively.

Abstract: A process for automatic or semi-automatic treatment of effluents or waste water, in particular effluents loaded with organic or biological materials such as effluents from wine-production, consisting, in normal operation, of collecting the effluents to be treated during their production and transferring them into a suitable storage container, pretreating the stored effluents by aeration, and if need be, stirring, clarifying the pretreated effluent and carrying out a finishing treatment of this effluent before discharging into the natural environment or reusing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bioreactor apparatus having a bed of buoyant media pellets floating within a filtrate to be processed. The apparatus includes a tank having a peripheral wall for containing filtrate and a bed of media pellets. A central manifold is rotatably supported within the tank the central manifold being mounted for rotation about a vertical axis and having a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings intermediate its ends, the openings adapted to eject filtrate in a generally horizontal direction and along a substantially vertical plane toward the wall of the tank. A thrust manifold, generally parallel to the axis of the central manifold has a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings intermediate its ends directed horizontally and generally perpendicularly to the plane. The thrust manifold is supported in association with the central manifold inwardly adjacent the tank wall and offset rearwardly of the plane to rotate with the central manifold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating water to reduce the phosphate level thereof and control the growth therein of algae and other microorganisms by treating the water with an effective amount of a composition containing a lanthanide halide.

Abstract: A method for re-use of the same water to do multiple loads of laundry over and over again. The method includes the step of collecting the used wash water from a washing maching. A lint/grit removal stop is followed by a second lint removing step. A free oil removal step is followed by a grease, hydrocarbon and suspended solid removal step undertaken by a media filter. A hydrocarbon absorption filter step is then followed by an activated carbon filter step. The used wash water is further purified by an ozone injection step. Still further, a heat exchange step is provided before the step of re-introducing the used wash water back to a washing machine facility from whence it came.

Abstract: The invention discloses an improved apparatus for continuous purification of liquids, dewatering and drying of the separated non-filtering solids. The apparatus is intended to be applied for the purification of industrial or household waste liquids, as well water form natural sources, by separating and drying of non-filtering solids. The apparatus can be applied successfully for dewatering and drying of various slurries without the emitting of vapours, dust and other detrimental substances in the atmosphere. The apparatus includes a belt filter (1) with an incorporated filter sector and an elastic thermos-filter press (35). The belt filter ensures a continuous purification of water from different sources by separating the non-filtering solids and detrimental ion components comprised in the water, and ensures their bacterial sterility. The separated non-filtering solids are permanently accumulated in the belt filter, and are mixed with the water fed to be purified forming together a slurry.

Abstract: To bring maximum sterility in a stationary drinking water supply installation with a water tank, the invention provides a method for filling a drinking water installation in which, after filling a tank with fresh water, the water is circulated at least over a filter. The invention also provides an apparatus for drinking water supply from a drinking water tank with a supply pipe connectable to a fresh water source and which has a three-way valve (6) with an inlet (4) connected to the fresh water intake (3), as well as a second inlet (22) and a supply pipe (5) leading to the tank (2). There is also a return pipe (21) leading from the water tank (2) to the second inlet (22) of the three-way valve (6) and a circulating pump (9) in the water circuit formed by the return pipe (21) and supply pipe (5).

Abstract: A method of filtering a bath (1,31) having a liquid containing particles of varying sizes therein and the recirculation and filtering system. The method and system require providing a recirculation route from the bath outflow and returning to the bath inflow. The route includes a first path communicating with the bath outflow and having serially a first controllable valve (5,9) and a filter having a relatively large pore size. The route also includes a second path communicating with the bath outflow and having serially a second controllable valve (11,15) and a filter having a relatively small pore size. There is a return path from each filter to the bath inflow. The return path from each filter can be a separate path or the paths can be connected at the output end before returning to the bath.

Abstract: An aquarium-maintenance system has a transparent filtering canister (1) with quick-joint inlet attachment (3) and quick-joint outlet attachment (8) to transparent aquarium tubing (5, 13) together with a handle (14) to allow quick, convenient and clean replacement and/or back-flow cleaning of filtering members (11). A system pump (12) has variable output capacity for filtered water circulation and optionally for aquarium flushing with a cannister bypass (19), discharge conveyance (21) to a drain-water disposer (22), refill conveyance (24) from a refill-water source (23) and back-flow conveyance (16) from a wash-water source (17). This is a comprehensive aquarium-maintenance system that is adaptable totally or in part to all sizes and types of aquariums (6).

Abstract: In order to solve a problem that, under the condition that an amount of the residual fuel within a fuel reservoir is small, the fuel within the fuel reservoir is biased by a swing motion of the fuel caused by an abrupt acceleration or an abrupt braking of an automotive vehicle so that the amount of the fuel in the vicinity of a suction port of the fuel pump is deficient and a sufficient amount of fuel may not be supplied to an engine, an outlet port of a return piping for returning into the fuel reservoir extra fuel from a pressure regulator, out of the fuel to be fed under pressure through the pressure regulator from an interior of the fuel reservoir by the fuel pump is disposed within a sub-tank, and the extra fuel is directed and close to the suction port of the fuel pump.

Abstract: A looped cord biomedia filter cartridge is employed in a trickle tower filter to quickly and efficiently process wastewater. A base tank holds a volume of wastewater to be processed. The filter cartridge is mounted on top of the base tank and comprises a cylindrical frame having a plurality of upper and lower concentric hanger rings. The looped cord biomedia is interlaced, under tension, between the upper and lower concentric hanger rings to create a plurality of parallel, vertically extending, linear lengths of looped cord biomedia. The concentric hanger rings are radially spaced, and include circumferentially spaced notches for interlacing the looped cord biomedia. The spaced lengths of looped cord biomedia provide increased surface area while allowing sufficient space for water flow and air flow. Tensioning of the biomedia creates a highly desirable laminar downward flow of wastewater over the surfaces of the biomedia.

Abstract: A circulation and filtration system is provided for use with water gardens having a water container adapted to hold water at a preferred fill height. The system includes a reservoir, an intake line, a pump, and a return line. The reservoir is located near the water container and is capable of holding a reserve of water. In one embodiment, the reservoir includes an upright basket filter located therein. The intake line includes a first end opening positionable within the water container near the preferred fill height and a second end opening connected to the basket filter. During use, water flows into the basket filter through the intake line via gravity. The pump is located either within the reservoir or externally from the reservoir though connected to the reservoir through additional piping. The return line includes a first end connected to the pump and a second end positionable at a desired location in the water garden.

Abstract: Effluent from a septic tank is trickled through a first filter canister. The thus filtered effluent is recycled a plurality of times through the same filter canister, further to cleanse the effluent. A small portion of the recycling effluent is directed outward into a drip irrigation system. A second filter canister, not in line with the first canister, also receives some of the recycling, filtered effluent, for plural recycles therethrough, to enhance the filtering process, at the same time that other of the filtered effluent is being recycled through the first filter canister. The filtered effluent from the two canisters are permitted to combine prior to subsequent recycling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination continuous and batch filtration system for a recirculating fryer where the continuous filter and batch filter assemblies are integrated into a single unit, utilizing a common pump. This unit is substantially compact and is therefore able to fit within the frame of most recirculating fryers. The outlets of the continuous filter and the batch filter are connected to a two-way valve, which is, in turn, connected to the inlet of the common pump. The valve allows an operator to selectively pump cooking fluid from either the continuous filter or the batch filter back into the fryer vat.

Abstract: An adjustable continuous filtration system; a continuous split-stream bypass filtration system; a method for controlling the proportion of a fluid recycled through a filtration system; a method for controlling the proportion of a fluid which is routed to the filter of a filtration system, and the proportion of the fluid which is discharged from the system without passing through the filter; and a method for controlling the quality of cooking fats and cooking oils. The mechanisms for controlling the proportion of fluid routed or recycled to a filter depend on the size or width of orifices in passageways conveying the fluid, including the restriction of one or more of the orifices. A needle valve beneficially provides a continuous range of variation of orifice size. If the quality of cooking fat or cooking oil discharged from the filtration system is below industry standards, the proportion of the cooking fat or cooking oil routed or recycled to the filter is increased.

Abstract: A raw water purifying apparatus utilizing anaerobic microorganisms comprising a casing (1) and a carrier assembly (2). The casing (1) is a vertical type and comprises a body (3), a bottom wall (4) and a ceiling (5). At the upper portion of the casing an inflow port (6) of raw water is open and at the lower portion an outflow port (7) is located. The carrier assembly (2) is formed by piling plural carrier discs (8) of porous plastic material, such as polyethylene for rooting anaerobic microorganisms inclusively therein with each space (9) between every two carrier discs (8), so as not to overlap liquid passages (10) which are provided evenly all over each disc (8) through thereof with each other. The carrier assembly (2) is disposed in said casing (1) so s to prevent the direct leading of said inflow port (6) to said outflow port (7), and the raw water may be treated once or repeatedly.

Abstract: The waste water treatment system comprises a waste water treatment facility having an inlet for the entry of waste water and an outlet, and a re-circulation tank including an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the waste water treatment facility is in fluid communication with the outlet of the re-circulation tank. The system includes a distribution chamber including an upstanding wall, a floor, an inlet, and at least two outlets conduits. A first outlet conduit is in fluid communication with the re-circulation tank; and a second outlet conduit is in fluid communication with a discharge conduit. At least one flow distribution chamber outlet conduit typically includes an inlet opening which is disposed at the same vertical height as the floor of the distribution chamber to allow the entry of waste water which has entered into the distribution chamber, such that substantially no waste water entering into the distribution chamber through the inlet will be retained within the chamber.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of wastewater is provided. The basic device includes a wastewater inlet, a connecting means and a bioreactor. The bioreactor is a substantially water-tight compartment which has its bioreactor inlet fluidly connected to the connecting means which is fluidly connected to the wastewater inlet. Inside the substantially water-tight compartment is controlled porous media inoculated with nitrifying aerobic bacteria. Additionally, many applications will require a plurality of bioreactors to be able to handle larger loads of wastewater. The plurality of bioreactors are connected in series by a plurality of bioreactor connecting means, each bioreactor connecting means fluidly connecting one bioreactor's outlet to another bioreactor's inlet. Effluent enters the plurality of bioreactors through first bioreactor's inlet and exits the plurality of bioreactors from the last bioreactor's outlet.

Abstract: A filtration system for concentrating radioactive debris particulate provides efficient filtration, concentration and transport to collection canisters of radioactive particles from a refueling cavity, spent fuel pool, or other water volume where small particles must be removed from the water. The system includes a flushing pump module that draws contaminated water from a cut zone enclosure. The flushing pump module has a separator that removes large size particulate from the contaminated water. A solid media filter module receives the contaminated water from the flushing pump module and removes medium size particulate from the contaminated water. The solid media filter module has a structure for ejecting the medium size particulate and passing the ejected particulate to a concentrate handling module having a purge tank and a slurry transfer pump. A disposal canister station receives the medium size particulate from the slurry transfer pump and fills disposal canisters for transport and storage.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a unique apparatus and method for treating and reusing the wastewater discharged from agricultural animal farms. The apparatus and method of the present invention may be readily sized and configured depending upon the amount and constituent(s) of the wastewater to be treated. In a first embodiment, the apparatus and method of the present invention is designed to be a zero discharge system in which no wastewater will be discharged or spray irrigated. In use, the apparatus and method of the first embodiment may actually require addition of make-up water during periods of low rainfall to make-up water losses due to evaporation and drift. It is contemplated that the only byproduct of the apparatus and method of the first embodiment may be a beneficial sludge if a sufficient number of installations are operated.

Abstract: An apparatus for the biological treatment of waste fluid from the coating process is presented in the present invention. Said apparatus comprises a biological treatment vessel filled with carriers immobilizing microorganism useful for the treatment of waste fluid from the coating process, a tank in which said biological treatment vessel is set, a heating means to heat said waste fluid in said tank, a stirrer to stir said waste fluid, an aeration means to blow air into said waste fluid, a filter for filtration of said waste fluid having been treated, and a return pass to return filtrate of said waste fluid to said tank.

Abstract: Odors can arise from an enclosed waste processing system designed to convert solid waste into an aqueous pulp and extract a solid phase and an aqueous phase from the waste. The odors are the result of anaerobic portions of the system in which anaerobic microorganisms convert waste including fatty soils into volatile odor components including low molecular weight carboxylic acids. The action of these microorganisms can be controlled by maintaining the pH, of the aqueous phase common to all portions of the system, at above a pre-selected alkaline pH. Such a pH can be maintained by dosing the aqueous phase in the system with an appropriate amount of one or more alkalinity sources on a timely basis.

Abstract: Particles of paint overspray present in floating, and in dispersed form, as well as in submerged and coagulated form are removed from an aqueous turbid liquid. The dispersed and submerged particles of paint overspray form sediment and the sediment is then removed. The sediment is allowed to settle out of a quiescent, turbid liquid onto the bottom of a first tank, whereas the floating particles remain on the surface of the turbid liquid. The sediment is flushed into a second tank by lowering the surface level of the turbid liquid and is then concentrated in this second tank. The surface level of the turbid liquid is then raised and the turbid liquid is allowed to overflow across a flow edge in such a way that the floating particles of the paint overspray are floated off. The turbid liquid, such as turbid water that has been cleansed is drained off.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment unit (10) includes a recirculation chamber (32), a dosing chamber (34) having no direct fluid connection to the recirculation chamber, and at least two filter layers (28,30) in a single tank (12). Each filter layer contains filter media (56) and is located atop the recirculation and dosing chambers. The wastewater treatment unit also includes an influent pipe (50) connected to the recirculation chamber, a recirculation pump (72), a recirculation valve (74), and an effluent discharge pipe (88) connected to the dosing chamber. In operation, the influent pipe directs wastewater entering the unit into the recirculation chamber. The recirculation pump feeds wastewater from the recirculation chamber onto the filter layers. The recirculation valve then directs the filtrate back to the recirculation and dosing chambers. The filtrate is then discharged from the unit via the effluent discharge pipe.

Abstract: An etching device for preparing flexible blocks which can be used for printing in flexography, typography or dry offset generally includes an etching tank containing a bath (22) and brushes (3), a stirring and heating device, and an overfill system (20) for discharging the solution from the etching tank through an outlet duct (21) to a separation device. The separation device includes a reception vat (14) having an upper part which is equipped with a device (10) for separating the water and the polymer, and at least one filtering membrane (7).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying separator waste water from a dry cleaning process. The present invention utilizes 3 stages of purification. In Stage one, highly contaminated separator waste water is put into a solvent separator tank. Liquid solvent settles out of the separator waste water, sink to the bottom of the solvent separation tank where it accumulates below the separated water. In Stage 2 air bubbles are introduced through the separated water, stripping out much of the solvent which is dissolved in the separated water and reducing the dissolved solvent concentration. This air stripping process dramatically extends to useful life of the granulated carbon in the granulated eaton filter. Stage 3 takes the air stripped water and filters it through a granulated carbon filter, which results in the carbon purified water having a dissolved solvent of less than 0.7 parts per million. The carbon purified water can then be safely and economically disposed of without harming the environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for the treatment of photographic films. The film circulates in a series of processing baths, each of these baths comprising a washing area each comprising one or more tanks, the waste water from all the washing areas is recovered and treated in a single nanofiltration device, common to all the processing baths, the water hardness of the permeate from the nanofiltration device is adjusted, and the permeate is recycled to each of the washing areas of each of the processing baths.

Abstract: A filtration tank (1) for purification of polluted water includes a chamber (12). Upper and lower filtration screens (20, 22) are supported within the chamber. Filtration particles (18) are confined between the upper and lower screens. Polluted water enters the chamber through an inlet (26), passes through the screens and the filtration particles and exits the chamber through a purified water outlet (28). Periodically, the inlet and outlet are closed and the water in the chamber is drained through a drain outlet (32). Nozzles (42, 45) spray cleaning fluid over the filter particles and screens to dislodge trapped dirt.

Abstract: A slurry recycling system for a CMP apparatus includes a flow path through which a slurry used in the CMP apparatus flows. A first filter is disposed in the flow path for filtering out foreign matter of a particle size of more than 0.5 microns mixed in said slurry. A second filter is preferably disposed in the flow path at a location upstream of and away from the first filter for filtering out foreign matter of a particle size of more than 10 microns mixed in said slurry. Preferably, provisions are made for a concentration adjuster for adjusting the concentration of abrasives in said slurry to substantially an initial value before use, and a pH adjuster for adjusting the pH of said slurry to substantially an initial pH value before use.

Abstract: A partition includes a float on its upper edge and a partition which divides the inside of a container into two compartments. The perimeter of the partition contacts the walls and bottom of the container using a U-frame that is provided with three flexible bands. In one of the compartments, anchored on a support, are filters arranged together with the supports. An external pump transfers liquid from the bottom of one compartment to the bottom of the other compartment and channels the liquid between the flexible bands and below the partition in a uniform and calibrated manner over its entire length. At the same time, liquid passes from this second compartment to the first one above the float. The float meters and calibrates the liquid flow over its entire length, thereby generating a surface stream which discharges into the filters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering particulate materials from a fluid stream wherein a dirty fluid stream is passed through a moveable filter media and the cleaned fluid stream is recirculated in part to form filter media by-pass preventing liquid curtains along the side edges of said filter media.

Abstract: A separator for separating solids from a liquid/solid mixture. The separator has a cylindrical separation chamber in which a stream is subjected to centrifugal forces against a separation wall. An exit port near the bottom of the separation chamber passes solids and some liquid into a filter chamber where the liquid passes through the filter and in response to a negative pressure in the separation chamber the liquid is made to return the separation chamber.

Abstract: In a developing, etching and stripping apparatus, photoresist developing and stripping chemicals are drawn off into separate circulatory paths in each of which they are pumped through a heat exchanger, a series of tangential filters, an ultraviolet contactor and a collection tank. Permeate from the filters is returned to the developing or stripping stage, and solutions with high concentrations of solids are removed from the collection tanks for disposal. A similar system is used to recycle metal stripping solutions such as nitric acid-containing solutions, allowing recovery of metals.

Abstract: Apparatus for improving the efficiency of filtering fluid of a hydraulic system, including a venturi adapted for connection to a first fluid carrying conduit of the hydraulic system for receiving a flow of the fluid therefrom, the venturi having a restricted passage extending therethrough and an orifice communicating therewith, a diverter conduit connected in communication with the orifice and with a second fluid carrying conduit of the hydraulic system, the diverter conduit containing a restricted orifice therein, and the venturi having an outlet connected in fluid communication with a filter, wherein the flow of the fluid through the restricted passage of the venturi will generate a reduced pressure condition in the diverter conduit to divert at least some of the fluid in the second fluid carrying conduit of the hydraulic system into the diverter conduit so as to pass into the venturi and flow onto the filter, the reduced pressure condition being weak or strong in correspondence to the fluid flow through th

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wastewater treatment is provided which can treat persistent surface active agents and coloring substances in wastewater, and which is compact and economical. The wastewater treatment method introduces water to be treated into a charcoal tank 3 packed with charcoal 10 and treats the water therein, the water to be treated having been pretreated in a pretreatment section 2. The water under treatment is introduced from the charcoal tank 3 into an activated carbon tower 6 packed with activated carbon 17 to treat the water therein. Treatment of the water in two stages, namely, treatment by bioactivated charcoal 10 and treatment by bioactivated carbon 17, makes it unnecessary to carry out backwashing of the activated carbon tower 6 and regeneration of activated carbon 17. The service life of the activated carbon can be greatly extended.

Abstract: A method for fluidization of a particulate bed material in a fluidized bed reactor with an upflow of fliud being treated, wherein a step of recycling said treated fluid is provided and further comprising the steps of (a) uniformly collecting at least a portion of the fluid above the fluidized bed and lifting this fluid by at least one gaslift having an intake above the bed, and (b) recycling the lifted fluid under the bed via at least one downcomer positioned within the bed. An generic apparatus for conducting the method steps in a variety of applications is also provided. The fluidized bed reactor can be used for chemical, physical chemical, biological processes, and combinations thereof in the chemical processing, food, environmental and other industries.

Abstract: An effluent treatment apparatus, and associated methods of use, are provided for treating in a closed-loop configuration a volume of effluent contained in a holding vessel. The apparatus includes one or more treatment tank units arranged to hold a volume of molecular filtering material capable of removing one or more toxic contaminants from the effluent, al least in part, as the effluent contacts the surface areas of the molecular filtering material within each tank unit. A pump unit is provided to draw effluent from the holding vessel and deliver the effluent to selected tank units to effect treatment. The apparatus further includes fluidic conduit structures to fluidically couple the holding vessel, a pre-filter, the pump, and each selected tank unit.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaning system includes a pump, a first tube coupling a suction port of the pump in fluid communication with a main drain or mobile cleaning device which draws water and settled debris from the bottom of the pool, and a skimming device including an entrainment nozzle. The entrainment nozzle is coupled by a second tube to a coupling device which diverts a small portion of pool return water pumped from an outlet port of the pump. Most of the pool return water is pumped into a rotary distribution valve, various outlets of which are connected to various pool cleaning heads embedded in an inner surface of the pool. A vacuum canister having a removable cover to allow access to a removable debris trap disposed in the vacuum canister between an inlet and an outlet thereof is coupled between a suction inlet of the pump and the main drain or mobile cleaning device.