Abstract: An improved apparatus for magnetically filtering a magnetically susceptible component in a fluid with a matrix of magnetizable material which, when magnetized, provides a multiplicity of regions of high magnetic field gradient. A sequence of time-spaced impulsive magnetic fluxes are produced in an electromagnetic coil by periodically charging and discharging capacitor connected to the coil, the fluxes being concentrated across the magnetic matrix to magnetically collect the magnetically susceptible component in the regions of high field gradient therein. A static magnetic flux may also be provided in the magnetic matrix by a permanent magnet included in a magnetic circuit with the matrix.

Abstract: A water treatment system is described comprising a first water line in communication with a source of water at one end and a water filter on the other. An alternating current magnetic means is imposed with the first water line so that water flowing therethrough will be subjected to the magnetic field thereof. A second water line extends from the water filter to a water outlet means. A direct current magnet means is imposed in the second water line so that water flowing therethrough will be subject to the magnetic field thereof. The magnet means are comprised of coils imposed in a housing, a first shaft extends through the coil and is adjustably secured to the housing. The inner end of the shaft terminates in a plate means which is normally positioned adjacent inlet and outlet openings in the housing. A second shaft means is adjustably secured to the housing and its inner end terminates in a plate means which is oppositely disposed from the first mentioned plate means.

Abstract: A magnetic filter including a tubular case which has a filter region divided along a flow passage into two smaller-dimensioned spaces in each of which a filter element of magnetic material is located. A magnetic means is also provided in one of the two spaces. In the smaller-dimensioned space including the magnetic means, only a portion of the lines of magnetic force produced by an electromagnetic coil connected to the tubular case is allowed to magnetize the filter element disposed in the same space, while the remaining lines pass through the magnetic means, so that the filter element is magnetized to a lesser degree. However, the filter element located in the other smaller-dimensioned space is magnetized by all the lines of magnetic force so that the same space has a higher capacity for attracting magnetic particles. Therefore, different types of magnetic particles contained in a fluid are attracted by the lowly-magnetized filter element and the highly-magnetized one, respectively.

Abstract: A liquid settling and recycling machine particularly conceived for use to wash or clean greasy or oily parts in a garage or mechanical shop; this machine being characterized by an improved wandering flow path featuring a first settling stage adapted for rapid and early collection of metal particles including a collector device readily removable for emptying, magnets to rapidly collect metal particles, and a temperature responsive cover carrier and cover adapted to close a drain giving access to an underlying reservoir of flammable solvent to protect the latter against fire in it upon the start of a fire outside of the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus including centrifugal, magnetic and screening components for separating contaminating solid magnetic and/or non-magnetic particles from a fluid. The centrifugal, magnetic and screening components, during the operation of the apparatus, are supported by and enclosed within a housing. The housing is readily openable to provide access to all of the components for cleaning and/or repair and/or replacement, and the components are so related that fluid "starving" of a system in which the apparatus is in series with other components is substantially prevented.

Abstract: Electromagnetic filter, including a housing through which medium to be filtered flows, spherical bodies of ferromagnetic material disposed in the housing, a winding for magnetizing the spherical bodies, the spherical bodies having surfaces and particles of higher permeability than the spherical bodies being disposed in the surface with spacings therebetween.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical magnetic oil filter unit adapted to be interposed in an engine lubricating oil filter or other oil containing compartment for removal of magnetizable particles entrained or suspended in the oil. The filter unit is formed by a plurality of bar-type permanent magnets slidably surrounding an elongated support rod and maintained in spaced-apart relation by like poles facing each other. One end of the magnet support rod is supported by an oil filter support head for maintaining the magnetic filter in spaced relation with respect to surrounding components.

Abstract: In a spin-on fluid filter assembly (10), means for magnetic filtration of ferrous-type particles upstream of the filter element is provided. The magnetic filtration means may include magnetizing the attachment plate (16) of the spin-on filter (12) and portions of the element housing (24). Magnetic spring clips (45) may be secured near the fluid inlet openings (30) in the attachment plate (16). A magnetic ring-like element (40) may also be secured adjacent the arrangement of inlet openings (30) in the plate (16). The invention produces magnetic force fields which attract and retain at the area of the attachment plate ferrous-type particles prior to the entry of the contaminated fluid into the filter element.

Abstract: A high gradient magnetic separating device contains a filter structure with a stack of wire screens, arranged closely, one behind the other, of noncorroding ferromagnetic material with a predetermined mesh size and wire thickness. The filter structure is arranged between two parts, forming the magnetic poles, of a ferromagnetic yoke of a magnetic device. The flow direction of the medium to be filtered through the filter structure and the direction of the magnetic field are arranged perpendicular to the wire screens.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved apparatus for the treatment of water to reduce the formation of scale in those mechanical devices that employ water and to enhance the service ability of liquids in other applications through the use of magnetic circuitry which maximizes the effectiveness of the magnetic flux upon fluids. The circuitry includes flat-ring true permanent magnets, collector disks with tapered transmission points, set air gaps and threaded concentrator cores. This invention makes it possible to tailor magnet spacing to meet a wide range of velocity and flow rate requirements through the use of flux separators of varying sizes and the interchangeability of the inner core.

Abstract: An appartus for use in the magnetic treatment of liquids in order to reduce precipitation of dissolved materials. In one embodiment the apparatus subjects liquids to magnetic flux by providing an inlet (2) for the liquid, an outlet (3) for the liquid after it has been subjected to magnetic flux, a fluid flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet, a magnetic body, (4), and material (24) for protecting a sensitive part of the magnetic body from the liquid. In this embodiment the magnetic body includes a first magnetic pole (17) made of material which is sensitive to contact with the liquid and a second magnetic pole (25) of opposite polarity to and spaced from the first magnetic pole to define a gap between the poles. The magnetic poles are so disposed that lines of magnetic flux pass between them and, in so doing, traverse at least part of the fluid flow path.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an adjustable-flow water conditioning device. More particularly, this invention is directed to a magnetic water conditioning device which can be manually adjusted to coordinate the conditioning effects of the device with the rate of water flow through the device. The invention is directed to a magnetic water conditioner comprising externally mounted means for permitting the distance and intensity of the magnetic field created within the conditioner by permanent magnets to be adjusted, without any disassembly of the device.

Abstract: A device and method for the treatment of a fluid with magnetic lines of force are disclosed. The device comprises an elongated outer casing and at least two spaced-apart elongated magnet assemblies positioned therein to form at least one laminar passageway for said fluid. Each magnet assembly comprises at least one tier of at least two permanent magnets or at least two magnetic sections of a single permanent magnet arranged in coaxial line in N--N and S--S relation. The ends of each tier of magnets or magnetic sections are supported by support members and, when said tier contains more than one magnet, the length of said tier is supported between its ends. The magnet assemblies are positioned so that the polarities of adjacent polar ends of magnets or magnetic sections in one of said magnet assemblies are unlike the polarities of the oppositely disposed adjacent polar ends of magnets or magnetic sections in a spaced-apart magnet assembly.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance chromatography system that enables the separation of charge carrying molecules to effectively take place. An oscillating magnetic field is generated in free space and applied in one of numerable orientations with the field lines parallel to the longitudinal axis of a chromatography column containing the gel media of a liquid gel chromatography apparatus. Molecules within the gel media which posses either a net positive or negative charge experience an "induced" flow due to eddy currents produced in the chromatography column. These "induced" flow events alter the motion of the charged molecules and therefore effect molecule separation.

Abstract: A pressure filtering device includes a cylindrical center part, an upper part, a lower part, a first connecting means for detachably connecting the upper part to the upper end of the center part with a fluid-tight connection and a second connecting means for detachably connecting the lower part to the lower end of the center part with a fluid-tight connection. An inlet is provided on the upper part, an outlet and a filter support are provided on the lower part, and a filter element is disposed on the filter support.

Abstract: A coolant filter assembly for use in automotive cooling systems includes a filter cartridge having a perforated cartridge shell open at one end to admit coolant and filled with filter material to cleanse the coolant as it passes therethrough, the filter cartridge being removably mounted in an enlarged portion of the coolant path to the radiator inlet, thereby permitting coolant flow both through and around the filter cartridge. Perforations of the cartridge shell include openings in the end wall and openings in the cylindrical sidewall formed at an acute angle to enhance flow through the filter cartridge. Liners of fine filter material are located adjacent the inside wall of the cartridge shell, coarse fibrous filter material is provided in the central portion and magnetized particles are preferably deployed in the fibrous filter material. A filter cartridge housing is provided in two telescopically joined housing halves with the filter cartridge removably mounted therein.

Abstract: A fuel strainer having a strainer cup into which fuel is introduced from an upper side of the strainer cup, and a partition assembly removably fitted in the strainer cup. The partition assembly includes a base plate having a magnet attached to a lower side thereof, and at least one partition plate connected to an upper side of the base plate through a plurality of supporting columns so as to divide the space in the strainer cup into an upper and a lower chambers. The partition plate has a passage bore for connection between the upper and lower chambers and an upper surface of the partition plate constitutes a sediment guiding surface descending toward the passage bore.

Abstract: A magnetic belt conveyor type magnetic particle separator comprises a storage tank for storing cutting oil containing magnetic particles, an endless belt conveyor extending sidewise from the storage tank in an upwardly inclined direction, and a magnet disposed beneath the forward run of the belt conveyor to extend in the direction of running thereof. Magnetic particles contained in the cutting oil are attracted by the forces of the magnet to the upper surface of the forward run of the belt conveyor to be conveyed up to the forward run end thereof and separated therefrom at the forward run end for being discharged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating particles suspended in a liquid from the liquid. A flow of the liquid is passed through a filter bed of ferromagnetic bodies which acts as a coarse filter to trap the larger particles in the flow. The filter bed is arranged within a truncated cone between the poles of an electromagnet. To cleanse the bed and flush out the trapped particles a wash liquid is passed through the bed and the electromagnet is energized to levitate the bed to thereby allow the wash liquid to remove the particles. The liquid flow from the coarse filter can be passed to a high gradient magnetic separator at which remaining small particles in the flow are filtered magnetically.

Abstract: A magnetic filter for separating ferromagnetic particles from a fluid. The filter includes a filter container having an inlet, outlet, and inner space wherein an annular filter element is located. A magnetic-field generating device is surrounded by the annular filter element, and is adapted to magnetize the filter element. A fluid to be filtered is allowed to enter the filter from the inlet, and ferromagnetic particles in suspension in the fluid, when passing the filter element, are attracted thereby. The purified fluid is allowed to flow out of the filter through the outlet.

Abstract: A tank assembly for a hydraulic system including a hydraulic load device and a transmission. The tank assembly comprises a tank, a weir mounted on the bottom wall of the tank, which weir functions as a partition wall for dividing the inside of the tank into a first and a second reservoirs and allows fluid to overflow from the first reservoir to the second reservoir, the first reservoir being adapted to receive fluid from both the hydraulic load device and the transmission, a dust collector mat disposed on the bottom wall of the tank for collecting dust from drained fluid, and a strainer mounted inboard on one of the side walls of the tank and extending within the second reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning drilling mud, wherein a straightflow hopper (1) has a pipe (2) for collecting drillings deposited from the drilling mud, accommodating a device (3) for removing the drillings. The device for removing the drillings comprises two shutters (4, 5) provided at the ends of the pipe (2) for collecting the drillings separated from the drilling mud, which are connected to one another and coupled to an actuator (8) for turning the shutters for alternately shutting-off the cross-section of the pipe (2).

Abstract: An electromagnetic ground water conditioning system and sampling device comprising a holding tank, a pump, filters and timers to regulate the time and duration of blowout of settled solids at the bottom of the tank. The electromagnetic water conditioning unit is that disclosed and claimed in my allowed patent application Ser. No. 153,219 filed May 27, 1980, entitled Free Flow Non-Corrosive Water Treatment Device, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,288,323. A blowout valve at the bottom of the tank is solenoid operated and regulated to discharge a small liquid volume of settled solids. One timer is a 24-hour timer to set the blowdown start, the other is a 30-minute timer which sets the duration of the blowdown. For ground water or sewage water or industrial waste water a 2-hour setting on the 24-hour timer and a 10-second setting on the 60-second timer is preferred. The amount blown out is 1/10 gallon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for water softening using less than approximately 20 micron diameter fine mesh magnetized ion exchange particles in columnar operation. The particles are formed by encapsulating a core of magnetic material in ion exchange resin. The particles are magnetized and disposed in a column where they attach to magnetic mesh retention means such as stainless steel wool. The design of the column permits use of the fine mesh ion exchange particles and their properties of rapid exchange rates and efficient utilization of resin capacity while avoiding prior art problems of plugging, fouling, and excessive pressure drop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter for purifying a fluid containing ferromagnetic particles.The filter comprises a cylindrical envelope containing steel beads between which the fluid to be purified passes, and a device, at the periphery of the envelope, for magnetizing the beads. It also comprises at least one plate for supporting the beads, which is pierced with holes and arranged transversely at a certain height in the envelope. The fluid is introduced and discharged by means of pipes, one of which opens in the envelope below the plate for supporting the beads, and the other of which passes through the bed of beads, from the bottom, and opens above the bed of beads and below the top of the envelope of the filter.The invention applies in particular to the filtration of the pressurized water of a nuclear reactor using pressurized water.

Abstract: An electromagnetic system is provided to monitor the activity of a ferrous debris detector of the type which uses electric discharges to automatically disintegrate magnetically concentrated accumulations of micron sized wear particles in hydraulic systems. The data provided are used to detect instances of abnormal wear as shown by either an unusually large number of such discharges or an excessive rate of discharge. Where such abnormality occurs the monitor will provide an audiovisual alarm to warn of the problem in time to prevent catastrophic failure of the system.

Abstract: A magnetic fuel purifier with double purifying effect for liquid fuel and the like equipped with an inner pre-purifier rotating around a center shaft and an outer purifier, where the fuel passes through an especially sintered bronze ball filter. Further, the center shaft at the bottom is equipped with a rigidly applied surrounding magnet 6 to pick up magnetic particles from the fuel. The case for the fuel purifier is made from transparent non-magnetic material that is as clear as glass to make it easier to check when the purifier is filled with contaminations and needs to be emptied and cleaned.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing entrapped gas and selectively removing and detecting particles above a predetermined size in an oil lubrication system is described. The oil enters tangentially at the top of an outer cylinder and is caused to cyclonically work its way down to the bottom of the cylinder. The oil is then forced to reverse its flow and travel up along an inner cylinder. The centrifugal force fields created by such flow cause entrapped gas to coalesce in the center of the flow pattern from which point it can be vented from the system. It also causes heavier particles, which are used by the apparatus to detect impending failure, to be thrown out of the flow pattern into a detection cavity positioned at the bottom of the outer cylinder at its periphery while lighter particles remain suspended in the fluid. A conventional magnetic sensor is contained within the cavity to capture the separated particles for subsequent removal from the system and signal their presence to the operator of the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid processing apparatus and method wherein a plurality of alternating, permanently magnetic cathode plates and anode plates having applied thereto frequency controlled, square wave pulses superimposed over a constant base voltage so as to create an electric field which is substantially perpendicular to the magnetic field of the cathode plates. An alternative embodiment includes a centrally disposed electromagnet for creating a second magnetic field. A downstream water coalescer and molecular sieve are optionally employed depending upon the intended use of the apparatus and method.

Abstract: Organic pollutant spills on aquatic bodies may be collected by a method comprising distributing a plurality of buoyant magnetically susceptible, oleophillic, hydrophobic, resilient sorbent particles on the surface of the pollutant, allowing the sorbent to attract and bind the pollutant, magnetically collecting the pollutant-bound sorbent particles, compressing the pollutant-bound sorbent particles to expel the pollutant to a pollutant sump, allowing the compressed sorbent particles to recover from compression, and redistributing the sorbent particles on the surface of the remaining pollutant.

Abstract: Disclosed is novel apparatus and method for introducing various gasses into liquids. This as is commonly done in aerating or oxygenating liquids where growing aquatic life such as fish; instances concerning lagoon and pond treatment, absorption of oxygen in sewage or sewage -activated sludge mixture, introduction of chlorine or carbon dioxide gas into water for chemical treatment thereof. The method includes water treatment comprising the improved diffuser, aerator or sparger apparatus with the result of substantial enlargement in the known beneficial effects of such treatments; also, substantial and unexpected attendant benefit attributable to function of the diffuser apparatus. Principally the apparatus and method reduces the viscosity of water reducing the hydrogen bonding thereof at the time when presented for gas absorbtion. This when utilizing gas for aqueous liquid treatment or treatment of water with suspended pollutants.

Abstract: Provided is a skim net for use in swimming pools, comprising a frame and an open, meshed netting stretched in the frame. Rearwardly of the frame is a handle attachment of the quick connect and disconnect-type. The forward sweep end of the net frame is of substantial flat configuration in relation to the height of the sides and base of the frame, forming a shovel-shaped frame end which serves as a scoop for the removal of rocks, debris, and like substances, of the swimming pool surface. Additionally, the frame forward end is provided with a recessed magnet to attract metallic objects as, for example, hair pins.

Abstract: A disc is rotatably mounted in a position to be partially exposed to, or immersed in, a liquid. Slow rotation of the disc causes liquid adhering to the disc to move upward into a position where wipers remove most of the adhering film, and divert it into a drainage trough or collector. In the simplest form of the invention, the disc is of magnetic-responsive material, and the wipers are flexible strips having permanent magnetism.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lubricating oil filter device, more particularly to an attached accessory of either electromagnet or permanent magnet wound around the main body of the lubricating oil filter device. When the oil with fine iron particles flows through the main body, the fine iron particles will not penetrate the rolled filter paper but will be attracted by the magnetic force onto the inner wall of the main body so as to lengthen the duration of the filter paper.

Abstract: A device for filtering systems for the separation of minute magnetizable particles down to particle sizes below 1 .mu.m from a gaseous or liquid medium introduced into a working volume permeated by a magnetic field in which the working volume is located in a rotating magnetic field and, in some embodiments, an agitated filter structure is disposed in the working volume to cause relatively large magnetic structures to be developed from the minute individual particles in a relatively weak rotating field, which structures can then be filtered out at a relatively high separating rate.

Abstract: The underflow of a cyclonic separator is discharged onto the drum of a magnetic separator and is confined to flow around the drum along a narrow channel so as to filter the underflow through swarf collected on the drum within the channel while preventing the underflow from washing across and disturbing the swarf collected outside of the channel.

Abstract: Treatment plant for treating a fluid formed by waters and sludges and comprising a decanting system; a first centrifuging system for separating, on the one hand, the spent waters and, on the other hand, the sludges formed by organic compounds containing or not heavy metals and the sludges formed by higher-density mineral compounds; an irradiation device for irradiating, by means of an accelerated electron beam for example, the sludges formed by organic compounds and especially those containing heavy metals so as to convert them into mineral compounds which are less toxic and have a high density; a second centrifuging system for subsequently separating and eliminating these mineral compounds.

Abstract: Clusters of elongated magnets are aligned in an end-to-end relationship to provide an elongated magnetic element that is insertable into the central cavity of an annular screen. A circulating stream of liquid, such as hydraulic fluid, is drawn through the screen and over the magnets for removal of ferreous particles or other magnetically attracted contaminants. The magnets of each cluster are arranged in a radial pattern around a common longitudinal axis and are retained in place by spacers located in intervals along the axis. The maximum width of the clusters is greater than the maximum width of the spacers with which the magnets of the clusters are abutted.

Abstract: Process for desalting of water by hyperfiltration (reverse osmosis), characterized in conveying the water to be desalted through at least one magnetic field and keeping the water streaming within the magnetic field and by removing via a throttle area a partial stream of the water to be desalted or of the water enriched in salt, respectively, from the pressure chamber located before the semipermeable membrane.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in settling or separating finely divided solids, i.e., minerals, from a liquid such as water in which they are suspended. A plurality of settling tanks is provided, each of which is flow connected in series at about the mid-level, which receives processed supernatant fluid in stages. The mineral content of the water in each tank tends to settle by gravity toward the bottom of each tank and is extracted from each tank by extractor pumps. The initial high mineral water is pumped into the first stage tank and is pre-treated by an electromagnet unit surrounding a pipe which contains a helical screw impeller, and each of the succeeding tanks is provided with a pump at about the mid-level and is similarly pre-treated by a similar electromagnetic field and screw impeller in the flow line.

Abstract: Suspended contaminated particles are removed by magnetic separation from a liquid containing ferromagnetic particulate material to which the particles adhere. A plurality of radially extending filter discs are provided on a horizontally disposed rotatable shaft for rotation therewith, the liquid being directed toward the discs and through gaps provided therebetween. Permanent magnets are provided on the discs for producing local magnetic field gradients in the gaps, and the discs have non-magnetic portions outwardly of the magnets along the periphery of the discs. The particulate material is scraped from the discs which adhere thereto when the liquid passes the gaps, and the scraped material is moved outwardly of the discs.

Abstract: The liquid which is delivered to cyclonic separators for final cleaning is precleaned twice, first in a drag tank and then by a magnetic separator. The dirty underflow from the cyclonic separators is subjected to two stages of aftercleaning, first in a second drag tank and then by a fabric filter.

Abstract: A magnetic filter element comprises a rubber bonded barium ferrite permanent magnet strip enclosed in a thin, liquid impervious, non-magnetic envelope and positioned in a low velocity location in a fluid system to capture magnetically attractable contaminants. The disclosure illustrates various arrangements of the magnet with filter cartridges as well as the construction of the magnet element itself.

Abstract: A filter assembly comprises a housing having a tubular filter and a bypass valve mounted therein. The valve comprises a spool having pressure modulating means thereon in the form of a tubular extension having a plurality of metering orifices formed therethrough. In normal operation, fluid is communicated from an inlet of the housing, through the filter and to an outlet. When the inlet pressure of the fluid exceeds a predetermined level due to clogging of the filter, for example, the fluid is communicated from the inlet to the outlet directly, through the metering orifices of the valve. The spool has a cylindrical portion which forms a sliding seal with a cylindrical bore defined in the housing to prevent premature opening of the bypass valve.

Abstract: A filter assembly comprises a cover member detachably mounted on a stationary support and a support member attached to the cover member in axially spaced relationship therefrom. A tubular screen, having a filter disposed therein, is disposed axially between the cover and support member and defines an annular passage between it and the filter. In normal operation, fluid is communicated from an inlet, through the screen and filter and to an outlet. When the pressure of the fluid in the passages exceeds a predetermined level, the fluid is communicated from the inlet and through the screen and passage to open a bypass valve mounted in the cover to communicate the fluid directly to the outlet. A plurality of magnets are preferably secured on an underside of the support member and adjacent to the inlet to uniformly disperse the fluid thereby and to pick up metallic contaminants.

Abstract: A pliable magnet member adapted to be removably mounted to filter elements of different diameters to provide means for attracting metal particles to remove them from the hydraulic system with which the filter element is employed.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids, such as metal cuttings, from liquids, such as machine coolant, the apparatus having an upwardly inclined elongated housing which in cross-section is U-shaped with a semi-circular bottom and parallel sides, the housing being opened at the top and covered throughout its length by a removable lid, a helix rotated in the housing and extending from the lower end to the upper end, the housing having a solids discharge chute near the upper end, a gear motor mounted on the upper end of the housing for rotation of the helix and having at the lower end an upwardly extending fluid inlet chamber, the open top serving as an inlet by which solids containing liquids is conducted into the apparatus and having an upwardly extending overflow chamber connected with the lower portion of the housing, the walls of the overflow chamber being of less height than the inlet chamber, the inlet chamber, the overflow chamber and the lower portion of the housing together forming a quiescent zone in whic

Abstract: A waste water treatment method and apparatus where ferromagnetic powder is added to the waste water and solids suspended in the waste water are formed into coagulated flocs, and the flocs are magnetically attracted and deposited on magnet plates so as to remove the solids from the waste water, thereby purifying the waste water. The magnetic powder can be recovered for reuse.

Abstract: The invention is a compact in-line fluid filter. Two nested filter baskets have circumferential walls of fine mesh filtering media which is capture molded into a supporting structure. A magnet, transversely mounted to the fluid flow, attracts and retains ferromagnetic particles traveling in the fluid. This configuration provides a fluid filter with a larger filter area in a small package which is not position sensitive. Fluid entering the filter is divided into two parallel paths which have a low pressure drop. By distributing the flow and therefore trapped particles over the large filter area, a long service life is also attained.

Abstract: Method for separating foreign solid particles from a liquid having the steps of disposing the contaminated liquid in the position of an upper layer on the flushing liquid and permitting the contamination particles to sink into the flushing liquid which is removed from the tank while the processed contaminated liquid is also removed from the tank.