Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for magnetically filtering metallic particulates from lubricating fluids or oils used in motorized vehicles. The invention includes a magnet and an optional sleeve. The sleeve holds the magnet and is configured for overlying the canister of a canister type oil filter. The sleeve is preferably made from a high temperature resistant material to withstand the heat associated with the operating temperature of the oil within filter. The invention is also directed to a magnetically assisted oil filter having a magnet incorporated into the canister.

Abstract: An oil filter includes a housing, a cylindrical sieve mounted in the housing, a filter medium disposed between the housing and the cylindrical sieve, and an end cap having a central outlet port through which filtered oil passes and a plurality of peripheral inlet ports through which oil to be filtered enters. At least one magnet unit is amounted in the cylindrical sieve and is attached to a peripheral wall of the cylindrical sieve. The magnet unit includes a container having a plurality of openings in a periphery thereof and a magnet member accommodated in the container.

Abstract: A band filter for the removal of foreign material particles from liquid baths, including a tub filled with liquid, guide rollers for a filter band arranged within the tub bath, the band being introduced into the tub from one side, guided with a spacing above the bottom of the tub and subsequently again conveyed out of the tub towards the top. The filter band being configured as a powered endless screen tissue band or as a filter fleece which is placed upon a support belt that is also driven in an endless manner. The filter fleece can in this case be unwound or reeled off a roller arranged outside of the tub, and a negative pressure chamber receiving the filtered liquid is arranged beneath the filter band. The faces of the filter band facing the bottom of the tub lie on a plurality of support faces extending transversely to the guidance direction of the filter band so as to be spaced from each other and parallel next to each other.

Abstract: A reusable liquid filtering system and a disposable liquid filter used in the liquid filtering system are provided for use with an internal combustion engine or pump. The liquid filter includes first and second end members and a liquid bypass valve is connected to and projects outwardly from the first end member whereby excessive oil pressure will result in opening of the bypass valve so that an emergency oil flow bypass is thereby provided. The disposable liquid filter is removably positioned within a container of the reusable liquid filtering system. A base is removably connected to the engine or pump and to an open end of the container for allowing removal and replacement of the liquid filter and for allowing neat and spill-free drainage of oil from the container when the base and the container have been removed from the engine or pump and when the base has been removed from the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for activating silicic acid contained in water, in which a helical antenna which generates an oscillating magnetic/electric field by use of a high-frequency power source and has a length 1, 1/2 or 1/4 times as long as the wavelength of the high-frequency wave is disposed in the direction of the central axis of a cylindrical tank; a water inlet pipe provided with a water injection pipe member for introducing water into the tank is disposed at the top or in the upper part of the side wall of the tank; a water drain pipe is disposed at the bottom or in the lower part of the tank; and the angle .theta. formed by the axis of the injection pipe and the straight line connecting a point where the axis of the injection pipe and the circumference of the tank intersect and the axis of the cylinder of the tank satisfies the equation: 0.degree.<.theta..ltoreq.90.degree., so that water supplied into the tank forms a whirling flow that crosses the magnetic field at a right angle.

Abstract: A filter aid which magnetically attaches to standard spin-on engine oil filters to provide a means for removing metallic particles from engine oil before the oil passes into the oil filter. The filter aid is compatible with commercially available oil filters and is easily removed, cleaned, and reused, and comprises an annular permanent magnet and an annular particle-collecting disk.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering oil spilled upon a body of water. Oil accumulators (10) having numerous open-ended cells (20) entrain spilled oil upon the surfaces (24, 26, 32) of the cells (20) when partially submerged in an area where oil has been spilled upon water. The oil accumulators (10) are rotated so as to lift the oil entrained upon the cell surfaces (24, 26, 32) from the water. An oil remover (12) may have superheated steam nozzles (64) located immediately above the oil accumulator (10). When oil-bearing cells pass beneath the nozzles (64), superheated steam may warm and expel the oil from the cells (20). An oil collector (14) collects the oil removed by the oil remover (12) where gravity flow transports the oil to a storage reservoir.

Abstract: Compounds and methods are disclosed for reversibly aggregating particles suspended in a liquid medium. The method comprises combining the liquid medium containing the particles with a polyionic polymer capable of aggregating the particles under conditions suitable for such aggregation. Thereafter, the particles are contacted with a chemical reagent capable of cleaving the polyionic polymer under conditions sufficient to reverse the aggregation. Optionally, magnetic particles are added to the liquid medium in the present method under conditions for non-specific binding and the medium including the aggregates is subjected to a magnetic field gradient to separate the aggregates from the medium. The compounds of the present invention are polyions. The aggregation of the particles is reversible upon contact with chemical agents which cleave at least some of the bonds within the polyionic polymer.

Abstract: A plurality of permanent magnets contained within a flexible non-magnetic strap assembly which is wrapped about the exterior casing of an oil filter or a conduit for other fluids or particulate substances. The magnetic force fields created by the magnets penetrate the interior of the casing or conduit to attract and capture magnetizable particles entrained within the fluid or other substance and retain them against the interior peripheral wall of the casing or conduit. The flexible magnetic strap assembly may be spirally wound about the container for an oil filter, or the conduit for other fluids or particulate substances any number of times to thus maximize the magnetic effect and to fit different size containers or conduits. The flexible magnetic strap assembly may be elastic, with adjustable or non-adjustable joining devices at the ends, or the ends may be permanently joined, to enable fitting the elongated flexible and elastic magnetic strap to different size containers and conduits.

Abstract: A method for processing wastes from the machining of ferromagnetic materials in which the wastes are mixed with a washing solution in a first tank and oil or oil-and-water emulsion adhering to the wastes is dissolved. Ferromagnetic components of the wastes are then separated from the washing solution in the first tank by means of a magnetic field, and non-magnetic components are then subjected to a washing in a following second tank. The ferromagnetic components are fed to an additional tank where they are washed again. The separated and degreased components are then filtered out of the washing liquids using suitable filtering apparatus.

Abstract: A permanent magnet is disclosed for enhancing the performance of filters, particularly oil filters associated with internal combustion engines. The permanent magnet is attached to the bottom of the filter by its own magnetic attraction to the bottom metal portion of the end of the filter canister and requires no other means of attachment. A screwdriver slot is also provided to enable a screwdriver to be inserted to pry off the magnet from the filter canister when necessary. The magnet is re-usable and may be made in various sizes and shapes to fit the contour of the bottom of the canister.

Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a plurality of permanent magnet block members mounted in surrounding relationship relative to the filter cartridge, with each block including a concave front wall in confrontation to the filter cartridge side wall, and each block member including a rear wall having at least one rear wall strap receiving a flexible belt, wherein the flexible belt is directed through each of the rear wall straps to secure the magnetic block members together.

Abstract: A fluid filter is designed primarily but not exclusively to filter spent fluids which may contain particulate contaminants. The filter has an assembly which may be slid into or out of a canister housing for manufacture, repair, or replacement. The assembly is a stack of porous filter media separated by perforated metal plates. The metal plates may be arranged in sets, comprising positive and negative electrostatic plates followed by magnetic plates. Or, the metal plates may be arranged in a sequence tailored for the electrical conductivity of a given fluid. A pair of rod electrodes are threaded through holes in the various plates and porous filter media. One rod electrode is connected to all positive plates. The other rod electrode is connected to all negative electrostatic plates.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to dredging under harbors and waterways and fabricating building materials and more particularly to an apparatus for dredging that produces no waste and uses the dredged material for useful building products. Furthermore, all off the equipment that is used for the dredging and fabricating building materials from the dredged materials placed upon at least one floating badge.

Abstract: A nanofiltration and/or reverse osmosis system for filtering swimming pool water which system and apparatus eliminates dissolved organic and inorganic matter that is not removed by conventional swimming pool water treatment filtering systems.

Abstract: An oil filter includes a housing, a first cylindrical metallic sieve received in the housing, a filter medium disposed between the first cylindrical metallic sieve and the housing, and an end cap. The end cap has a central outlet through which filtered oil exits and a plurality of peripheral inlets through which oil to be filtered enters. A spaced is defined by the first cylindrical metallic sieve, in which a support is securely mounted to a lower portion thereof adjacent to the central outlet. A filter element is securely retained in the space by the support for removing ferric particulate contained in oil to be filtered. The oil filter includes a second cylindrical metallic sieve held by two caps, a plurality of magnets, and a plurality of third metallic sieves being alternatively disposed around the second cylindrical metallic sieve and being held between the two caps.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the separation of particles in either a liquid or gas stream is provided. The fluid stream is directed in a swirl-flow pattern to develop thereby centrifugal forces on the stream. Optionally, magnetic and/or electrical fields may be applied to the system to enhance separation of the particles. Air sparging may also be employed to further enhance the separation of hydrophilic particles from hydrophobic particles in a liquid system. Optionally, the swirl-flow pattern may exit the downstream end of the separator where a stream splitter is employed to split the swirl-flow pattern stream which splays outwardly at the outlet in two or more streams which carry desired particles to be recovered.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for removing metal particles from a liquid by means of a bag filter containing a plurality of magnets in linearly elongated interior pockets. A liquid containing metal particles passes from the interior of the bag filter through its exterior. The magnetic force associated with the magnets contained on the inside of the bag filter attract the metal particles thereto and hold such particles there against the pockets while the liquid passes through the bag filter.

Abstract: An oil drain apparatus is directed into an oil filter boss in an operative association with a valve to permit selective flow of oil from the valve directed from the oil filter boss. The invention is directed to further include a flexible hose positioned in tension directed through a housing, with its lower distal end positioned above a magnetic grid to permit visual observation of debris directed from the associated internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for separating particles in a slurry based on different physical, magnetic and/or chemical properties of the particles, the slurry including a mixture of solid particles and/or liqid particles which are immiscible in the slurry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying a reservoir of water is disclosed employing an elongated lift tube suspended in a water tank for conveying water from and into the reservoir and introducing an air stream containing ozone in the bottom of the lift tube for causing passage of water through a filter into the lift tube upward movement of the water in the lift tube for purifying the water. Magnets (448) with their north poles facing one another are placed on opposite sides of the water received in the lift tube and ozone is diverted into water that is pumped into the reservoir.

Abstract: A magnetic separator for separating magnetic particles from a non-magnetic test medium is disclosed herein. The magnetic separator includes a non-magnetic container having a peripheral wall with an internal surface area for receiving the test medium, and magnetic means for generating a magnetic field gradient within the container in which the magetic field is stronger in the test medium along the internal surface area of the peripheral wall than in the medium most distant from the wall.

Abstract: A primary filter for the fuel supply circuit of a combustion device such as a motor vehicle engine which removes particulates and other contaminants from the fuel prior to being passed through a transfer pump. The primary filter of this invention replaces conventional primary filters having replaceable filter elements thereby reducing maintenance requirements. The primary filter includes a generally horizontally extending elongated cylindrical passage having an enlarged cross-sectional area compared to the inlet port, thus causing the fuel velocity to decrease and permitting heavy particulates and contaminants to settle out. Fuel is removed from the top of the primary filter which causes the fuel to undergo a change in direction which further enhances the contaminant separation effect. Contaminants are collected from the lower portion of the primary filter in a collection bowl or remotely located collection tank. Magnetic particles are removed from the fuel using a permanent magnet or electromagnet.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for treating water used in heat exchange operations such as boilers wherein the water is subjected to a magnetic conditioning prior to being used in the heat exchange operation and is subsequently filtered to remove larger particles while permitting smaller particles to remain in suspension.

Abstract: A filter for removing finite particles from a fluid is comprised of a plurality of magnetic perforated plates, negatively, electrostatically charged, perforated plates, and positively, electrostatically charged, perforated plates with filter media disposed between the plates. The plates are disposed in succession in the path of fluid flow. The fluid flows through the perforations in the plates, and finite particles are removed therefrom by the interaction of those particles with force fields generated by the plates. Particles are further removed from the fluid by the action of the filter media. Also, a system control prevents any fluid from passing through the filter when an insufficient charge is present on the electrostatically charged plates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for acoustophoresis, i.e., the separation of species via acoustic waves. An ultrasonic transducer applies an acoustic wave to one end of a sample container containing at least two species having different acoustic absorptions. The wave has a frequency tuned to or harmonized with the point of resonance of the species to be separated. This wave causes the species to be driven to an opposite end of the sample container for removal. A second ultrasonic transducer may be provided to apply a second, oppositely directed acoustic wave to prevent undesired streaming. In addition, a radio frequency tuned to the mechanical resonance and coupled with a magnetic field can serve to identify a species in a medium comprising species with similar absorption coefficients, whereby an acoustic wave having a frequency corresponding to this gyrational rate can then be applied to sweep the identified species to one end of the container for removal.

Abstract: A method for treating water in a cooling system including a cooling tower and heat exchanger are disclosed herein. The method includes the steps of removing water from the main cooling water circuit, serially subjecting the water to magnetic treatment, treatment with ozone, filtering with a centrifugal separator, and then returning to the main cooling water circuit. Underflow from the centrifugal separator is filtered with a bag filter, and the filtered water returned to the magnetic treatment step. The pH of the water may be controlled by regulating the production of dry air supplied to the ozone generator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying liquids, and more particularly for further purifying ultra-pure liquids such as ultra-pure water utilizing an electric field. It has been discovered that organic and inorganic particles suspended in ultra-pure water will exhibit a net negative charge. This discovery has led to the novel method and apparatus for removing most of these particles by establishing laminar flow of the liquid, passing the liquid through an electric field transverse to the direction of flow to induce mobility of the particles away from a negative field surface, separating the liquid into zones established according to the relative distance from the negative field surface and utilizing the zone of liquid closest to the negative field surface as the liquid with the least particle contamination and thus of greatest purity. The other zones of liquid farther from the negative field surface may be recycled through the system.

Abstract: A pressure-activated diaphragm valve which when installed in the main up-stream side of a pressurized line, responds to signals from a control unit to shut off the main supply line and at the same time, opens a drain port on the down-stream side of the valve. When used as a freeze protection system, the main water line is shut off and the drain port opened before the freeze point, thereby, eliminating water damage from frozen, broken pipes. The valve also is self-cleaning and has a magnetic plug to remove and keep metallic particles out of the control chamber and the control unit has automatic and manual modes.

Abstract: An automatic water treatment system including a magnetic descaler, a centrifugal separator and an electrode purifier operationally connected to a water supply and controlled by a microprocessor so as to monitor conductivity, pH and copper/silver content and control the descaler, separator and purifier as well as the blowdown as required to insure acceptable levels of water purity while avoiding excessive blowdown.

Abstract: A water treatment device comprising a slow sand filter in fluid flow combination with a nanofilter for water pretreatment purposes. The nanofilter is surrounded by a housing spacedly arranged thereto which housing is capped at each end and axially aligned with and connected to a T-shaped pipe fitting at each end thereof. A pipe is arranged to extend axially through the T-shaped fittings, the caps and the nanofilter which pipe is apertured along that portion thereof in said nanofilter. Water fed from the slow sand filter into one T-shaped fitting is directed inwardly and laterally through the nanofilter with the purified water flowing through the apertures of the pipe with a discarded portion of the water being conducted through the second T-shaped pipe fittings out of the device for disposal purposes.

Abstract: To accomplish this object, a device is designed and is characterized in that in the interior of the housing there is provided at least two baffle plates which are offset in the direction of the housing axis and between them form at least one third chamber and in that for the flow connection between the chambers a passage is provided in at least one baffle plate. Additionally, the device according to the present invention is characterized in that a switching means in the electric supply circuit for the magnetic coil has at least a third operating condition, in which the flow of current is interrupted by the at least one magnetic coil, and in that the switching means assumes this third operating condition in each instance between a first and a second or between a second and a first operating condition.

Abstract: A filter component for aiding in the removal of particulate matter from a circulating lubrication fluid. Several embodiments utilize magnetic attraction of particulate matter to remove the matter from the fluid. Removal of extremely small matter aids in the prevention of clogging of straining type filtering elements and further cleans the fluid. The magnetically attractive element will trap and remove particles which are of a size too small to be inhibited be straining type filter elements. The component can be implemented in a number of ways, alone, or in conjunction with a straining type filter element, such that the component attracts the particles away from the element and out of the fluid flow stream.

Abstract: A water treatment multi-stage process and apparatus thereof for removing dissolved, colloidal, volatile, suspended and living contaminants from water, wastewater or sludge streams which includes chemical feeding, static mixing, flotation chemical monitoring and optimization, gas pressurization, hydraulic flocculation, sedimentation, flotation, and final water treating by converting dissolved solids to insoluble forms by oxidation and chemical precipitation, coagulating and clarifying colloidal substances and microorganisms, magnetic or electronic treating the remaining contaminants in the water to produce a purified water.

Abstract: A magnetic field is applied to an automotive engine-type oil filter canister by permanently adhering a plastic strip halfway around an outer surface of the filter canister, thereby forming a magnetic field within the filter canister attracting ferrous magnetic particles to an inner wall of the canister adjacent the ferrous magnetic strip.

Abstract: A sludge treatment multi-stage process and apparatus thereof for sludge concentration and liquid stream treatment which includes chemical feeding, static mixing, chemical monitoring and optimization, built-in gas pressurization, hydraulic flocculation, grit settling, multiple stage upward flotation thickening, downward gravity thickening, and final magnetic or electrical treatment to produce a highly concentrated sludge slurry and a treated effluent.

Abstract: A water filtering, sterilizing and heating apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes filter tank provided with activated carbon therein, to filter bacteria, miscellaneous impurities and odor in water. The output of the filter is coupled to a microwave oscillator to vibrate and churn the water coming from the filter tank. The water from the microwave oscillator is coupled to an ultraviolet light sterilizing tank having an ultraviolet lamp disposed vertically in the center thereof. A storage tank is provided to receive and store the water coming from the ultraviolet light sterilzing tank. The fluid level in the storage tank is maintained by automatically controlling the passage of water thereto by means of an electromagnetic valve actuated by a micro switch responsive to displacement of a float. The temperature of the stored water being kept at a preset temperature by means of a heater and a temperature sensor.

Abstract: Fluid reservoirs are often provided with a means by which the severity of fluid contamination may be monitored. One method of checking the condition of the fluid, requires the disassembly or removal of one or more components from the associated reservoir in order to read the monitoring device. Another method is utilized in conjunction with the filtration system of the fluid and an indication is observed when the level of contamination reaches a predetermined point. The present invention provides an apparatus whereby the condition of a fluid may be continually observed without requiring the disassembly or removal of any components attached to the fluid reservoir, regardless of the condition of the fluid.

Abstract: A water filtration multi-stage process and apparatus thereof for removing dissolved, colloidal, volatile, suspended and living contaminants from water or wastewater which includes chemical feeding, in-line static mixing, filtration chemical monitoring and optimization, aeration, hydraulic flocculation, grit settling, adsorption, filtration, disinfection, and final water conditioning by converting dissolved solids to insoluble forms by oxidation and chemical precipitation, and then by filtering the insoluble contaminants, adsorbing residual dissolved contaminants, disinfecting the living microorganisms, and applying magnetic or electronic field for conditioning to produce a purified water.

Abstract: The magnet filter (10,100) has a frame for supporting a plurality of elongated, non-magnetic tubes (20, 108) in a regular, spaced-apart array. A plurality of magnetic bodies (38,112), which can take a variety of forms, are situated in the spaces between the tubes of the array, for imposing a magnetic field within each tube over substantially the full length of each tube. The upstream end of each tube is adapted for receiving a fluid to be magnetically filtered and the downstream end is adapted for discharging such fluid. As the fluid passes through each tube, the magnetic field imparts a force to the magnetizable particulates, which are drawn toward the magnetized internal structure within the tube where they are deposited, thus filtering the fluid. The magnetic bodies may produce a field that is oriented either substantially parallel to the tube, or transverse to the tube.

Abstract: A magnetic separation apparatus is described, which is primarily intended for separating magnetic particles contained in a fluid. Such apparatus is primarily used in the process of sewage purification by binding magnetic particles to the substance to be removed, and by applying a magnetic filter. The invention resides in the fact that the channel for supplying the liquid to be treated has such a shape that part of the substance to be separated already precipitates before reaching the actual magnetic filter. This avoid the quick filling of the magnetic filter thus extending periods between rinsing the filter. By applying a relatively weak field in the area in which precipitation takes place, precipitation is enhanced.

Abstract: A method of removing magnetically-separated magnetic particles adhering to a magnetic filter. Sets of radially-arranged magnets are provided above and below, with adjacent magnets having unlike poles. The filter is located in an alternating magnetic field formed by the magnets. The filter is washed by directing a jet of fluid at it while magnets, or filter, is being rotated.

Abstract: A method of magnetically treating drinking water for domestic livestock comprises the steps of: mechanically filtering the water to effect removal of ferromagnetic particles; causing the water to pass through a magnetic field of alternating polarity of an intensity between 600 and 6500 gauses and of a field gradient of between 0.2 and 6.0 kgauss/cm, whereby the flow is laminar at a velocity of between 0.5 and 2.4 m/s.; recirculating water not consumed by the animals by pumping it again through the magnetic field, while choosing the distance between the points of alternating polarity and the water velocity in such a manner that each water particle experiences not less than 2 and not more than 60 polarity changes per second.

Abstract: The invention is an element for spin-on filters for removing metallic fines from the medium being filtered and for neutralizing sulphuric acids therein comprises a base element having a lower recess for a magnet and an upper recess larger than the lower recess. Extender elements are stackable on the base element and an upper container within which are placed magnets spaced apart by flux spacer elements is nested in the uppermost extender element. A magnesium coil is on the exterior of the container.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a water-treatment system wherein inlet water is subjected to continuous circulation, or at least to a plurality of cycles of circulation, in a loop wherein air under pressure is injected into the water prior to passage through a magnetic-energy treatment device. The recirculation involves a tank which thus provides a volume of available pretreated water, against which to drawn in accordance with intermittent demand. Magnetic-field treatment of the aerated water creates particulates, from oxidizable impurities such as iron, and these particulates are separable by filtration; and as to those impurities as involve dissolved gases, such as radon or hydrogen sulfide, the gases are driven from solution and vented (along with excess air) external to the treated-water outlet of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for magnetically treating a liquid is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes at least two magnetized inserts mounted in a pipe containing a liquid to be treated. The inserts are disposed parallel to one another and parallel to the direction of flow of the liquid to be treated wherein each of the inserts includes a plurality of successive permanent magnets abutting each other and positioned such that the magnetic flux of each magnet is perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow, wherein the polarity of adjacent magnets of an insert alternates in direction, and wherein each magnetic insert is located opposite an identically polarized magnet in an adjacent insert.

Abstract: A dual purpose automatic transmission oil pan (10) for covering transmission components (20,22) and containing a reservoir of oil in a sump portion (32). First and second drainback channels (34,36) extend to the sump portion (32) from spaced drain openings (16,18) of a closed-barrel transmission case (14) which permit free flow of oil to the sump portion (32). A magnetic filter (40) is secured to a ramp surface (44) at the confluence of the oil flows (A,B) from the first and second drainback channels (34,36) for removing ferrous contaminants from the oil. An inlet port (26) of a filter cartridge opens into an inlet port region (46) of the sump portion (32).

Abstract: A fluid purification system includes an elongated ultraviolet radiation emitting tube and independent fluid flow-controlling conduits. Each conduit is transparent to allow ultraviolet light emitted by the tube to enter the conduit, and defines a continuous, and is helically wound closely about the tube to insure that fluid flow through the conduits is exposed to the ultraviolet light. The system includes a filter having inlet and outlet ports. An end of each conduit is connected to one of the inlet and outlet ports of the filter. The system thus exposes the fluid to ultraviolet radiation both before and after the fluid is filtered.

Abstract: To sterilize and purify continuously water in a water tank, a water treating apparatus is provided that comprises a circulating type water pipe for taking the water in the water tank outside the water tank and then for returning the water into the water tank, and an ozone supply apparatus, a filtering apparatus, and an ultraviolet-light irradiating apparatus that are situated in the course of the water pipe, so that water can be sterilized and purified thoroughly by a three-stage treatment incluing "an ozone treatment" wherein the decomposition of organic substances, deodorization and inactivation of microorganisms by ozone can be expected, "a filtering treatment" wherein the elimination of foreign matters and microorganisms can be expected, "an ultraviolet treatment" wherein the sterilization by ultraviolet rays can be expected.

Abstract: This invention involves a multi-step, multi-force process for dewatering sludges which have high concentrations of magnetic particles, such as waste sludges generated during steelmaking. This series of processing steps involves (1) mixing a chemical flocculating agent with the sludge; (2) allowing the particles to aggregate under non-turbulent conditions; (3) subjecting the mixture to a magnetic field which will pull the magnetic aggregates in a selected direction, causing them to form a compacted sludge; (4) preferably, decanting the clarified liquid from the compacted sludge; and (5) using filtration to convert the compacted sludge into a cake having a very high solids content.Steps 2 and 3 should be performed simultaneously. This reduces the treatment time and increases the extent of flocculation and the effectiveness of the process.