Abstract: When treating water with ozone, chlorine or similar reagents, the problem arises of introducing the gas as inexpensively as possible at the extraction point which is frequently located in a considerable depth of water--typically 30 to 59 meters. It is proposed that the gas be introduced into a bubble column downflow reactor (7) in the region close to the surface by means of a mixer and the gas bubbles forming there be passed against buoyancy through the reactor to the lower end of the riser (3) of the pump arrangement, where it is intimately mixed with the fresh water drawn in. After passing through a gas separator (8) and a pump, a part of the heated water is recycled to the mixer (8).

Abstract: An apparatus for the anaerobic digestion of organic waste material such as manure in liquid condition include bringing the waste material in an acidification space with a roof collecting gas generated thereby and one or more openings below said roof giving access from said space to a methane fermentation space so that the gas below the roof pushes the liquid to said latter space. A discharge of gas from below said roof to the outside allows liquid to flow back through said openings into the acidification space. Below said roof there may be a separate wall defining a hydrolysis space, into which the waste material is fed before flowing to the acidification space. The whole of the device or considerable parts of the walls and ducts thereof may be made of flexible gastight material so as to be easily folded or wound up for transport to the site of use so as to be inflatable to sustain its operating shape by a higher than atmospheric pressure of the gas therein.

Abstract: An industrial waste anaerobic digester is disclosed having separate sections therein, in which the acid forming and gas forming phases of the digestion process can occur separately under conditions optimized for each phase. A rotating biological contactor is provided in each section for increasing the liquid/gas interface to facilitate the anaerobic reaction. A series of partitions is provided in each section to create zones in which the waste concentration is extremely high and on which the biota can react at maximal reaction rates. The CO.sub.2 produced in the acid forming phase is used in both acid and gas forming sections to mix and achieve pH adjustment, and the methane can be used in the gas forming sections for mixing. A thermophilic chamber in the center of the tank is surrounded by the mesophyllic chamber to minimize and utilize conductive heat loss.

Abstract: An apparatus for the anaerobic filtration of waste water includes a filter of filling material through which the waste water to be treated is passed from the bottom to the top. The filter includes upper and lower superposed layers of filling material separated by an intermediate layer of material. The lower layer is in the form of an ordered arrangement of the material thereof. The upper and intermediate layers each include a loosely packed arrangement of the material thereof.

Abstract: The solid particles 33' coated with a biological material are developed at the upper end of a bed 32 which is fluidized by a supply of water 3. The particles 33' are removed at 12 and decanted at 11 and then introduced through a pipe 20 at the upper end 22 of an auxiliary anaerobic fermentation column which converts the biological coating into a gaseous mixture which escapes at 27. The regenerated particles are withdrawn at 28 and conveyed at 30 to the purifying bed. Application in the biological purification of waste waters.

Abstract: A hydraulic system including a closed reservoir which is pressurized at a varying pressure that is responsive to a variable condition of the system. The system minimizes the air contained in the hydraulic fluid, causing air which has been released from the hydraulic fluid to collect in the reservoir which has provision for releasing it to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A system for treating water includes an aerator or degasifier that is fluidly connected to a blower that moves gases released from the water cascading down in the aerator over slat trays or plastic packing media. The released gases enter a gas scrubber and are treated with an iron salt solution that removes undesirable gases and that form a sludge that is removed from the scrubber. The residual gases, mostly nitrogen, argon, and other minor gases found in ambient air, flow into the aerator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving high quality treatment of organic waste water (both domestic and industrial types), which can also be used to treat organically contaminated water supplies or to reduce hazardous organic wastes (cyanides, PCBs, etc.)The apparatus operates at elevated pressures (up to about 35 psig), at high levels of dissolved oxygen (over 5 PPM), and at high concentrations of activated sludge (about 10,000 mg/l, MLSS). It consists of four separate process compartments (2 aeration compartments, a separator and a clarifier) which are contained within three vessels or alternatively in two vessels. The process compartments are linked in series by passageways and by piping and are maintained at a uniform pressure using a common manifold.The process is designed for simplicity of operation, compactness, and maintenance by a single part time attendant.

Abstract: A sewage system is provided for waste disposal units whose waste is removed by the supply of liquid and subsequent application of partial vacuum, for example vacuum closets. In order to make for the employment of large systems, the units are grouped such that a predetermined maximum partial vacuum transport distance is not exceeded. Each such group is connected to a converter in which the partial vacuum is converted into excess pressure which makes for long distance transport, by the intermediary of an intermediate step at atmospheric pressure. Moreover, the waste can be comminuted and oxygenated in the intermediate step of the converter, at the same time as the requisite partial vacuum is established.

Abstract: In an anaerobic sludge digestion tank system having walls communicating with a floor forming a storage container for the sludge and a fixed outer cover overlaying the storage container having a center stack communicating with the storage container, a flexible gas membrane is provided extending between the wall and the center stack over and above the storage container and a pressurizing membrane extends over the top of the gas membrane between the gas membrane and the cover and between the wall and center stack. The two membranes are sealingly attached to the top of the wall at their bottom portion and the center stack at their upper portion and form an inner pressurizing chamber.An air injection system is provided for injection of air under pressure between the gas membrane and the pressure membrane into the inner chamber thus forcing the inner chamber to expand via the downward movement of the gas membrane.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for conducting an activated sludge process in an activation basin having multiple sections, preferably at least three sections are provided for conducting the process with each succeeding section being larger in volume than the previous section by an amount about equal to the volume of the first section. It is preferred that the process be conducted in the first section by feeding the first section with an oxygen enriched gas, and with the next section in line fed with the exhaust from the first section, and the third section being aerated with air. In a specific refinement, there are provided four sections with the first two sections sealed with respect to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A waste water treating apparatus includes a circulation type aeration tank having a downward flow chamber and an upward flow chamber extending in the depth direction and communicating with each other at the upper and lower ends thereof. An oxygen containing gas is supplied to the downward flow chamber and waste water and return sludge are supplied to a given position or elevation of the upward flow chamber to be mixed with a mixed liquor flowing through the upward flow chamber, whereby a reduction zone with a low concentration of dissolved oxygen is formed at the upper portion of the upward flow chamber. Denitrification takes place in the above described reduction zone.

Abstract: A method for removing the excess sodium and byproducts of reaction which occur during the destruction of PCBs from oil. A predetermined quantity of water is mixed with the decontaminated oil and the byproducts, which include sodium chloride and polyphenyl polymer, to form sodium chloride and sodium hydroxide. Centrifuging removes most of the oil from the remaining aqueous mixture which then is agitated and treated with carbon dioxide gas to form less hazardous sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. Any excess carbon dioxide gas is vented to the atmosphere and the sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate is collected into containers for disposal. Small amounts of oil remaining in the aqueous waste mixture that is discharged from the centrifuge is decanted from the remaining material in a waste separator due to its lighter specific gravity. A pump intermittently injects waste from the waste separator into a converter where it reacts with the carbon dioxide gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a continuous stream of organic wastewater using highly concentrated activated sludge (10,000 mg/l MLSS), elevated atmospheric pressure, and high levels of dissolved oxygen. The apparatus consists of three pressurized vessels linked in series by piping, and maintained at equal pressure by means of a common manifold.The first vessel receives the mixed liquor consisting of macerated sewage and return activated sludge and thoroughly aerates it with diffused air bubbles. The liquor then flows by gravity into the second pressurized vessel where flocculation and further aeration occur. From an overflow/transfer box in vessel 2, the liquor flows by gravity into the bottom tier of the third vessel which functions as a cyclone separator. The concentrate is drawn from the bottom of the vessel by a return sludge pump and recycled to the first vessel. The centrate rises into the upper tier of the third vessel where it is clarified and discharged as tertiary quality effluent.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for processing contaminated water containing high concentrates of volatile and soluble inorganic and organic compounds and ion reaction complexes thereof, and particularly pertains to the removal of high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide from well water, and the invention is well suited for use with domestic water systems. Batches of untreated water are introduced into a vented first holding chamber at a rate and volume related to the removal of batches of treated water from a second holding chamber. The chambers are interconnected by a dilution flow control orifice, or orifices, and air and ozone are mixed with the water within both chambers wherein aeration by air-stripping within the first chamber rapidly reduces the high hydrogen sulfide concentration and the lower hydrogen sulfide content of the water within the second chamber is primarily removed by the ozone.

Abstract: A fluid bed reactor includes an integral flow circulator which eliminates the need for recirculation equipment external to the reactor and permits utilization of multiple distributor modules to provide a wide range of reactor capacities.

Abstract: A digestor includes a tank and an inverted dish-shaped cover, the lower end of which extends into sludge contained within the tank. The cover is ballasted by a number of ballast members which resemble tubs and which are integrally formed of concrete. Each ballast member is mounted with its cavity facing upwardly so that the ballast cavities automatically fill with sludge upon start-up of the digestor. When partially surfaced above the sludge, the predetermined total weight of sludge in the ballast members causes a substantial increase in the pressure exerted by the cover on the contained gas than would be exerted by the cover and unfilled ballast members.

Abstract: A gas-extraction arrangement for a settling tank included in a wastewater treatment system, the tank having an outlet zone defined by an effluent trough at least one side of which has a weir to permit clarified water from the tank to spill therein. The trough is covered by a hood which acts to confine the atmosphere thereabove to the hood region, at least one side of the hood protruding into the tank water at a point spaced from the weir to create a scum baffle preventing grease and other floating matter from being discharged into the trough. The hood is coupled to a suction pump which acts to draw noxious gases emitted as the water spills over the weir into a gas-control system or other means for deactivating the gases.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a sewage disposal system having a central aeration chamber flanked on each side by a pair of biological filters each containing tiers of buoyant plastic hollow spheres through and over which the liquid from the aeration chamber flows upwardly and the filters are connected at the top by a crossover pipe positioned below the top level of sludge in the aeration chamber. The crossover pipe communicates with a vertical riser which functions with a vertical antisyphon vent. The riser communicates with a flexible hose which connects the primary central aeration chamber with the chlorine contact tank to receive the sludge from the biological filters for chlorinating the liquid and providing an adequate retention time for disinfection prior to discharge overboard.

Abstract: Apparatus for the biological purification of water with the separation of activated sludge by fluid filtration with the spontaneous returning of activated sludge into the activation area or zone, said separation area or zone being arranged above the activation area.

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: Waste disposal apparatus suitable for the collection of waste from a vacuum sewer system, which comprises a tank (1) having a waste inlet (2) and a waste outlet (10, 12) and means (4) for reducing pressure in the tank such that, in use, the waste inlet is above the level of waste in the tank and reduced pressure is maintained above the waste level and waste can thereby be drawn through the waste inlet, in which the tank further comprises an air inlet (6) through which air can be caused to pass into, and thereby cause aerobic digestion of, waste in the tank.

Abstract: The invention provides for a sealed mix tank having two chambers: one chamber mixes waste material and water to form a slurry and collect gas, particularly ammonia gas, during the digestive process; and, a second chamber stores water used for mixing. A classifier separates anaerobically non-digestible material from the slurry by directing the slurry through a basin to settle heavy particles and to push scum-forming particles onto a strainer. A sealed digest tank allows for sparging of the slurry with gas and for collecting the bio-gas generated during the digestive process. A sealed sludge tank receives digested slurry from the digest tank, sparges the sludge with gas, and collects the resultant bio-gas. A sealed scrub tank contains a scrubbing liquid which first absorbs ammonia gas generated during the digestive process and subsequently absorbs carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from bio-gas collected from the tanks during the process.

Abstract: An apparatus for dehydrating and degassing oil-continuous emulsions containing gases and a dispersed aqueous phase comprising a treating vessel provided with a combined distributor-degasser having an inverted trough with orifices along the sides and with an upper peaked portion having a central upwardly directed opening; a demister in the central opening communicating with the trough; a defoamer in the peaked portion on each side of and communicating with the demister; means associated with the trough for communicating with liquid-gas interface level control means; and a gas outlet in the demister. The treating vessel is provided with emulsion inlet means communicating with the inverted trough, a gas outlet communicating with the demister, and water and treated oil outlets. The treating vessel is preferably provided with an electrode system and means for controlling the aqueous material level at a position between the distributor-degasser and the electrode system.

Abstract: An inverted fluid vortex is created by an impeller within an inverted funnel. Heavier than water particles are forced outward and downward by the interplay of centrifugal, centripetal, gravitational forces and the internal downward cant of a funnel. A vortical fluid apex is suctioned from the system as necessary to keep the volume of the vacuum portion of the system constant and therefore the vacuum pressure constant.

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: The operation of an anaerobic methanogenic filter is controlled by measuring the rates at which oxygen demand (O.D.) is fed to the anaerobic filter and at which methane is generated by the filter, estimating therefrom the O.D. of the effluent of the anaerobic filter and controlling the feed rate to the anaerobic filter in accordance with that estimated value. Also disclosed is a means for eliminating long term bias that may be present in the signals fed from sensors to the circuit used for estimating the value of a variable of a process.

Abstract: Reactor for anaerobic prefermentation of aqueous waste waters provided with a waste water inlet, an outlet for discharging prefermented waste water and a sludge outlet. The interior of the reactor comprises one first reactor space and one second reactor space, while a precipitation cone is suspended by ribs between the first and second space. A covering sheet extends from the wall of the reactor into the precipitation cone, said covering sheet being provided with a gas escaping tube which ends above the upper edge of precipitation cone.The reactor is further provided with a storage vessel for supplying basic substances to the second reactor space. The outlet debouches into an annular precipitation space having an annular partition; the precipitation space is further bounded by an annular overflow with tooth-shaped recesses.At last a protein removing line and a liquid drain-cock are present.

Abstract: An improved waterless toilet for aerobic biological transformation of organic waste material is disclosed. The toilet is located at a position remote from a compartment wherein waste material is aerobically transformed. The toilet is connected to the compartment by a conduit. Organic waste is deposited into the toilet and a subsequently applied vacuum aids in the transporting of the waste material through the conduit to the compartment. Prior to depositing organic waste material into the toilet, a cup-shaped paper wrapping means is inserted into the toilet. Thereafter the vacuum is applied to the paper wrapping means and waste material to cause the paper wrapping to close around the waste material as it enters the conduit. Utilizing paper wrapping means, the toilet is protected from soiling by the organic waste material when it is deposited in the toilet.

Abstract: A system and apparatus therefor for the removal and destruction of harmful toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from a fluid, such as electrical transformer oil. The contaminated fluid is pumped through heating equipment to raise its temperature to a predetermined level prior to it being fed into a mixing chamber. An injector mechanism feeds a predetermined quantity of a reagent, such as an elemental sodium dispersion, into the mixing chamber where a power-driven impeller thoroughly mixes the two fluids. This mixture is fed into a reaction zone, preferably consisting of a plurality of closely nested back-and-forth tubes of a predetermined length and cross-sectional area wherein a chemical reaction occurs between the PCB-fluid and reagent forming harmless by-products which are insoluable in the now decontaminated fluid. The solid by-products are removed in a separator, such as a filtering medium or centrifuge, and any gases and water vapor are removed in a deep vacuum degasser.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for treatment of sewage is disclosed in which the overflow fluid sewage from a septic tank is directed into at least one enclosed evaporation tank having at least one upwardly extending vapor stack. A conduit may be provided for introducing a flow of air into the evaporation tank thereby facilitating evaporation of the fluid sewage. Return flow of condensate from the vapor stack into the evaporation tank is prevented by a baffle member and drain conduit operatively associated with the vapor stack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for defoaming the thin-film of an adhesive fluid at low pressure and the apparatus thereof, which is characterized by utilizing a rotary vessel at low pressure (nearly vacuum) to separate bubbles from a viscous fluid by a centrifugation difference between the bubbles and fluid due to their different mass, and by creating a spiral flow path for the viscous fluid, to maximize the flow distance of the thin fluid flow within a limited space thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a sewage treatment device of the marine type and operates on an extended aeration principle employing an aerator, clarifier and disinfector. The clarifier is disposed beneath the aerator and the top of the clarifier with a common wall therebetween which forms the bottom of the aerator. A first passage conducts fluid from the aerator to the clarifier and has a central port in the common wall. A second passage conducts fluid from the clarifier to the disinfector. The aerator has an influent inlet and the disinfector has an effluent outlet.The treator includes in the aerator vessel nozzle means for admitting air to the vessel in a direction to cause fluid in the vessel to move orbitally about a vertical axis with the nozzle means being disposed at a level proximate the common wall between the aerator and clarifier.

Abstract: A sewage treatment system comprising means defining a receptacle including at least one chamber for receiving a body of sewage composed of liquid and solids the top of which is exposed to air, means for applying air, under pressure, immediately below the upper surface of said body of sewage in said one chamber, at an angle thereto to physically lift portions of said sewage from the upper surface of said body thereof in a spray form, thereby to expose said lifted portions to air and to infuse said portions with oxygen, the nature and angle of application of the air being effective at the same time to induce a current in the body of sewage having a downward spiral and an ever-decreasing velocity, said current being effective to induce suspended solids to be driven to the bottom of said chamber together with the heavy solids settled thereon, thereby to facilitate an extremely rapid aerobic digestion.

Abstract: A batch water treatment system is provided in which ozone is the reactive agent. The system includes a holding tank containing untreated water in communication with a reaction tank in which ozone is dispersed under pressure through a plurality of foraminous diffusers which are connected to a modular ozone generator. Impurities contained in the water are oxidized or broken down by the ozone into forms capable of filtration, and as this treatment process progresses the water is circulated through a conduit to a monitor which measures the level of impurities in the water. Once a predetermined proportion of impurities are broken down and filtered from the system, the monitor automatically activates a drain line to evacuate the reaction tank of the treated water and then refills it with more untreated water from the holding tank to repeat the process.

Abstract: A compact, relatively small unit for treatment of wastewater for discharge into maritime waters is disclosed. The wastewater is received in a surge or retention tank and is delivered by gravity flow or pumped to a macerator for comminution of the solids content of the wastewater. Prior to entering the macerator, salt water on a controlled flow basis is added to the wastewater in sufficient amounts to insure a high enough salt content for use as the electrolyte in an electrocatalytic cell. From the macerator the wastewater to be treated is directed into a vertically oriented, elongated, electrocatalytic cell having a plurality of parallel, closely spaced electrodes therein positioned parallel to the flow of wastewater therethrough. The wastewater is directed through the electrocatalytic unit. The end electrodes of the spaced electrode plates are connected to a source of direct current sufficient to generate chlorine, oxygen and other treating chemicals in situ.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a sewage treatment device of the marine type and operates on an extended aeration principle employing an aerator, clarifier and disinfector. The clarifier is disposed beneath the aerator and the top of the clarifier with a common wall therebetween which forms the bottom of the aerator. A first passage conducts fluid from the aerator to the clarifier and has a central port in the common wall. A second passage conducts fluid from the clarifier to the disinfector. The aerator has an influent inlet and the disinfector has an effluent outlet.The treator includes in the aerator vessel nozzle means for admitting air to the vessel in a direction to cause fluid in the vessel to move orbitally about a vertical axis with the nozzle means being disposed at a level proximate the common wall between the aerator and clarifier.

Abstract: An aeration filtration tank and system for treating raw feed water includes a first tank or chamber and a second tank or chamber within the first chamber. An annular overflow platform is provided atop the second chamber and around the periphery of said platform are a plurality of weirs.Raw feed water enters a precipitation chamber at the bottom of the first chamber and flows slowly into the second chamber. As the water rises in the second chamber it is treated, as necessary, with fluid reagents and with air.Because the overflow platform is substantially larger in area than the cross sectional area of the second chamber, the water flows relatively slowly through the weirs and any gases entrained in the water are liberated. The gases are removed from the first chamber by an exhaust fan and conduit atop the first chamber.A small third tank within the first tank is fluidly connected with a conduit to withdraw clarified and purified water from the first tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for dispersing a gas in a liquid flowing within a vertical cycle through two reaction zones arranged in parallel within a reactor, the liquid/gas mixture flowing upwards in the first reaction zone due to the air-lift pump effect and being degassified at the transition from the first reaction zone to the second reaction zone and the completely or partly degassified liquid flowing down and the liquid being remixed with gas (preferably air) at the transition from the second to the first reaction zone below the two reaction zones.

Abstract: An activated sludge marine sewage disposal apparatus includes an aeration chamber immediately adjacent to a flooded settling tank, rising above a disinfectant chamber and a holding chamber disposed around the lower part of the tank. Flow from the aeration chamber to the settling tank is through a port in the common wall between the aeration chamber and settling tank, and up inside a pond separated from the rest of the tank by a downwardly flaring baffle of skirt depending from the top of the tank. A single shimmer at the center of the area at the top of the pond picks up floating solids and returns them to the top of the aeration chamber. A vent disposed directly over the shimmer continuously draws off air and gas to the aeration chamber. A sludge return line picks up heavy solids for the bottom of the tank and returns them to the top of the aeration chamber through a riser located in the aeration chamber.

Abstract: An improved aerobic waste treatment package which both simplifies maintenance of the system and increases the interval between necessary maintenance through the use of a removable surge bowl which forms part of a centrally disposed, large capacity, surge chamber positioned above the waste treatment holding tank. The package also simplifies maintenance by permitting removal of the surge bowl without disconnecting the electrical connections to the package and through the use of a simplified system for suspending porous filter bags from a hanger plate extending across the top of the holding tank.

Abstract: A fluoridation system including a venturi capable of being inserted into a water line along the length thereof, the venturi including a throughbore having a diminishing tapered section followed by an increasing tapered section in the direction of liquid flow, a passage intersecting the throughbore and extending substantially perpendicularly thereto, mechanism associated with the venturi for withdrawing water from the water line, a first conduit for transferring water from the withdrawing mechanism, a flow rate measurer in the first conduit, a flow control in the first conduit, a fluoride chamber connected to the outlet end of the first conduit, and a second conduit connecting the fluoride chamber with the passage of the venturi which is substantially perpendicular to the throughbore thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for the anaerobic digestion of natural organic waste comprises a feed tank, a digester and an outlet tank. There is further provided feed means which feeds waste to be digested from the feed tank to the digester at an adjustable continuous rate. A gas pump may be used to recirculate from the top of the digester through a diffuser to the bottom of the digester. A suitable gas pump comprises a container partially filled with liquid so as to provide a space above the liquid surface and within the container sealed by the liquid from the exterior of the container, pumping means being provided in the said space.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating dispersed multi-phase, fluid systems by flowing a gaseous medium through a liquid phase in a plurality of substantially vertical conduit members positioned over a manifold member through which the gas is supplied; and removing the separated phases from the predominant liquid. The components to be separated may be dispersed in the liquid or the gas.Flow of the gas through the conduit exposes the system to a large effective surface area as well as carrying the lighter components to the surface to form a separate, continuous phase, and inducing the heavier, usually solid, components to settle to the bottom of the apparatus. Optionally, particles may be included in the system to further increase the effective surface area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a water containing waste such as industrial sludges and animal excrements. The method comprises a first step of mixing the waste with an alkaline earth metal oxide such as calcium oxide to obtain a preliminarily dried mixture and a second step of further drying and granulation of the mixture. The apparatus comprises a reactor for a mixture of the waste and an alkaline earth metal oxide, a drying kiln equipped with a stirrer means, a furnace surrounding the drying kiln and an exhaust collector means adapted to collect an exhaust gas from the reactor and drying kiln and transfer it to the furnace. Fuel consumption is saved by utilization of the exothermic reaction of an alkaline earth metal oxide with water contained in the waste. The waste may be converted by the method to usable products such as fertilizers, cement materials or cement additives.

Abstract: An apparatus for enriching dissolved oxygen in water which comprises a plurality of dissolving devices, each of which comprises: (a) a pair of vertically arranged tubular bodies, the lower end of the first tubular body being provided with an inlet through which raw water is introduced and the lower end of the second tubular body being provided with an outlet for discharging oxygen enriched water; (b) a tube connecting the interior of both tubular bodies at the central portions thereof; (c) a bubbler disposed in the interior of the first tubular body for flowing an oxygen enriched gas into the raw water and for moving the raw water into the second tubular body through the connecting tube; (d) a pipe for connecting the top portions of the tubular bodies which form a chamber for the gas above the liquid level of the raw water in each of the tubular bodies; (e) a means for supplying an oxygen enriched gas into the chamber in the second tubular body; and (f) a means for supplying the gas in the chambers to the bub

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: An apparatus for manufacture of combustible gas consisting principally of methane with minor amounts of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen from organic wastes comprising an inverted vessel positioned in a body of water in a matter of such that the water acts as a "liquid door" to trap plant material and gas within the vessel.The combustible gas manufacturing method provided by the apparatus operates at a temperature of about 21.degree. C. to 37.8.degree. C. Under ideal conditions it is possible to produce as much as about 11 cubic foot of gas per pound of organic waste. A moving current of water agitates the organic material and sweeps the waste products from the bottom of the vessel where they may be recovered and used as fertilizer if desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a simple, very economical apparatus for conditioning "aggressive" demineralized brackish water or sea water to remove CO.sub.2 and raise the pH to about 8. The invention is undemanding as to operator skill and attention and can be used economically with rather small quantities of water, such as a few thousand gallons a day. It requires no instruments or controls and utilizes inexpensive, generally available materials, principally limestone chips. The water is first sprayed at low pressure against a conical surface to cause it to film and release the bulk of the free CO.sub.2. The water is then fed upwardly through a bed of limestone chips with at least a two minute reaction time to convert the balance of the CO.sub.2 to calcium bicarbonate which is soluble and produces a pH of about 8.

Abstract: Apparatus for collection and removal of settled solids from the bottom part of a sedimentation zone, comprising a scraper blade attached to a bridge and drawn reciprocatingly and repetitively in a longitudinal path along the sedimentation zone. Means are provided whereby the scraper blade is drawn toward the end walls of the sedimentation zone for transverse alignment therewith at the approach of the bridge to the end walls, so as to eliminate solids accumulation adjacent thereto.