Abstract: A submerged biofiltration purifying apparatus includes a settling zone being a 3D space having open top, bottom, and two lateral sides; one or more filtering zones coupled to the two lateral sides of the settling zone, and each being a 3D space with open sides and having soft contact media connected thereto; and one or more bubble aeration units connected to bottoms of the filtering zones. The soft contact media allow biological films to grow thereon. The bubble aeration units generate air bubbles that guide sewage to flow toward the soft contact media, so that organic substances in the sewage are adsorbed to the biological films. The soft contact media are arranged at a specific angle for the sewage to naturally diffuse toward two lateral sides of the settling zone and recycle. And, purified water settles in the settling zone again to remove remaining suspended solids to achieve sewage purification.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for removal of metal sulphide particles from a liquid stream comprising a solvent and metal sulphide particles, using a filter system comprising at least one membrane, the method comprising contacting the liquid stream with the membrane, thereby transferring metal sulphide particles from the liquid stream onto the membrane surface to obtain a liquid stream depleted of metal sulphide particles and a filter system comprising a membrane enriched in metal sulphide particles.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure includes an oil removal reclamation clarifier system in communication with a body of oil laden wastewater fluid and a conduit for transporting the fluid to the reclamation clarifier system. The reclamation clarifier system includes an oil removal mixing containment device having an influent port, an agent inlet, a sludge collection section in a lower portion of the device for collecting the dispersed liquid, a sludge outlet, and, at least one decant valves located on or near an upper portion of a sidewall of the oil removal clarifier device for permitting unsettled material to exit from the clarifier.

Abstract: A grit removal system for tanks with a need to remove settled solids (e.g., anaerobic digester tank) is described. The system is especially suitable for a large tank, preferably having a flat floor, and it works well while submerged under a liquid. Specifically, a periphery-driven rack & pinion mechanism drives a shaft to rotate about a center pivot, and scrapes settled solids towards tank periphery, where the solids fall into a pit on the tank floor. A drainage opening inside the pit, when opened by a valve, is used to flush out the solids through a standpipe into a settlement tank for final dewatering and solid disposal. The system is compatible for continuous tank operation, and is useful for stirring tanks requiring periodic sediment removal.

Abstract: Treatment system for wastewater containing ammonium is provided. The treatment system of the present invention includes an ammonia oxidation reactor and a membrane reactor disposed on the back of the ammonia oxidation reactor. The ammonia oxidation reactor includes biological carriers for carrying the ammonium oxidation bacteria and nitrite oxidation bacteria, a pH level controller for increasing the pH level to above 7.5, and a DO (dissolved oxygen) controller for reducing the DO content to less than 1.0 mg/L. The membrane reactor composed of a membrane and an aerator is used to separate the solids and liquids of the effluent of the ammonia oxidation reactor. In addition, a method for treating wastewater containing ammonium is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating raw water. The apparatus comprises a vessel having an inlet for the raw water and an outlet for the skimmed water, and wherein the vessel contains the raw water, and a rotor mechanism for creating a plurality of gas bubbles within the raw water. The apparatus further comprises a disperser device, operatively associated with the rotor mechanism, for dispersing the plurality of gas bubbles from the rotor mechanism within the vessel, and wherein the gas bubbles create an oily froth on the top of the raw water, and a skim tray, positioned about the rotor mechanism, is provided for removing the oily froth from the top of the raw water as well as a secondary skimmer positioned within the skim tray. In one preferred embodiment, an external skim tank that is configured to deliver a gas to the rotor mechanism and wherein the external skim tank is configured to receive the oily froth from the secondary skimmer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of sanitizing drinking water to be dispensed from a water dispenser having a reservoir includes the steps of providing the ozone gas generator that generates an ozone gas stream, transmitting the ozone gas stream from the generator to the water dispenser reservoir, mechanically breaking up the ozone gas stream inside the reservoir to produce ozone gas bubbles, and using the ozone gas bubbles to disinfect water in the reservoir. The ozone gas stream can be mechanically broken up using a pump such as, for example, an impeller type pump.

Abstract: A dissolved air flotation clarifier for removing impurities from a liquid to be clarified. The dissolved air flotation clarifier includes a housing having an inlet for receiving a liquid to be clarified. The housing further includes a reaction zone, a clarification zone and an effluent channel. The reaction zone has at least one saturated water distributor and at least one dissolved air flotation nozzle operably connected to the at least one saturated water distributor to receive saturated water from the at least one saturated water distributor. The dissolved air flotation nozzle is configured to release micro-bubbles from a saturated water so that the micro-bubbles can mix with the liquid to be clarified to remove impurities from the liquid to be clarified.

Abstract: An automated system for fuel polishing stored fuel in multiple storage tanks, and methods for making and using such systems, such methods including the use of an apparatus comprising a pump having a flow velocity sufficient to suspend settled impurities in a fuel storage tank, at least a first and second fuel storage tank each having an inlet and an outlet; said at least one filter; a fluid pathway connecting said pump, said fuel storage tanks, and at least one filter; a first three-way valve positioned at a junction between the inlet of at least said first and second fuel storage tanks; a second three-way valve positioned at a junction between the outlet of at least said first and second fuel storage tanks; and a system controller component operably connected to said first and second three-way valve to automatically control the position of each valve without manual intervention.

Abstract: A biological treatment method and device for organic wastewater, whereby the amount of minute organisms which reduce the amount of excess sludge and held within an activated sludge tank can be stabilized so that the treatment can be stabilized, are provided. Substrates for growing dispersed bacteria and/or dispersed bacteria are supplied to a sludge treatment tank 51 which reduces the sludge by the minute organisms, so that the minute organisms grow stably and reduce the sludge. Specifically, a first and a second biological treatment step are conducted respectively in a first activated sludge tank 21 and a second biological treatment tank 31. The sludge included in effluent which flows from the biological steps is separated in a sedimentation tank 41. The generated sludge obtained is supplied to the sludge treatment tank 51.

Abstract: The invention presented is an apparatus specifically designed for the high rate anaerobic treatment of (waste)waters with relatively high concentrations of lipidic compounds, referred to as the Inverted Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (IASB) reactor. Contrary to conventional anaerobic reactors, it avoids the need of sludge with good settling properties and exploits the problem of sludge flotation due to long chain fatty acid (LCFA) or biogas adsorption onto the sludge and/or biogas encapsulation by the sludge. Furthermore, it provides an increased specific sludge surface area for better LCFA degradation. It is fed from the top and is equipped with a separation step at the bottom. Reactor contents are thoroughly mixed by the novel combined action of a gas lift loop and a liquid recycle over the reactor. The reactor can be operated in continuous and sequential mode. Although it is specifically designed for lipid degradation, its application is not limited to this.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wastewater treatment apparatus utilizing time tested techniques for recirculating media treatment with proprietary advancements to produce a system capable of nitrifying and denitrifying wastewater through the use of passive calcium carbonate and organic carbon feed systems. By creating aerobic and anaerobic zones and the ability to monitor and adjust these zones by physical and mechanical means with minimal operator involvement, wastewater is recycled through these zones thereby creating an enhanced biological filtering process. The treated wastewater is then discharged to standard leaching facilities, various irrigation uses and/or introduced to further treatment for water recycling and reuse.

Abstract: A method and system for treating organically contaminated waste water for reuse, by: introducing the waste water into a sedimentation tank to remove a significant portion of the organic contaminants; circulating the waste water from the sedimentation tank to an anoxic mixing chamber for denitrifying the waste water; circulating the waste water from the anoxic mixing chamber to a rotary biological contactor to nitrify the waste water by aeration, and to assimilate organic materials therein by bringing the waste water into contact with a biological medium, to thereby output nitrified waste water; and recirculating a portion of the nitrified waste water outputted from the rotary biological contactor back to the anoxic mixing chamber to enhance the nitrifying and denitrifying of the waste water.

Abstract: A membrane module (100) has an upper header.(108) and multiple lower headers (110). A bundle of membranes (24) potted in the upper header is sub-bundled into the lower headers. The membranes (24) may be arranged in the upper header into a number of generally parallel sheets or planes and arranged into a lower header (110) into a lesser number of sheets or planes. Spaces between the multiple lower headers (110) help gas bubbles rise into the module (100) or water containing solids drain from the module (100). The module (100) may be used in batch or continuous filtration processes. In one specific process, water flows downwards through the module (100) and air bubbles are provided from near the bottom of the module (100).

Abstract: An aggregating agent injector (13) injects into raw water an aggregating agent for aggregating solids in raw water, a first aggregation aid injector (16) injects into raw water with the aggregating agent injected therein an aggregation aid for hardening or consolidating flocs formed by the aggregating agent, and a centrifugal separator (18) has a flocculator portion for causing raw water with the aggregation aid injected therein to whirl therein to flocculate solids in raw water, and a solid collector portion for causing raw water to swirl at higher speeds than in the flocculator portion to separate flocs from raw water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane bioreactor process combined with an advanced biological sludge digestion process that provides significant improvements in sludge digestion by reducing the costs and resources required for disposing of digested sludge. The offline treatment vessel is used to solubilize the organic material by operating in a very low oxygen environment. Digested process fluid is transferred back to the membrane bioreactor. The processes and apparatus substantially reduce the production of waste sludge.

Abstract: An activated sludge wastewater treatment system is provided. The disclosed system includes: an uncovered activated sludge basin; a high purity oxygen aeration system; a secondary clarifier; a return activated sludge line and a waste activated sludge line; wherein the system operates at a solids loading of between about 3000 mg and about 10000 mg of suspended solids per liter of mixed liquor; a dissolved oxygen level in the aeration basin in the range of between about 5 mg to 15 mg; and a solids retention time of between about 7 days and 40 days.

Abstract: A system and method for the treatment and reduction of sludge via ozonation in a wastewater treatment process is disclosed. The sludge treatment system comprises: a sludge ozonation reactor coupled to an activated sludge treatment basin and adapted to receive a liquid stream of sludge containing biosolids from the activated sludge treatment basin. The sludge treatment system also includes an ozone-enriched gas injection system operatively coupled to the reactor and adapted to inject ozone-enriched gas into the liquid stream at or upstream of the sludge ozonation reactor. The sludge ozonation reactor is configured to allow effective gas-liquid contacting between the ozone-enriched gas and the liquid stream so as to oxidize the biosolids in the liquid stream and initiate bacterial cell lysis thereby reducing the biosolids. Upon reduction of the biosolids, the liquid stream is returned via a return line to the activated sludge basin or other discharge point.

Abstract: An improved wastewater treatment apparatus is provided. The waste treatment apparatus illustratively follows a primary treatment system such as, for example, a septic tank, a primary clarifier, a lagoon, or an activated sludge process.

Abstract: Plant and procedure thereof for the purification of sewage that enables the sewage to be purified and energy to be obtained, and at the same time enables a product to be obtained given by the combination of organic residues and fibre filters, appropriate, for example, to supply a plant for breeding earthworms, or for different types of agricultural crop.

Abstract: A solid separator that uses a rotating screen, having spiral guides at its outer portion, over which a plurality of spiral-shaped scrapers are suspended. An inlet distributor including a plurality of apertures distributes a contaminated liquid flow over the screen, when rotated, permits the scrapers and guides to drive the deposited debris towards an outer edge of the screen and up a slight conical ramp and into a debris discharge sump. A level sensor may be included above the screen to activate the screen rotation based on the level of the contaminated liquid flow above the screen. An alternative embodiment uses individual scraper supports having respective jack mechanisms that permit the operator to independently lift and even rotate each scraper for additional cleaning or service. The alternative embodiment uses an assembly of two screens having an outer portion that also includes a slight conical ramp having spiral guides thereon.

Abstract: A filter system for filtering water and/or wastewater including a sludge blanket clarifier for removing at least some impurities from influent. The sludge blanket clarifier includes a clarifier compartment in which a sludge blanket is to be formed to remove at least some impurities from influent directed into the clarifier compartment and through the sludge blanket. The clarifier compartment has at least one vertical sidewall extending from a bottom of the clarifier compartment to a top of the clarifier compartment. The clarifier compartment has a cross-sectional area that varies over at least a portion of a height of the clarifier compartment such that the velocity of influent just prior to entry into the sludge blanket is less than the velocity of influent just after entering the clarifier compartment. The sludge blanket clarifier preferably has one or more flocculator modules disposed in the clarifier compartment to aid in flocculation and distribution of influent.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems are disclosed with improved aeration tanks. The improved aeration tank includes an inverted frusto-conical clarifier and a submersible aerator pump disposed between the bottom of the aeration tank and the interior of the clarifier. The aerator pump is connected to an air inlet line that can pass downward through the clarifier and a plurality of bubble outlet lines that extend outward from the pump both radially and tangentially towards the sidewall of the aeration tank. As a result, bubbles rise upward through the aeration space disposed outside of the clarifier and around the aeration space or around the clarifier for improved mixing. The system may also include additional tanks such as a pretreatment tank and pump tank which are designed with baffled sidewalls for anchoring purposes.

Abstract: A system for treating wastewater comprises a source of activated sludge, a compressor for supplying pressurized air, at least one anaerobic reactor for anaerobically treating wastewater with the activated sludge, at least one aerobic reactor for aerobically treating wastewater with the activated sludge and pressurized air, a pressure control system for regulating pressure in the system, a discharge system for removing byproducts of the system, and a discharge system for removing treated wastewater and activated sludge from an anaerobic and an aerobic reactor, and a surge tank for holding removed wastewater and activated sludge and thereby further treating the wastewater.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for purifying anaerobic biological wastewater, which wastewater is fed in through a feed pipe (4) and the purified wastewater and built-up gas are removed respectively by a discharge pipe (24) and a gas outlet pipe (18), said device comprising a main chamber (1), wherein wastewater, which is to be clarified, is fed to a lower area and at least one lifting pipe (9), which is used to remove the built-up gas and the purified wastewater, which contains sludge particles, emerges from an area which is higher than said lower area, said lifting pipe joining a return tank (2) in order to separate gas and purified wastewater, which contains sludge particles, and the outlet (11) thereof m the return tank (2) being higher than the inlet (10) thereof in the main chamber (1).

Abstract: A waste water treatment plant includes a treatment chamber or reactor (26) containing a plurality of buoyant sludge carriers (38). In the base of the treatment chamber (26) is a biofilm collection chamber (40). Arranged coaxially within the chamber (26) is a hollow shaft (30) with an air injection device (32) arranged at the foot thereof. In use waste water is introduced into the treatment chamber through an inlet (28) and is caused to circulate around the treatment chamber through the pumping action of the shaft (30) and air injector. Treated water passes through the biofilm collection chamber (40) to an outer settlement chamber (42) having an outlet (44) for treated water.

Abstract: A method and a plant for waste water treatment include a method for purifying waste that has the steps of a) storing waste water; b) optionally removing phosphorous compounds; c) leading the waste water to a first aerated biodegrading zone; d) leading waste water from the first aerated biodegrading zone to a second aerated biodegrading zone to obtain purified water; and e) leading purified water to at least step a) or to step b) if step b) is present. Advantages of the method are that production of H2S is kept at a minimum, the necessary amount of chemicals used in phosphorous removal is reduced, an improved nitrification occurs, and the purification is improved during start up after a longer break.

Abstract: The invention is a method and an apparatus for continuously controlling denitrification in wastewater purification in a sewage treatment plant having at least one denitrification stage under varying nitrogen loads comprising the steps a) provision of excess sludge, b) treatment of the excess sludge according to running parameters determined in advance, c) separation of the treated excess sludge into an organic fraction and an inorganic fraction, d) measurement of actual values for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the organic fraction, e) recirculation of the organic fraction to one of the denitrification stages, f) comparison of actual values with predetermined setpoint values for DOC fractions and, in the event of difference between actual values and setpoint values, determination of altered running parameters for treatment of the excess sludge in step b), g) repetition of steps a), to f).

Abstract: A fluid jet flotation apparatus 1 is disclosed. The apparatus 1 comprises a tank 10 containing a liquid having a relatively lower region and a relatively upper region and a conduit 2 having a liquid inlet 5 through which a particle-containing liquid is introduced to the conduit 2 as a jet. The conduit 2 also includes a gas inlet 6 through which gas is drawn into the conduit 2 by the jet, the liquid and the gas forming a foam bed that is displaced through the conduit 2 and out through an outlet 24 remote from the inlet 5. The outlet 24 is positioned to discharge the foam bed from the conduit 2 into the tank 10 in an upward direction and in a relatively upper region of the tank. This enhances the separation of value particles in the froth from waste particles in the body of liquid. Further, the reduced pressure at the outlet 24 of the conduit 2 enhances the draw and thereby the volumetric throughput through the conduit 2.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fluid is provided and includes a fluid storage tank for partially containing a fluid and a gas, wherein the fluid storage tank includes a fluid inlet pipe and a fluid outlet pipe. The fluid treatment apparatus also includes a first aeration device, wherein the first aeration device is configured to be in flow communication with the fluid inlet pipe and the fluid portion of the tank cavity. The fluid treatment apparatus further includes a pumping device, wherein the pumping device is configured to cause the fluid portion of the tank cavity to flow through the fluid outlet pipe and a second aeration device, wherein the second aeration device is configured to be in flow communication with the fluid outlet pipe and the fluid portion of the tank cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of sanitizing drinking water to be dispensed from a water dispenser having a reservoir includes the steps of providing the ozone gas generator that generates an ozone gas stream, transmitting the ozone gas stream from the generator to the water dispenser reservoir, mechanically breaking up the ozone gas stream inside the reservoir to produce ozone gas bubbles, and using the ozone gas bubbles to disinfect water in the reservoir. The ozone gas stream can be mechanically broken up using a pump such as, for example, an impeller type pump.

Abstract: A bioreactor configured to contain an aqueous suspension of biomass and media is provided. The invention includes a lift tube disposed within the vessel, the lift tube having an inlet disposed at the bottom region of the vessel and an outlet disposed at the top region of the vessel. Disposed at the bottom of the lift tube is a gas inlet positioned to feed gas into the lift tube at a location proximal to the inlet of the lift tube. An adjustable weir is disposed proximal to the outlet of the lift tube, the weir being adjustable between a lower position and a higher position. Biomass is removed from the weir and the weir height is adjustable to control the removal of biomass from the vessel. Also included as a part of the invention is a method for controlling the removal of biomass from a bioreactor as described.

Abstract: A filter apparatus having a filter membrane, a main body, a supply channel running perpendicular to the surface of the filter membrane and a gap running between it and the filter membrane, for the formation of a tangentially directed transverse flow, a return channel connected with the supply channel, a circulation channel located around a circumferential edge of the membrane, having an inlet connected to the gap and an outlet connected to the return channel, and a circulator to impart a circular movement to the fluid in the circulation channel.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system includes at least one flow-through tank, a treatment device configured for treating at least one of an untreated fluid and a treated fluid and providing the treated fluid to the at least one flow-through tank and at least one sensing device configured for sensing the quality of fluid in the at least one flow-through tank. The sensing device is connected to the treatment device for providing the treated fluid to the at least one flow-through tank upon a determination of a quality of fluids in the at least one flow-through tank being less than or equal to a predetermined fluid quality threshold.

Abstract: A process and a device for biological treatment of a suspension in a bioreactor is described, which is made especially as a loop reactor with a central guide pipe (2) and gas injection (3). In order to be able to use the bioreactor for treatment of renewable raw materials as well, it is proposed that the treated suspension be removed from a zone of the bioreactor with a small solid concentration and the removed suspension be routed out of the bioreactor by way of a tilted discharge (4). In the tilted discharge (4), separation of gas and solids is produced, and at least a portion of the solids is returned against the main suspension flow in the discharge (4) to the bioreactor. In this way, even for treatment media with a high concentration of dissolved compounds and few suspended solids, the biomass is concentrated in the bioreactor.

Abstract: A waste treatment system suitable for domestic use and capable of producing water suitable for recycling within the household. The system includes a bioreactor (30) and a decomposition chamber (16). The bioreactor (30) is adapted to digest liquid-base waste material using bacteria and is operable under anaerobic, anoxic and/or aerobic conditions. The decomposition chamber (16) decomposes substantially solid waste generated in the bioreactor. The bioreactor and decomposition chamber are in fluid communication such that substantially solid waste material generated in the bioreactor can be transferred to the decomposition chamber for further treatment. Resulting solids may optionally be forwarded to a vegetation cell (24) and the liquid (34) leaving the bioreactor may be optionally passed to a membrane treatment unit (40) and a disinfection unit (50).

Abstract: An inclined plate coupled membrane bioreactor for treating feed water having excessive level of nutrients in particular chemical oxygen demand and total nitrogen and suspended solids has an aerobic bioreactor for nitrification and aerobic biodegradation in which membranes are submerged for permeate extraction, and an anoxic bioreactor for denitrification within which the inclined plates are outfitted to confine as much anoxic sludge as possible. An air oxygenating and an air scouring are continuously provided to the aerobic bioreactor to maintain a desired aerobic environment and to mitigate membrane fouling while an intermittent air blowing is provided to the anoxic bioreactor to blow out gaseous content generated through denitrification and to rectify the uniformed flow along the inclined plates. The aerobic sludge is recycled to the lower compartment of anoxic bioreactor and the supernatant of anoxic bioreactor is collected as weir effluent and delivered to the downstream aerobic bioreactor.

Abstract: A system and method for the treatment and reduction of sludge via ozonation in a wastewater treatment process is disclosed. The sludge treatment system comprises: a sludge ozonation reactor coupled to an activated sludge treatment basin and adapted to receive a liquid stream of sludge containing biosolids from the activated sludge treatment basin. The sludge treatment system also includes an ozone-enriched gas injection system operatively coupled to the reactor and adapted to inject ozone-enriched gas into the liquid stream at or upstream of the sludge ozonation reactor. The sludge ozonation reactor is configured to allow effective gas-liquid contacting between the ozone-enriched gas and the liquid stream so as to oxidize the biosolids in the liquid stream and initiate bacterial cell lysis thereby reducing the biosolids. Upon reduction of the biosolids, the liquid stream is returned via a return line to the activated sludge basin or other discharge point.

Abstract: Arrangement for separating suspension, in particular for treatment of wastewater. A flocculating suspension is separated from the liquid by filtration in a fluidized layer in a sludge blanket, wherein the flocks are created from the separated suspension and fluidization is maintained by the rising stream of liquid while liquid with suspension enters the fluidized layer from the bottom and the liquid freed from suspension is discharged above the surface of the sludge blanket represented by the interface between the fluidized layer and the liquid without suspension. Thickened separated suspension in the form of flocks from a sludge blanket is withdrawn from a zone of the fluidized layer the velocity of upward flow in the fluidized layer decreasing in the upward direction.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method for recycling an invert emulsion based drilling fluid, in which the invert emulsion based drilling fluid includes an oleaginous component and an aqueous component. The apparatus includes an emulsion breaking tank, a water treatment tank, a filter press, and hydrocarbon filters. The method includes: mixing said invert emulsion drilling fluid with a emulsion breaker, wherein the emulsion breaker is a mixture of an alkyl glucoside and an alkane sulfonate; and separating the oleaginous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid from the aqueous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid. The method preferably utilizes an emulsion breaker that is a combination of an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant.

Abstract: A localized wastewater treatment system for biologically treating wastewater. Raw wastewater flows into a first operational area where a majority of solid material in the wastewater separates out of the wastewater and is retained in a solids area positioned below the first operational area. As the wastewater continues to flow into the first operational area, the wastewater overflows from the first operational area to a second operational area. Once the wastewater in the second operational area reaches a predetermined volume, a batch of the wastewater is transferred from the second operational area to a third operational area where the batch of wastewater is biologically treated by a population of microorganisms contained within a solids area located beneath the third operational area. The treated wastewater is then removed from the third operational area for dispersal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the biological treatment of effluents contaminated with impurities of urban or industrial origin, characterised in employing a single aeration tank (1) with a high mass charge in which the raw effluent or mechanically pre-treated effluent is mixed without previous decantation with a free microbial culture of the activated sludge type, growing in a lightly aerated medium, of the order of 0.1 to 0.2 kg O2/kg BOD5 removed, the organic charge applied having a value equal to or greater than at least 2 kg COD/kgSM/day, preferably equal to or greater than 4 kg COD/kgSM/day, the hydraulic residence time for the raw effluent in the single aeration tank being between 30 and 90 minutes, preferably between 40 and 60 minutes.

Abstract: This application relates to a circular clarifier for separating and removing separable matter, such as suspended solids, from a liquid. The invention may be used, for example, for separating return activated sludge from clarified liquor using a gas flotation process. The clarifier includes a plurality of fluid feed ports for introducing influent into selected treatment cells of the clarifier in a timed sequence, thereby achieving batch flotation of solids or other separable matter in a continuous infeed process. A plurality of spaced-apart, rotating flocculent handling assemblies traverse the treatment cells for sequentially conveying flocculent into spaced-apart, radially extending collection troughs. All of the flocculent handling assemblies may be driven by a single drive means. Each flocculent handling assembly includes a submerged beach and a scraper assembly including a scraper blade which extends upwardly from the beach. The beaches provide a shear plane underneath the surface layer of flocculent.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing an alkaline solution includes a storage tank storing the alkaline solution to be processed; a processing unit sucking a foam phase disposed on the liquid surface level of the alkaline solution in the storage tank, defoaming the foam phase by centrifugal separation, and extracting the foam phase outside the storage tank, the processing unit including an extraction tube; a separating tank separating scum and a liquid, the separating tank being connected to the extraction tube; a scum-discharging component discharging the scum in the separating tank outside the separating tank; and a liquid-discharging component discharging the liquid in the separating tank outside the separating tank. In the apparatus, the scum and the liquid separated in the separating tank are separately discharged outside the separating tank with the scum-discharging component and the liquid-discharging component, respectively.

Abstract: The inventions describe a phased activated sludge treatment system that incorporates elements of batch treatment technology into a flow-through treatment process. Control of mixing and aeration systems are independent to facilitate the operation of the main reactor vessel in alternating aerated and anoxic conditions. Conditioning vessels in communication with the main reactor are employed to preferentially control the distribution and balance of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds in the reactor and to remove such biological nutrients concurrently with BOD and TSS in the wastewater. The inventions provide the beneficial results of providing greater operator control of flow-through treatment processes, power saving and reduced operation and maintenance costs in comparison to conventional flow-through treatment technologies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying wastewaters, particularly wastewaters produced in the paper industry, involving the following steps: a) aerobic clarification of the wastewater using activated sludge in an activation stage; b) carrying out, in a secondary settling tank, a subsequent clarification of a portion of the wastewater/activated sludge mixture leaving the activation stage; c) desiccating, in a desiccation unit, another portion of the wastewater/activated sludge mixture leaving the activation stage; d) returning at least a portion of the activated sludge removed in steps b) and c) into the activated sludge tank.

Abstract: A bioreactor system having improved temperature control wherein heat is directly removed from the bioreactor liquid to maintain temperature balance in the bioreactor. The present invention also relates to a method for maintaining a desired temperature range of thermophilic and mesophilic bioreactors wherein ambient air is brought into direct contact with droplets of bioreactor liquid. Heat is transferred from the droplets of bioreactor liquid to the air, which is then evacuated from the bioreactor.

Abstract: A method and system for treating water or wastewater to remove both soluble BOD and suspended solids. The method entails a ballasted flocculation process where a flocculant and insoluble granular material is added to the water or wastewater to be treated causing solids in the water or wastewater to aggregate around the granular material to form ballasted floc particles. In a settling zone, ballasted floc particles form settled sludge and the settled sludge is separated from clarified effluent. At some point in the process, activated sludge, in the form of return activated sludge or mixed liquor, is mixed with the water or wastewater being subjected to the ballasted flocculation process. The addition of activated sludge enables the process to remove soluble BOD.

Abstract: A filter device for filtering liquids including a filter membrane, a main body which is arranged upstream from the filter membrane, and which has a feed channel perpendicular to the surface of the filter membrane, a gap extending between the filter membrane and the main body forming a tangentially directed cross-flow, and a return channel which is used to return the tangential flow to the feed channel. The flow is primarily returned thereto by means of a contraction in the feed channel at the mouth of the return channel. Preferably, a solid separator is disposed in the return channel. At least one baffle element is arranged in the feed channel in order to create a turbulent flow. The tangential flow along the filter membrane is used to clean said membrane.

Abstract: A defined current and aeration system for the aeration chamber of an aerobic wastewater treatment plant is disclosed. It includes the release of oxygenation gas or air into the aeration chamber through a diffuser or the like at a position such that the air injected into the tank provides the necessary amount of oxygen for aerobic bacterial digestion of the waste while creating a current or circulation pattern in the chamber that forces every portion of the fluid within the aeration chamber into circulation thus preventing the accumulation of solids as sludge in the wastewater treatment plant.