Abstract: A treatment apparatus and system for treating small batches of waste material from a septic tank or holding tank of a portable restroom service truck. The apparatus includes at least one processing tank capable of holding a small batch of waste material. The processing tank is designed to function as a processing tank in which oxidation of the waste material occurs and as a separation tank in which the oxidized waste material is separated into sludge and waste water. The processing tank has an upper section and a lower hopper section with a discharge pipe attached to the hopper section. Viewing ports are manufactured on the front surface of the processing tank which enables the operator to determine the amount of waste material placed inside the processing tank and to view the oxidation and separation processes occurring therein during treatment. A mixer is also provided which is used to mix the waste material.

Abstract: A washing apparatus for washing solid fractions such as screenings or grit derived from a sewage treatment plant and contaminated with fecal material, such as fecal solids, includes a tank (11/111) for receiving aqueous liquid and the contaminated solid fractions, and mechanisms (23, 26, 126) for generating turbulence of the aqueous liquid in the tank to break-down the fecal contaminants. The method of washing screenings includes adding aqueous liquid and screenings contaminated with fecal material to a tank, subjecting the liquid containing contaminated screenings to turbulence to break down the fecal material and adding further liquid alone or containing screenings to the tank such that screenings and aqueous liquid containing finely divided fecal material flow from the tank over a weir or the like for dewatering and compaction of the screenings.

Abstract: A sequencing batch apparatus being manually or automatically operated for treating a contaminated water is described. The present invention specifically relates to the apparatus comprising an inlet pipe, a batch reactor, a chemical feeder means, at least one mixing means, a coarse bubble distribution means, a fine bubble distribution means, a liquid discharge means, and sludge discharge means for required liquid treatment, and further alternatively comprising a gas moving means, a gas pipe, a flow meter, an enclosure and a gas purification means for air emission control upon demand. The present invention further relates to an apparatus system comprising means for recovering precious metal, controlling optimum pH in an acid range, reducing hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium, controlling optimum pH in a base range, oxidizing cyanide, destroying phosphite, separating flocs, exchanging metals, adsorbing contaminants, neutralizing an effluent, and controlling gas emission.

Abstract: A simple, rapid, efficient and inexpensive process for on-site recycling of wastewater with minimal odor wherein the solid wastes generated by the water treatment process are dewatering on-site by solar energy to water content levels below those required for disposal. All operations, including solar dewatering, are accomplished in a compact unit which may be mobile. The solar dewatering unit includes a drying pan over which a solar collector window arrangement is disposed.In the process, wastewater, a water purifying composition and an oxidizing agent are additively mixed together in a first reactor settling tank and the resulting composition is neutralized to a pH of between 7.5-9.4. The added water purifying composition is then allowed to precipitate wherein it binds to and precipitates heavy metals as well as other impurities. The precipitated purifying composition forms a non-hazardous sludge at the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: A settling tank for settling inorganic matter such as sand, grit and plastic from a fluid stream such as a waste water stream entering a waste water treatment facility. A set of mechanical mixers directing energy into the fluid stream so as to cause spiraling flow parallel to a substantially horizontal axis. The mixer shaft is rotated by a motorized drive, the speed of which is adjustable to account for variations in fluid flow rate so that an optimal balance is achieved between the settling of inorganic solids and continuing suspension and resuspension of organic solids for subsequent treatment.

Abstract: A separation and reclamation apparatus for separating a first discrete-phase solids material from a fluid mixture including, in addition, a second discrete-phase solids material and a continuous-phase carrier fluid, has a unitary vessel having a discharge tank connected to a receiving tank and in fluid communication therewith through an opening on the bottom side wall of the receiving tank. The receiving tank both mixes and transports the mixture. A controller actuates a door over the opening for transport of the first discrete-phase solids material out of the receiving tank into the discharge tank via a conveyor having an open discharge end higher than the top of the receiving tank. The apparatus includes a pump arranged to intake material from the discharge tank from contents remaining in the vessel after removal of the first discrete-phase solids.

Abstract: A waste liquid treatment system (10) includes an aeration chamber (10A) and a settling chamber (13). An aerator (11) is disposed within the aeration chamber (10A). A conduit (12) delivers liquid from the aeration chamber (10A) to the settling chamber (13). A gas pocket (P) is provided in the aerating chamber (10A), with at least a portion of the gas pocket (P) being situated beneath the liquid level line (L.sub.13) of the settling chamber (13). Conduits (18 and 19) are provided for delivering liquid from the settling chamber (13) to the aeration chamber (10A). The conduits (18 and 19) have respective outlets (24, 26) which empty into the gas pocket (P) at an elevation below the settling chamber liquid level line (L.sub.13). In one embodiment, a gas pocket (P) is provided in the interior of a tubular component (23) of the aerator (11). In another embodiment, a gas pocket (P') is provided beneath a concave hood (32) which traps gas bubbles (30) introduced into an aeration chamber (110A).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for maintaining a continuous mixing in a liquid throughout the transversal reactor space, and for simultaneously separating from the liquid either another liquid, a solid material or possibly gas. The invention also relates to an apparatus whereby the mixing is maintained and simultaneously another phase is separated from the liquid under agitation.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating organic waste water including a treating tank equipped with oscillatable submerged type contactors in which the organic waste water is treated. A top mixer is disposed under water in a top portion of the treating tank for creating a current of water in agitated condition. Pipe mixers are disposed below the top mixer, each pipe mixer including a pipe which is open at both ends and a band-like agitating blade fitted in the pipe and having a baffle plate portion. One end opening of each pipe mixer is positioned below the top mixer and the other end opening thereof is positioned in a lower portion of the treating tank, so that the current of water from the top mixer can pass through the pipe mixer from the one end opening toward the other end opening and can be discharged from the other end opening.

Abstract: There is described devices and a process for the separation of solids from a fluid. The devices contain a cylinder drum, the casing of which has at least one, and preferably two openings which are positioned diametrically opposite to one another. The cylinder drum is positioned with its circumference within the curve of a power driven jointed belt conveyor and a filter belt rotates between the jointed belt conveyor and the surface of the cylinder drum casing. The internal space of the cylinder drum accommodates the fluid which is to be processed and serves as the reaction and settling container. The cylinder drum is rotated either in stages or continuously during the process.

Abstract: A system for treating effluents such a sewage includes a mixing chamber and a separation chamber. In the mixing chamber various chemical additives are introduced in to the effluent and thoroughly mixed to act as a flocculent to extract the solid materials in the separating chamber. In the separating chamber the mixed materials are caused to flow longitudinally in a laminar flow condition to allow stratification of the liquid from the solid materials. In the mixing chamber there is provided a plurality of transverse baffles spaced longitudinally and rotated angularly relatively to a longitudinal axis of the tube. Each baffle has tapered holes to act as a venturi to mix the materials. In the separation chamber there is provided an auger flight rotating slowly which has holes through the flight thus generating a laminar flow to provide improved separation of the solid and the liquid components.

Abstract: A waste liquid treatment system (10) includes an aeration chamber (10A) and a settling chamber (13). an aerator (11) is disposed within the aeration chamber (10A). A conduit (12) delivers liquid from the aeration chamber (10A) to the settling chamber (13). A gas pocket (P) is provided in the aerating chamber (10A), with at least a portion of the gas pocket (P) being situated beneath the liquid level line (L.sub.13) of the settling chamber (13). Conduits (18 and 19) are provided for delivering liquid from the settling chamber (13) to the aeration chamber (10A). The conduits (18 and 19) have respective outlets (24, 26) which empty into the gas pocket (P) at an elevation below the settling chamber liquid level line (L.sub.13). In one embodiment, a gas pocket (P) is provided in the interior of a tubular component (23) of the aerator (11). In another embodiment, a gas pocket (P') is provided beneath a concave hood (32) which traps gas bubbles (30) introduced into an aeration chamber (110A).

Abstract: A compact waste treatment facility comprises an optional surge basin, an aeration basin, a settling basin, and a digester basin. The basins are interconnected in the order named for therewith providing a sequentially arranged waste treatment facility. Each of the basins is comprised of six integral walls which are substantially equiangularly disposed one to the other so that each basin is hexagonally shaped in plan. Each basin has a wall common with the basin interconnected therewith. Each basin has an assembly for supplying fluid treated therein to the next interconnected basin. An aerator is provided in the aeration basin for causing fluid flow thereabout.

Abstract: A control system having opto-electric detectors responsive to different solids concentrations and character of the solids of a slurry, the output of the detectors controlling the addition of a flocculants to the slurry to optimize coagulation of the materials in the slurry. The detectors having outputs sensing different slurry conditions with the detector outputs being processed to control the addition of different flocculants to the cell.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for continuous sedimentation-type separation of solids from liquids of a feed slurry in a thickener-clarifier-type tank operated by overflow removal of clarified liquid and underflow removal of a concentrated underflow slurry by using a flocculant in a zone of intense mechanical agitation provided by a rotatable impeller rotated at tip speeds of between approximately 300 to 600 feet per minute to produce relatively small, bead-like floccules directly above the concentrated underflow slurry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator for two liquids which are not miscible, consisting of a cylindrical casing (1) in which there are active capacities (9, 10) and passive capacities (8, 35), the passive capacities (8, 35) being disposed at each of the ends of the direction of circulation (FF) of the liquid in the cylinder and serving either as a tranquilizing zone or as a decantation zone or as a buffer zone, at least two active capacities (9, 10) being connected by a common skimmer disposed in the center of the cylindrical casing (1), the active capacities (9, 10) being disposed between the passive capacities (8, 35) and being provided with a rotor-stator assembly (13, 14) adapted to carry out separation by induced air.

Abstract: Method of treating liquid by sedimentation in which reagents are injected into a flow of untreated liquid and there is created in the flow a colloid mixing and stabilization area; the flow is passed into an intermediate aggregation area and then into a sedimentation area equipped with separator plates from which clarified liquid is taken; characterized in that insoluble granular material which is more dense than the liquid is injected into the liquid in predetermined proportions in the mixing area where the flow is made turbulent, turbulence is induced in the intermediate aggregation area to maintain the granular material in suspension, virtually all of the granular material is brought into the sedimentation area, the sludge recovered in the sedimentation area is removed, the granular material is removed therefrom (D) and is recycled after cleaning.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for reducing the concentration of fine, residual solids still remaining suspended in clarified geothermal brine overflow from a primary brine clarification stage in which hot, flashed, silica-rich geothermal brine, containing suspended siliceous material, is gravity separated, comprises flowing the brine overflow from the primary clarification stage into a closed secondary clarifier vessel having an internal reaction well. Capacity of the secondary clarifier vessel provides a brine residence time in the vessel of between about 45 and about 150 minutes, the brine residence time in the reaction well being between about 10 and about 20 minutes. Brine in the vessel is blanketed with steam flashed from the brine to exclude air from the vessel. In the reaction well, the brine is contacted with a flocculating agent, such as a cationic, anionic, or non-ionic polyacrylamide having a molecular weight of at least about 1 million, in an amount of between about 0.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of waste water. The method comprises a primary sedimentation stage, an activation stage comprising high, medium and then low loading rate oxidation stages, a filtering stage and a clarification stage. All of these stages are performed in a single flat-bottomed parallelepipedal basin. The water treatment apparatus comprises a sludge recirculator (23, 24), an aerator (22, 25), a skirt (26), a filter (29) and a horizontal laminar flow clarifier (27). The clarifier is made up of a succession of inclined baffles (27a) joined together in pairs at their upper and lower edges. Sludge aspirator pipes (28) are provided adjacent the bottoms of the inclined baffles.

Abstract: A compact portable wastewater treatment apparatus for treating oil contaminated waste water having a support structure with a containment tank on said support structure for receiving waste water. A mixing means on the support structure is also provided for mixing the waste water with a desired amount of materials to form a flocculent with the oil of the oil contaminated waste water. Furthermore, filters are included on the support structure for filtering the flocculent from the waste water with a pump structure for transporting the waste water within the system.

Abstract: A system of continuously and efficiently separating liquid from sludge is disclosed which includes two parts, the mixer conditioner and the rotary drain. The two parts are virtually always used together. The mixer conditioner may include an adjacent vertical receiver which may serve to extend residence time. The receiver, if used, is connected at the bottom to the tangential inlet line to the mixer conditioner. This inlet line provides the means for circulation therethrough the watery sludge to which has been added a flocculant in a gentle manner so as to cause mixing while not causing shearing. A slow moving horizontal impeller operates to maintain the spiraling motion initiated at the tangential inlet. The outlet, also tangential, delivers to the rotary drain. The rotary drain is a compartmentalized cage that is decreasingly baffled from compartment to compartment.

Abstract: In the method of treating high-concentration organic waste water in dependence upon microorganism, waste water is first anaerobically treated in an anaerobic operation tank in dependence upon anaerobic bacteria groups and methane bacteria groups; in the second step, the waste water is further aerobically treated repeatedly in an aerobic operation tank, and an organic substance as hydrogen donor (raw waste water) is supplied to the aerobic operation tank before the succeeding aerobic treatment; in the third step, ozone treatment is effected to decolor the treated water. Two speed bacteria culture tanks for sludge bacteria and methane bacteria are provided separately to supply bacteria to the anaerobic operation tank for providing further reliable decomposition and denitrification of organic substance into methane and nitrogen gasses.

Abstract: A method of treating and progressively densifying liquid waste. It comprises thoroughly mixing and aerating by a continuous mixer and/or aerating raw water and chemical treating materials, discharging the resulting mixture downwardly into a reaction compartment, thence drawing the resulting material upwardly by means of an impeller and gravity flow, then allowing a portion of the resulting denser sludge to descend downwardly by gravity into a floc tunnel, thence in a horizontal portion, further densifying and separating takes place. The remaining portion is directed horizontally against inclined, closely spaced parallel plates to clear the resulting fines mixture. Thereafter, there is still further densifying of the sludge. By this method, a very dense sludge is obtained in a relatively small space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating acidic water, such as mine acid water is provided. The apparatus is readily portable and comprises a reaction vessel having an aerator motor operatively associated therewith. Water to be treated is received within said reaction vessel and is treated by having a neutralizing agent and oxidant by way of the aerator motor introduced simultaneously into the system. Because of instantaneous elevation of pH resulting from the simultaneous introduction of oxidant and the neutralizing agent, the reaction time is greatly reduced and the equipment required is small, compact and easily transported.

Abstract: A cloudy liquid to be clarified is inserted, after twice receiving flocculation additive, into the bottom of a belt of sludge (4a) in a clarification chamber (4) via a plurality of injectors (22) distributed over the area of said chamber. Uniform distribution of overall flow between these injectors is ensured by internal head loss. The clarified liquid is removed via an upper overflow (4b). Each injector is constituted by a flat cyclone and forms a jet which is highly diverting from its vertical axis in such a manner that the injected flowrate spreads out over an expansion zone belonging to said injector and meeting the expansion zones of adjacent injectors. Further, these jets set up swirling motion which prevents the formation of a layer of sludge having insufficient permeability. The sludge formed in the chamber (4) is directed via a central well (7) towards a secondary clarification stage (3) situated beneath said chamber and supplying both clarified liquid and dense sludge.

Abstract: A clarifier for treatment of water and other liquids including a housing having a generally channel shaped member having an inlet arm and an outlet arm. The inlet arm forms a flocculation zone and the outlet arm forms a settling zone.The inlet arm may be provided with means for causing influent to travel a tortuous or serpentine flow path and the settling zone may include settling means so as to increase the effective surface area of the settling zone. Suitably both the inlet arm and outlet arm are substantially parallel to each other with the inlet arm being spaced from and located upwardly of the outlet arm.A sludge collection zone may be provided at the junction of the inlet arm and the outlet arm and may have associated therewith one or more sludge removal conduits.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sludge belt method of clarifying a liquid charged with solid material. After a flocculation additive has been added thereto, the charged liquid is conveyed to the bottom of a sludge belt in a clarification chamber (40) via a plurality of injectors (76) spread out over the area of said chamber. The total flow rate through said injectors is evenly distributed between the injectors by an internal head loss. The clarified liquid is removed via an upper overflow (72). Each injector forms jets diverging from its vertical axis, so that the injected flow spreads out over an expansion zone belonging to said injector and meeting the expansion zones of adjacent injectors. In addition, the jets drive vortices which prevent the formation of a layer of sludge having insufficient permeability.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of water to remove colloidal and suspended matter therefrom includes a reaction tank for receiving water to be treated and for forming sludge of flocculated or crystalline precipitated matter contained in the water. A concentrating tank receives the water and sludge from the reaction tank, removes sludge and matter from the water, and concentrates the sludge. A lamella settling tank receives from the concentrating tank the water and removes therefrom by settling remaining sludge and matter. A portion of the sludge from the concentrating tank prior to the maximum concentration thereof is recycled to the reaction tank.

Abstract: A packaged, transportable waste treatment system for hazardous and non-hazardous wastes comprises a pair of mixing tanks having a flow inlet at the lower bottom central portion of the tanks, the flow inlet providing an injection conduit which proceeds vertically a distance into one of the tanks. A floc concentration tube is provided with an inner bore, the tube being vertically mounted in the tank about the injection conduit with the tube having a lower fluid inlet and an upper fluid outlet, the fluid inlet being in communication with the tank by means of a plurality of perforations in the tube at the fluid inlet adjacent the bottom of the tank. A rotatable propeller shaft having a mixing propeller mounted thereon is attached to the tank structure, the shaft being mounted at least in the tube bore above the injection conduit with the propeller being between the lower fluid inlet and the upper outlet immediately adjacent the outlet of the injection conduit.

Abstract: A chemical mixing apparatus comprises a preferably cylindrical mixing tank having a flow inlet at the lower bottom central portion of the tank, the flow inlet providing an injection conduit which proceed vertically a distance into the tank. A floc concentration tube is provided with an inner bore, the tube being vertically mounted in the tank about the injection conduit with the tube having a lower fluid inlet and an upper fluid outlet, the fluid inlet being in communication with the tank by means of a plurality of perforations in the tube at the fluid inlet adjacent the bottom of the tank. A rotatable propeller shaft having a mixing propeller mounted thereon is attached to the tank structure, the shaft being mounted at least in the tube bore above the injection conduit with the propeller being between the lower fluid inlet and the upper outlet immediately adjacent the outlet of the injection conduit.

Abstract: This invention relates to flocculation apparatus for the purification of liquids, particularly water, wherein provision is made for initial vigorous mixing of the coagulants in the liquid followed by a gradually diminishing agitation of the liquid and flocculent to provide proper flocculation; the apparatus comprising a circular flat bottomed chamber, a central circular well having openings through its wall spaced apart circumferentially and vertically, a plurality of radially extending rotatable arms supported above the chamber, each arm carrying downwardly depending blades spaced apart along the length of the arms and positioned to intersperse with a plurality of series of vertical fixed blades extending radially from the well, and upwardly from the floor of the chamber, the blades extending substantially the full depth of the chamber, at least one feed chamber in communication with the chamber through an opening in the wall thereof, means for rotating the arms and an outlet from the bottom of the well lead

Abstract: A system for treating radioactive waste employing a rotary mechanism which contains in its rotational path of travel a number of stages for the treatment, i.e., a stage of condensing a slurry of radioactive waste, a stage for drying the condensed waste and a stage for storing dried waste temporarily for feeding to a melting furnace. The rotary mechanism employs a number of containers for transferring the radioactive waste to and from the respective stages along the rotational path of travel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating coarse sand particles from fine sand particles in a slurry of sand and a solution such as results from the solvent extraction of tar sand, such method comprising causing flow of such slurry in a generally horizontal direction and then causing upward flow at a rate such that coarse particles settle out and fine particles move upwardly to a slurry outlet. The apparatus preferably comprises a tubular duct for downward flow, bottom openings in the duct for outward flow, a lower receptacle for coarse particles and an annular space surrounding the duct for upward flow of slurry of solution and fine sand particles.

Abstract: In liquid sedimentation and clarification apparatus recirculation of previously settled solids is automatically controlled. Nozzles in an updraft tube produce a suction or pumping force for recirculating such solids, and a flow passage in alternate nozzles is kept closed at low inlet flow rates for untreated liquid. At higher flow rates the closed flow passages are gradually opened by the increased force of the incoming liquid acting against spring biased or weighted valve closure members.

Abstract: A submersible water clarifier for use in a flowing stream is disclosed which has at least one longitudinally elongated conduit which has an open end which opens in a downstream direction in use and a settling chamber extending inwardly from the open end. The settling chamber has a floor toward which sediment settles in use and the improvement of the present invention is in the provision of a sediment removal passage opening through the floor through which sediment may be removed from the chamber.

Abstract: Biological fermentation of organic matter is conducted in a single, unitary, integral vessel with both aerobic and anaerobic processes being conducted within that single vessel. Heat generated in the aerobic process is used to maintain the temperature of the anaerobic process at a desired level, and high molecular weight organic materials are reduced to matter having low molecular weight in that aerobic process. Low molecular weight material is transferred to a chamber in the vessel to be fermented in the anaerobic process.

Abstract: A thickening apparatus comprises a cylindrical vessel, an axially extending delivery conduit having an outlet in the upper third part of the vessel, a mixer feeding sludge and a flocculating agent to the delivery conduit whereby the sludge and flocculating agent mixture is delivered into the vessel through the delivery conduit outlet, a collecting basin discharging liquid removed from the mixture peripherally of the vessel at the upper part thereof, a vertical rotary shaft extending through the vessel, vanes mounted on the rotary shaft, counter-vanes arranged in the vessel to cooperate with the vanes, the vanes and counter-vanes extending in opposite inclined planes and the vanes forming a discontinuous helix extending from the upper to the lower part of the vessel, the pitch of the helix diminishing towards the lower part, and a discharge conduit for the thickened sludge in the lower part of the vessel.

Abstract: Provides a self-cleaning conic reaction chamber having specific multiple conduit connections, sealable closure, internal mixer, external vibrators and dependent sludge accumulator which chamber can be flow connected to readily available handling units to form a stepwise acid/iron/alkali assembly for treating contaminated liquid such as sewage or other waste water so as to obtain uncontaminated liquid and sterile sludge. Stepwise flow can be automated by adding stepping timer and electronic controller responsive to pH probes and pressure-, liquid level- and turbidity-sensors plus remote controlled valves, pumps, blowers and metering devices.

Abstract: A system is provided for treating spent geothermal brine to remove silica. The process includes introducing the brine into the reaction zone of a reactor-clarifier and allowing the brine to flow therefrom into the clarification zone of the reactor-clarifier. In the clarification zone, particles settle from the brine and are urged to the center of the tank beneath the reaction zone, and the settled particles are drawn upwardly into the reaction zone by an impeller. The particles mix with the brine in the reaction zone to form a substantially uniform distribution therein to provide nuclei for silica precipitation from the brine. A stream of sludge is removed from the bottom of the reactor-clarifier and disposed of.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a tank of steel, or concrete, into which the liquid to be treated is introduced vertically through a centrally located inlet at the tank bottom. Disposed inside the tank, above said inlet, are a tubular venturi-type eductor member and a conical partition member which defines a liquid mixing, coagulating, flocculating and sludge recirculating zone. As the entering liquid flows through the eductor, it draws in a very large volume of surrounding sludge to establish a high degree of sludge recirculation and mixing.

Abstract: A method for the removal of dissolved and/or suspended solid wastes from the liquid effluent of an industrial plant subsequent a stepwise formation of flocs and precipitates with subsequent removal of same utilizing coagulating and floculating agents while simultaneously adjusting the pH of the treatment medium. Both ferric chloride, lime and aluminum sulfate are used as primary flocculants with their action enhanced by the use of suitable polyelectrolytes. A coagulant for starches and fats facilitate more complete precipitation of wastes. Means for carrying out the method include at least one clarifier with a special arrangement of baffles to enhance the formation of the flocs and precipitates. In a preferred mode of operation, liquid industrial effluent is first pre-treated with a cationic coagulant and cationic polyelectrolyte prior to the stepwise floc formation and pH adjustments.

Abstract: Liquid to be treated flows into a combined sedimentation and thickening tank. The upper part of this tank is a sedimentation zone in which the liquid passes through parallel flow paths between downwardly inclined separator plates below which the solids fall to the bottom of the tank into the thickening zone whereat the solids are stirred and removed by a suitable stirring and scraping device. The liquids flowing with the solids through the parallel paths are removed at the end of said paths and delivered directly to the top of the sedimentation zone thus leaving the thickening zone essentially flow-free. Flocculants may be added to the water to be treated in a separate flocculation compartment arranged upstream from the sedimentation compartment. A separate destabilization compartment may be provided upstream from the flocculation compartment. A square sedimentation zone may merge smoothly into a circular thickening zone. The thickening zone may extend beneath the flocculation compartment for compactness.

Abstract: A sedimentation apparatus or clarifier or thickener is advantageously provided with an annular feedwell and associated annular concentric baffle plate to better enable suspended solid materials to be separated from liquids at high throughputs.

Abstract: A sedimentation tank having a central feedwell comprising upper and lower cylindrical channels or raceways for receiving the influent feed in split counter rotative streams wherein an intermediate raceway is provided between the upper and lower channels for receiving a flocculant for mixing with the influent feed in the shear zone where the split streams remerge.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a liquid treatment apparatus which includes a clarifier tank and an integral sludge thickener tank. Liquid enters the clarifier tank through an inlet member disposed generally centrally of the bottom wall of the member and passes upwardly through an eductor member into a mixing zone defined by a reaction cone. Recirculation of liquid and suspended particles below the cone promotes flocculation of those particles. Gravity settling also takes place in the relatively quiescent area outside the cone. The liquid inlet member is of divergent cross-sectional shape for dissipating some of the energy in the liquid and a variable speed rotary impeller is disposed in the inlet and can be adjusted to control liquid circulation according to the flow rate of influent liquid. The apparatus also includes an integral sludge thickener tank to which sludge and liquid are continuously delivered from the clarifier tank.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for aerating and circulating a liquid in a vessel comprising utilizing a surface aerator and a bottom mixing rotor mounted on a hollow common shaft. The rotor entrains liquid and air into the hollow center of the common shaft from the liquid surface region and affects a downward two-phase flow in the hollow center. The gas-liquid mixture is subsequently injected into the liquid body through the channels of the rotor which communicate with the hollow center of the shaft. The discharged jet streams disperse the entrained gas bubbles throughout the liquid body and provide turbulent mixing in the bottom section of the vessel. The present invention not only provides sufficient bottom mixing but also enhances the mass transfer efficiency of the surface aeration by enriching the gas content in the surface layer of the liquid.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an installation for treating residual water, particularly residual water resulting from the manufacture of sauerkraut, in order to transform such water into proteinic food products, especially yeasts. The novel installation comprises a fermentation vat, means for supplying said vat with residual water, nutritive salts and oxygen, means for evacuating the contents from the vat, in the form of paste and for feeding the latter to a centrifugal separator, connected to the storage tank for the paste previous concentrated in said separator, said vat further comprising a stirrer in its lower part and a foam separator in its upper portion and a cooling circuit extending through said vat, said installation being also provided with means for adjusting the pH of the medium submitted to fermentation.

Abstract: Device for compacting fluid sludges containing fibrous materials, consisting in slowly stirring the sludge mechanically in the top part of a device, then pressing it moderately in a conical intermediate part of the device and then compacting it in a bottom cylindrical chamber of the device.

Abstract: A device for the biological purification of waste water and for the degasification and clarification of a sludge-water mixture resulting from the biological purification includes a reactor container defining a chamber, means for introducing air, waste water and activated sludge into the chamber and means for discharging overflowing sludge-water mixture from the reactor container (activation chamber). A guide element is disposed within the chamber for maintaining a loop-shaped flow therein.

Abstract: An assembly for separating particulate matter from an influent carrier comprises a perforated plate for separating an inner compartment from an outer compartment, and for transferring the influent between the inner and outer compartment with a minimum amount of a convective momentum that is associated with disturbing the settling matter. In practicing the process, suspensions are introduced into the assembly at the inner compartment. An agitator subassembly, within the inner compartment, sequentially fast mixes and slow mixes the influent to respectively insure mixing of the influent with additives and to promote agglomeration of the suspensions. Flow paths in the perforated plate function to cancel all velocity components of the momentum, except for vertical downward acting velocity components, thereby maximizing the rate of settlementation.