Abstract: A rotary disc filter device includes a rotor rotatable about an axis of rotation, having a plurality of disc-shaped filter members. Each disc-shaped filter member has two walls extending outwardly form the axis of rotation. At least one of the walls has the form of a frustum.

Abstract: A rotary disc filter device includes a rotor rotatable about an axis of rotation. The rotor includes a plurality of disc-shaped filter members, each disc-shaped filter member having a frame. The frame is made of sheet metal elements which are connected with each other by rivets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restoring the extractive potential of organic hydroxyoxime-based extraction solution used in the recovery of metals by liquid-liquid extraction are provided. The method is two-stage, in which an aqueous solution of hydroxylamine or some hydroxylamine compound is used in the reaction stage, and the removal of the undesirable compounds generated in the reaction occurs in the second stage by adsorption purification. The reaction stage and the adsorptive stage are carried out in a mixing tank.

Abstract: A method and system are for separating a suspension into solid and fluid components. The suspension is centrifuged about a substantially vertical axis of rotation to concentrate solid components in a first lower flow stream and fluid components in a first upper flow stream. The first upper flow stream may be centrifuged about a substantially vertical axis of rotation to concentrate solid components in a second lower flow stream and fluid components in a second upper flow stream. The first lower flow stream, the second lower flow stream, or both, may be centrifuged about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation to separate water from stackable dry tailings. The method and system may be applied to separation of tailings or other suspensions.

Abstract: The mobile buoyant aerator has a buoyant toroidal capture tray for capturing contaminants and a large diameter tube extending downward through the center of the tray. The aerator may have air or other gas pumped down through a smaller concentric tube to exit at the bottom of the larger tube to entrain and carry contaminated water up the larger tube, capturing contaminants in the capture tray. Alternatively, the aerator may have a compressed gas tank at the bottom of the larger tube to preclude the need for a smaller diameter tube. In another alternative, the aerator has an air pump at the top of the structure to pump air down through the device. In a further alternative, the aerator has a water pump at the top of the structure that draws water from outside the aerator and pumps the water down through the center to entrain contaminated water.

Abstract: A membrane separation device is disclosed along with systems and methods employing the device in blood processing procedures. In one embodiment, a spinning membrane separator is provided in which at least two zones or regions are created in the gap between the membrane and the shell, such that mixing of the fluid between the two regions is inhibited by a radial rib associated with the membrane that decreases the gap between the membrane and the shell to define two fluid regions, the ridge isolating the fluid in the two regions to minimize mixing between the two. Automated systems and methods are disclosed for separating a unit of previously collected whole blood into components, such as concentrated red cells and plasma, for collecting red cells and plasma directly from a donor in a single pass, and for cell washing. Data management systems and methods and priming methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A desolventizing process equipment. It employs a cold solvent washing station inserted in line with hot miscella washing stations. The equipment thereby affords temperature control of a miscella and material processed by the equipment.

Abstract: A new device, method, and system are disclosed that provide for removal of undesired materials from a contaminated fluid. Materials present in the fluids are kept in motion in one or more filter cassettes that include disc aerators that improve contact times with the sorbents and that rotate the filter media to pump contaminated water through the filter media for treatment of the contaminated fluids. The device and system provide containment of sorbent fines that keeps the filter media free from clogging.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes a plurality of meshed tubes made of synthetic yarn and provided with cilia; a plurality of tube stack cages containing the meshed tubes; and an aeration diffuser positioned between the tube stack cages and configured to provide air so that to-be-treated influent water moves to the tube stack cages. The hollow interior of the filter media, i.e. meshed tubes, enables water to move in any direction, and the high porosity maximizes the area for filtering of suspended solids and attachment of microorganisms. The resulting efficiency of removal of suspended solids and soluble organic material is far greater than conventional methods. Arrangement of diffusers in the middle of the reaction tank and between the tube stack cages and aeration by them result in perfect mixing in the reaction tank. The load of suspended solids and soluble organic materials is evenly distributed over the entire filer media.

Abstract: The invention concerns a belt filter apparatus including a first belt filter section on which a mixture of fine material and a liquid can be placed hydraulically to create partially dry fine material and a second belt filter section on which the partially dry fine material can be placed in order to undergo a second drying cycle. The belt filter apparatus also includes an arrangement for mechanically placing the partially dry fine material from the first belt filter section onto the second belt filter section as well as a liquid collection arrangement for providing fluid communication between the first and second belt filter sections and a vacuum for drying the fine material. The belt filter apparatus includes an agitator formation for increasing the permeability of the fine material to enhance the ability of the liquid to be released from the fine material and be collected by the liquid collection arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for sludge treatment which transfers sludge into a dewatering device while maintaining the sludge density at a predetermined level constant suitable for dewatering the sludge even when the density of the precipitated sludge varies, thus improving the sludge treating efficiency and sludge dewatering efficiency, and reducing the amount of a coagulant to be used. In the system for sludge treatment, a sludge concentration device is installed in a mixing flocculation tank. Thus, the sludge is mixed with the coagulant and flocculated in the mixing flocculation tank to produce flocs and a supernatant, while the supernatant is directly discharged from the mixing flocculation tank. Furthermore, the amount of the supernatant is controlled to maintain the desired density of the flocs to be transferred to the dewatering device. Thus, the dewatering device can be stably operated.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method is disclosed for separating solids from a liquid. The apparatus and method comprises a first separator for circulating the solids and the liquid to concentrate the solids within the liquid. The concentrated solids are discharged into a second separator. The second separator extends upwardly for separating and discharging the concentrated solids from the liquid.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus is provided which is easy to maintain, manage and which enables preservation of filtration characteristics due to the fact that filtration is carried out by use of a gelatinous filter apparatus. In the filtration apparatus, filtration characteristics can be maintained by providing a bubble supplying mechanism for removing a sedimentary layer comprising removables that is formed on a surface of a filtration film and a filtration characteristics restoring mechanism for restoring the filter film clogged by the removables by causing a back-flow of filtered water accumulated in a cistern. Filtration apparatus maintenance and management are facilitated by improving recovery efficiency of the precipitated removables by tapering a lower part inside a raw water tank and providing a recovery tank for recovering removables via a valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for thickening liquids or thin sludges by water extraction, having a bottom, a tub having an underside, stands supporting the tub on the bottom, a ripening time chamber for receiving the liquids or thin sludges, first devices for admixing a polyelectrolyte for flocculation in the ripening time chamber, a conveyor belt for further dewatering the liquids or thin sludges, and second devices for delivering liquid extracted from the conveyor belt and thick sludge discharges. At least the conveyor belt, the ripening time chamber and the second devices are accommodated in the tub, which thus acts as a frame and a lateral boundary for the conveyor belt, the ripening time chamber and the second devices. All connections required for operation are disposed on the underside of the tub, and the underside of the tub is spaced above the bottom by the stands.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning organic waste material from waste fluid. This comprises a container at least partially filled with carrier elements, a waste fluid feed debouching into the container close to a vertical end, a fluid outlet connected to the container close to the opposite vertical end, carrier circulation means comprising a pump for pumping round water with carrier elements taken up therein, provided with a pump inlet and outlet respectively close to opposing vertical ends of the container, a sediment drain at the bottom of the container and control means for periodically switching on the carrier circulation means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the separation, in particular filtration of liquids and solids from solid-liquid mixtures, such as from a mineral, ore, coal or sludge suspensions of contaminated earth. The processing space of the filtration apparatus is submitted to overpressure and includes a collector container for solid-liquid mixture, a pressure filter, a discharge system and container for condensate and solid matter. The separation or filtration takes place at an overpressure and at an elevated temperature, preferably 40.degree. C. to 300.degree. C., conveniently 60.degree. C. to 200.degree. C., preferably about 150.degree. C. The pressure filter device communicates with a source for a heated medium.

Abstract: In horizontal belt filter apparatus wherein the belt is progressed by alternate incremental motion of the upper run and the lower run, wash liquor used for washing the belt in the lower run, e.g. by spraying into a wash box, is recycled and used for washing filter cake on the upper run at several spaced apart locations. Also, in the upper run, a respective compression device is arranged subsequent to each supply of wash liquor in the direction of travel of the upper run, and during compression gas is blown into the filter cake through the pressure plate of each device so as to maximise extraction of liquid. Trays mounted below the belt are connected to vacuum during stationary periods of the upper run and are arranged to ensure separate collection of liquid for successive sections of the upper run, which liquid may optionally be recycled to upstream locations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sewage disposal method employing a filter media and an apparatus for carrying out the same intended for the effective prevention of the clogging of the filter media. Sewage currents are generated in a circulation passage means defined in a septic tank by a sewage current generating means to circulate the filter media regularly and continuously through the circulation passage means by the sewage currents. Sludge can be removed from the filter media by regularly circulating the filter media without dispersing the sludge in the septic tank.

Abstract: A method of rinsing a slurry contained between a pair of converging mesh belts comprising the steps of splitting the slurry into two streams, each stream adjacent one of the converging mesh belts, introducing a stream of rinsing fluid between the two slurry streams, the point of introduction of the rinsing fluid between the two slurry streams is not more than 12 inches before and not more than 72 inches after the slurry streams contact the converging mesh, and creating compressive forces within the pair of mesh belts, which compressive forces continue for a distance of at least 24 inches after introduction of the stream of rinsing fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for washing pulp according to which method the pulp is supplied onto a movable liquid-pervious support surface to form a substantially continuous layer; and washing liquid is supplied to the pulp layer and passed in several successive washing phases through different areas of the layer in such a way that the washing liquid gradually flows in the opposite direction compared with the flow direction of the pulp layer. According to the invention the washing liquid is divided in two or more partial flows which pass alternately through different washing phases in such a way that the washing liquid which in one phase has passed through the pulp layer flows past at least the washing phase preceding it in the flow direction of the pulp layer. The apparatus of the invention preferably includes a rotating cylinder having a casing surface of which serves as the liquid-pervious support surface for the pulp.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting liquid from a sludge/conditioning agent mixture which comprises a first endless belt (10) of filter material; a second endless belt (12) of filter material; and rollers (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 13, 14, 15) for the belts (10, 12). That part of the belt (10) between the rollers (20, 23) is defined as a gravity de-watering zone; the part of the belts (10, 12) between the rollers (21, 13, 14, 15) is defined as a pressure de-watering zone. Filtrate is collected in a tray (17); liquid is collected in a tray (35). Monitoring means monitors a characteristic of the filtrate and the liquid to enable a rate of change in the characteristic of the filtrate/liquid to be determined. The apparatus functions at its optimum at a loading rate for the mixture which is just less than that which causes extrusion of the liquid in the pressure de-watering zone.

Abstract: A twin belt filter press system has an amendment such as sawdust, fed to a sludge or slurry being dewatered after the sludge/slurry has been initially dewatered in a gravity drain section to form a cake on a first porous belt. The amendment cascades into the partially dewatered cake off the first belt, allowing mixing of the cake and amendment in an essentially belt-wide drop zone so that the amendment partially and quickly desorbs the cake before the cake and amendment mixture progresses into a nip formed by the first belt and a porous second belt. The mixture subsequently is carried in a position between the belts for pressing to remove moisture from both the cake and amendment. In one embodiment a shear-minimizing mixer is arranged in the amendment drop zone to additionally mix the amendment with the cake.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for washing pulp according to which method the pulp is supplied onto a movable liquid-pervious support surface (2) to form a substantially continuous layer (7); and washing liquid is supplied to the pulp layer and passed in several successive washing phases through different areas of the layer in such a way that the washing liquid gradually flows in the opposite direction compared with the flow direction of the pulp layer. According to the invention the washing liquid is divided in two or more partial flows which pass alternately through different washing phases in such a way that the washing liquid which in one phase has passed through the pulp layer flows past at least the washing phase preceding it in the flow direction of the pulp layer. The apparatus of the invention preferably comprises a rotating cylinder (1) the casting surface (2) of which serves as the liquid-pervious support surface for the pulp.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of electro-dewatering sewage sludge and other high water sludges. The sludge is passed through a conveyor means that is electrically charged. The anode has metal bristles or wires that protrude into the sludge mass. Water that migrates to the cathode is removed by conventional means. The dried sludge, which is attached to the bristles, is removed by vacuum means. About 30 percent of the sludge mass can be dewatered per pass.

Abstract: A belt press for use in removing water from sewage sludge, and including a frame, a pair of belts for compressing sludge material therebetween, the said belts being water-permeable whereby water in said sludge may drain through said belts, and a gravity belt thickener adjacent the belt press. The gravity belt thickener includes a belt having a belt flight adapted to support sewage sludge thereon, the belt of the gravity belt thickener having a width greater than the width of the belt of the belt press.

Abstract: The washing efficiency of removal of cooking and bleaching chemicals from cellulose paper pulp on horizontal belt washing filters is improved by disrupting the filter mat adjacent the belt intermediately of soft, displacement wash liquor applications to the filter mat topside. The objective may be achieved by directing a line of low volume, high pressure jets of filtrate or wash liquor against the belt underside. Alternatively, sonicly vibrated foils extended transversely of and adjacent to the belt are effective to disrupt the filler mat pursuant to the invention objective.

Abstract: A sludge treating apparatus comprises a centrifugal condensing machine for forcedly condensing a raw sludge produced by a waste water treating apparatus. The raw sludge condensed to approximately 94 to 90% in terms of the percentage of moisture content by means of the centrifugal condensing machine is introduced into an anaerobic digestion tank of a deep well type, where the raw sludge undergoes an anaerobic digestion, and a digested sludge obtained from the anaerobic digestion tank is then dewatered by means of a dewatering apparatus such as a belt press, whereupon the dewatered sludge is applied to a post-treatment apparatus. In execution of the anaerobic digestion process, the reactions corresponding to an acid fermentation stage and acid regression stage may be carried out in advance in separate tanks and the reaction corresponding to an alkaline fermentation stage may be mainly performed in an anaerobic digestion tank.

Abstract: A belt pressure filter comprises a gravity dewatering zone for dewatering a sludge as a function of the gravity and a forced dewatering zone for a forced dewatering of the sludge by means of external pressure. An endless filter belt travels from the gravity dewatering zone to the forced dewatering zone. The coagulated sludge is supplied onto the filter belt by means of the gravity dewatering zone. Information representing the level of the sludge deposited on the belt is obtained as an information concerning the dewatering ability of the coagulated sludge supplied onto the filter belt. The traveling speed of the filter belt is calculated and controlled on the basis of the above described level information which represents the layer thickness and hence also the solids concentration. The optimum amount of a dosage of a coagulating agent is determined based on the traveling speed of the filter belt as calculated.

Abstract: A first thermally insulated hollow cylinder is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis and a second hollow cylinder is mounted within the first cylinder for conjoint rotation therewith. The ends of the cylinders are closed to define a first annular chamber therebetween and a second chamber within the second cylinder. Inlet means for waste is provided communicating with the annular chamber adjacent one axial end thereof and a portion of said second cylinder adjacent the other axial end of said annular chamber is formed as a sieve permitting transfer of material from said annular chamber to the second chamber. Discharge means are provided communicating with the chamber within said second cylinder at the same axial end as the inlet, for the discharge of composted material.

Abstract: Within a chamber having an inlet for admitting a sludgy substance for dewatering and an outlet for discharging the dewatered cake of the sludgy substance, there are disposed two laterally opposed filtration trains each consisting of a plurality of rotary filter elements which are each formed of a multiplicity of circular plates arranged face to face in the axial direction at fixed intervals and which are so disposed that they intermesh so as to permit the circular plates of each rotary filter element to partially enter the corresponding spaces between the circular plates of the adjacent rotary filter elements.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the liquid treatment of filter cakes formed as a layer on a moving filter web. The method comprising removing portions of the cake from the web by agitators having vanes which break up part of the cake on the filter and move the portions into a cover over the agitators where treatment liquid is injected to treat the portions removed from the web. The treated portions are then returned to the moving web at substantially the same place from whence they were removed.

Abstract: Apparatus for draining of muddy liquids, especially of sludges and slurries in sewage clarification plants, where first of all an ionic coagulant, eg., an anionic or cationic coagulating agent, is added to the muddy liquid in a first ionic coagulating means to obtain an aqueous sludge which is separated from the muddy liquid in a first coagulating chamber by sedimentation in a straining zone and wherein the aqueous sludge is subsequently filtered and pressed, whereafter the liquid is treated in a second coagulating or mixing chamber.The apparatus to carry out the process comprises in addition to the first coagulation chamber coagulation chamber for the muddy liquid, a revolving screening belt constituting the filtering means for the straining zone and a series connected revolving screen belt press which aids in dewatering the filtered solids.

Abstract: In filters of the type in which a cake of solids deposited from a liquid slurry thereof on a generally horizontal filter medium is subjected to treatment involving passage of liquid through the cake while on the filter medium, means is provided for increasing the drainage rate of the formed cake by causing the cake to form on the medium from the slurry fed thereto by gravity settling in the liquor of the slurry and by removing liquor of the slurry from above the cake while the liquor still contains unsettled fine particles.

Abstract: In filters of the type in which a cake of solids deposited from a liquid slurry thereof on a generally horizontal filter medium is subjected to treatment involving passage of liquid through the cake while on the filter medium, means is provided for increasing the drainage rate of the formed cake by causing the cake to form on the medium from the slurry fed thereto by gravity settling in the liquor of the slurry and by removing liquor of the slurry from above the cake while the liquor still contains unsettled fine particles, such means including means providing a backflushing flow of liquid through the underside of the filter medium and the cake forming thereon into the slurry.