Abstract: A portable system for recovering oil-based fluids from sorbent articles containing oil-based fluids, the system including a motor vehicle and a self-balancing centrifuge having a housing and a foraminous rotatable basket removably attached to a spindle in the housing, the centrifuge being attached to the vehicle for transport to a remote site, the basket having a solid base having a mass sufficient to provide self-balancing rotation of the basket and the basket being configured for receiving a plurality of the sorbent articles therein, wherein rotation of the centrifuge basket applies sufficient centrifugal force to the sorbent articles to cause removal of oil-based fluids therefrom such that the fluids travel from the basket into an annular area between the basket and the housing and from the housing to a fluid recovery tank and the sorbent articles are essentially fluid free.

Abstract: A plurality of water- and oil-porous sacks are partially filled with a number of generally toroidal bodies of a polymer material that entraps oil and including mesh fragments scattered throughout the bodies. Each sack is sewn with a perimeter stiffening ring, to retain a flat profile, and has a netting that closes to help inhibit outflow of the oil when the sack is retrieved. When deployed from ship or by air onto a spill, the sacks spread into a pancake shape and the polymer matter forms a single layer that retains the oil. The inventive sacks will float indefinitely without releasing the oil or allowing it to emulsify, so the oil can remain in place until collection efforts are feasible. The sacks can be burned in situ, or standard fishing boats or specialized collection boats can be used to retrieve the sacks, and the collected material can be burned to capture the energy content of the oil or processed to separate the oil from the polymer.

Abstract: An automatic oil-water separator which separates wastewater into oil or grease and water fractions is disclosed. The separator does not include any mechanical pumps in its structure and therefore does not generate oil or grease and water emulsions which are characteristic of separators using pumps and which are very difficult to separate. The separator is constructed without moving parts, filters or coalescing plates and operated without the addition of chemicals or the use of electricity.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system is disclosed which can be used to treat high-strength septage, sewage and industrial wastewater. The wastewater treatment system consists of three major components. In the first component, solids are separated from the liquid component of the wastewater being treated. The separated solid portion is removed to a composting component wherein it is turned into a commercially useful compost material. The liquid component is subjected to a two part treatment wherein the first part of the treatment is carried out in a sequencing batch reactor and the second part is carried out in at least one reed bed. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the various components of the wastewater treatment system are in modular form.

Abstract: A portable pump-type reverse osmosis apparatus includes a portable cart having a tub-like housing (12). A pair of elongated cylindrically-shaped R.O. units (36 and 37) sandwiched between a support means (25) and a cover means (45) are positioned within the housing. Both the support and the cover means include a contoured surface having recesses (29, 30, 46, and 47) that snugly engage a substantial portion of the R.O. units. A pump (55) enclosed by a spacer (65) is positioned above the cover means. A water container (75) is positioned above the pump to receive, hold, and dispense purified water from the R.O. units. To protect the unit from an inadequate water supply, a pressure switch (120) is included to permit operation of the R.O. units only when the incoming line pressure is within a preselected range.

Abstract: A mobile separator system for receiving and separating a mixed composition of oil, water, and sludge. The mobile separator system including a tank for holding the mixed composition, and a drain manifold that includes a plurality of drain pipes extending into the tank at varying elevations for allowing the drainage of water from the tank system. A vacuum source is attached to the top of the tank for carrying a vacuum within the tank to draw the mixed composition into the tank. The drain manifold is surrounded by a screen that allows the passage of water and oil, while preventing the passage of sludge through the screen into the drain pipes. A floating check valve is connected to each of the drain pipes to regulate the flow of water through the drain pipe. The floating check valve includes a valve element that has a density which causes the valve element to float in water and sink in oil.

Abstract: A vehicle liquid waste collection system for collecting fluids from a vehicle and separating non-water soluble materials from water soluble materials. The vehicle liquid waste collection system includes a support member having an upper surface. A ramp assembly extending from the support member. A containment wall extending upwardly from the upper surface. The support member includes an aperture in the upper surface such that the upper surface is angled downwards towards the aperture. A collection member having a hollow interior. The hollow interior has a first chamber and a second chamber in environmental communication. A duct in environmental communication between the aperture and the first chamber of the collection member. The duct is elevated relative to the first chamber whereby liquid waste collected passes through the duct and into the first chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating contaminated soil is disclosed. The apparatus includes a reactor vessel for holding a volume of water which is subdivided into a first chamber and a second chamber. The chambers are in fluid communication and are partially separated by a baffle. A soil conveyor is provided for conveying a supply of the contaminated soil to the first chamber. A gas supply directs a supply of pressurized gas into the first chamber, thereby creating a turbulent mixture of soil and water in the first chamber to effect segregation of the soil into a substantially small particle size first fraction and a substantially large particle size second fraction. The reactor vessel includes a first outlet located in a lower portion of the second chamber for withdrawing a slurry comprising the second soil fraction from the reactor vessel. The lower portion of the second chamber may be funnel-shaped to help direct the mixture of soil and water toward the first outlet.

Abstract: A sludge vacuum trolley (14) propels a sludge vacuum manifold (12) along the bottom of a settling basin or tank along a track (16) attached to the bottom of the settling basin. The sludge vacuum trolley (14) incorporates two drive wheels (26,27) that selectively engage the track to propel the sludge vacuum system therealong. The drive wheels (26, 27) are actuated by respective pneumatic rotary actuators (24, 25) whose rotary output shafts are connected to either air clutches or roller clutches, which in turn, drive the drive wheels. Air-actuated clamping cylinders (32, 33) selectively engage or disengage the drive wheels (26, 27) from the track so that the drive wheels will frictionally engage the track, and that rotation of the drive wheels by respective pneumatic rotary actuators will propel the sludge vacuum trolley along the track.

Abstract: A multi-chambered portable waste water treatment plant for a mobile home which is installed on or above ground level and can be easily moved from one location to another. The portable waste water treatment plant of the invention is insulated and is internally heated to prevent freezing of the liquids in the plant and promote decomposition of the waste in the plant when ambient temperatures are below freezing.

Abstract: Butane-utilizing bacteria are used to degrade hydrocarbon pollutants such as trichloroethene (TCE). In-situ or ex-situ techniques may be used to reduce or eliminate hydrocarbon pollutants from liquid, gas and solid sources. In a preferred embodiment, TCE concentrations in various aqueous environments are reduced by contacting a contaminated water source with butane-utilizing bacteria in the presence of oxygen to degrade the TCE by cometabolism or direct metabolism. Suitable butane-utilizing bacteria include Pseudomonas, Variovorax, Nocardia, Chryseobacterium, Comamonas, Acidovorax, Rhodococcus, Aureobacterium, Micrococcus, Aeromonas, Stenotrophomonas, Sphingobacterium, Shewanella, Phyllobacterium, Clavibacter, Alcaligenes, Gordona, Corynebacterium and Cytophaga. The butane-utilizing bacteria have relatively low TCE toxicity in comparison with conventional methane-utilizing bacteria, and demonstrate an improved ability to degrade TCE.

Abstract: The articulated boom and utility head for manipulating objects underwater of the present invention includes an articulated arm mounted at a first end thereof to a free floating platform, and a remotely operable utility head mountable at a second end of the arm. At least one sensor for relaying sensed information from the sensor to a remote operator or processor is mounted to the articulated arm. The sensed information is transmitted in real time as the arm remotely operated under water.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cleaning a water treatment tank. The apparatus includes a frame support having post mounted at a central extent of the upper surface of the water treatment tank and extending upwardly therefrom. A horizontally oriented arm has an inboard end coupled to the post. An outboard brush assembly is equipped with a rod coupled to an outboard end of the arm of the frame support and extended downwardly and radially outward therefrom. A vertically oriented brush is coupled to a second end of the rod for cleaning an inner surface of the peripheral lip of the water treatment tank. Also included is a plurality of inboard brush assemblies for cleaning the flanges of the water treatment tank.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a housing that contains a purification material for purifying the water. The water purifier is placed a flow of circulating water in the spa. The purification material preferably can be a silver-containing material.

Abstract: A multi-arm spider fitting including a central hub from which such arms radiate. The arms are adapted at their extremities for coupling with filter modules, so that multiple filter modules can be secured to a single spider fitting, with the filter modules being arranged in a compact array to minimize the volumetric and spatial requirements of the filtration system. The multi-module filter assembly may be mounted on a motive cart, to provide for ready transport of the filter assembly between locations in a process plant.

Abstract: Ashes are used when they have the particle size of fly-ash, i.e., when they have just been produced by a combustion process. They can be used, inter alia, for dehydrating and/or stabilizing sewerage plant sludge or sludge from surface treatment plants, for detoxifying liquid, semi-liquid or solid media contaminated by heavy metals and the like, and for removing pollutants from hydrocarbon-containing liquid or semi-liquid media.

Abstract: A portable liquid-solid separator tank having a bed with a drain, surrounding sides and a dividing wall. A grate overlays the interior of the vessel, bed, and sides, and forms the dividing wall. A filter overlays the grate, extending up the sides and covering the top and the dividing wall. The separator, which may be vacuum loadable, is filled with a sludge which is then separated from the liquid it contains by gravity and hydrostatic pressure which force the liquid through the filter. Liquid is drained out of the bottom of the vessel and the solids are transported within the vessel. The solids are removed through a gate that may be provided in the tank, or by using a hydraulic lift system in much the same manner as a garbage truck empties a municipal dumpster. The filter is removed with the solids and usually discarded.

Abstract: In a offshore oil and gas platform located over seawater in an open sea environment, the platform having drilling equipment, crew quarters, and a potable water holding tank for holding potable water, a portable desalination apparatus for producing potable water from seawater. The apparatus is comprised of a support skid to which is mounted a plurality of removable lifting lugs. A pump with associated piping and valves are fixed to the skid for collecting seawater from the open sea environment. Additional piping and valves are provided for moving seawater from the pump to a seawater filter. Additional piping and valves are used for moving the filtered seawater to a plurality of first pressure vessels each having reverse osmosis elements to produce a first quantity of brine water and a first quantity of desalinated water from the filtered seawater.

Abstract: A container assembly for keeping food stored therein fresh. The container assembly includes a plurality of nested members each having a bowl-shaped configuration comprising exterior and interior surfaces, a base and a perimeter side wall extending upwardly around the base. The perimeter side wall terminating at an upper edge. The nested members include an outer bowl, a filter, and an inner bowl. The filter is rested inside the outer bowl. The inner bowl is rested inside the filter such that the filter is interposed between the inner and outer bowls. The inner bowl having a plurality of spaced apart holes therethrough. A lid assembly is provided for substantially covering upper opening of the outer bowl.

Abstract: A system for the treatment of waste water including hydrocarbons and of a high biological oxygen demand. Preferably, the system includes a portable platform suitable for transport from site to site. A reaction vessel defining a substantially vertically oriented flow path therethrough for flowable waste water is mounted with its lower portion within and surrounded by a collection basin which receives waste water for treatment and recycling via trickling down through a biomass disposed on packing material within the reaction vessel. Simultaneously with the trickle down of the waste water, ambient air is forced upwardly countercurrent to the flow of the waste water to provide oxygen to the biomass, to enhance the flow of waste water over the biomass, and to sweep gaseous products from the reaction vessel. Optionally, oxygen is introduced into the collection basin to enhance biodegradation reactions within the collection basin. The system may be operated in either batch mode or continuously.

Abstract: A system is provided for changing hydraulic oil in vehicles such as airplanes, which enables rapid replacement of dirty oil and rapid cleaning of oil to meet military/commercial aircraft specifications for reuse. The apparatus includes a frame (40), dirty and clean oil tanks (14, 16) mounted on the frame, a filter tank (30) with filters (32) mounted on the frame, and pump and valve means (20) for controlling the flow of oil. Initially, the apparatus is rolled up to an airplane, dirty oil in the hydraulic reservoir of the plane is pumped into the dirty oil tank, and clean oil from the clean oil tank is pumped into the airplane reservoir. Thereafter, while the apparatus is moved or is stationary, dirty oil from the dirty oil tank is pumped through filters of the filter tank and into the clean oil tank for an initial cleaning, and thereafter the oil is continually circulated from the clean oil tank through the filtered tank and back to the clean oil tank to polish the oil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating immiscible liquids and solids from a influent stream employing a pre-coalescing unit to remove solids and larger liquid particles followed by a coalescing function which separates any remaining oil, grease and the like from the influent stream. The separator tank comprises three chambers, one of which comprises a series of debris plates made of perforated oleofilic material which traps solids and large particles in the first chamber and passes the partially separated liquid to a second chamber containing closely spaced coalescer plates which remove the remaining unwanted particles. In the third chamber, the effluent stream is prepared for reintroduction into the environment. The separator unit of this invention uses the combination of enhanced coalescing and gravitational separation to improve the separation process and reduce the frequency of maintenance and cleaning of the unit.

Abstract: An on-board treatment device and method for use on watercraft and other mobile vessels are provided. The system includes a treatment tank which is connected to the head and a bioreactor and a feed pump which are connected to the treatment tank. A macerator pump breaks up solids in the wastewater before the wastewater enters the treatment tank. During a treatment cycle, a head valve prevents any further flow of wastewater from the head into the treatment tank. Also during a treatment cycle, a bioreactor 3-way valve will be set so that the feed pump will flow wastewater from the tank, through the bioreactor, and back into the treatment tank. The bioreactor will include microorganisms which are adapted to the treatment of human waste. When the wastewater has been sufficiently treated, the feed pump will be turned off so that solids in the wastewater can settle out.

Abstract: A system for separation of fluids and drill cuttings received from a borehole during an under-balanced drilling procedure. The system is designed to cope with significantly varied pressures and flow rates, particularly in relation to gas content of drill fluids returned to the surface during the drilling process in a production zone, and to provide effective separation and to reduce the detrimental effect due to the presence of the drill cuttings in the returned drill fluids. In the present invention there is utilized a first stage, high pressure vessel in which a major portion of the gases ad drill cuttings are separated, and a second stage, horizontal low pressure vessel, preferably of greater volume than the high pressure vessel, in which further separating is achieved, including the separate removal of the drilling liquid to be returned to the drill tube.

Abstract: A mobile process to reclaim spent aqueous glycol solutions used as heat transfer fluids and which contains deleterious contaminants, oil/grease, corrosion products, and additives such as buffers and corrosion inhibitors. Particulate contaminates and oil/grease are removed by passing the solution through an ultrafiltration membrane. The dissolved contaminants are removed by passing through a series of ion exchange resin (IER) vessels. The reclaimed glycol solution is reused after replacing the required additives. One embodiment provides for central processing of the filtration and absorption media housed in a mobile enclosure, such as a trailer. The mobile trailer may be used at various collection sites for cleaning and reprocessing spent glycols. After the media are spent, the mobile trailer is returned to a central processing facility for regeneration of the filtration and absorption media. The waste produced by the regeneration is concentrated at a single treatment and disposal facility.

Abstract: A railroad tank car can be filled with a slurry of a solid and a solvent therefor. The tank car is fitted with a feed distribution header that is provided with a plurality of predetermined spaced openings. The header is mounted in the car so that after the solids have settled, the solids are located below the distribution header and the supernatant liquid is above the distribution header. The supernatant liquid can then be withdrawn from the tank car through the distribution header and flows back to a storage tank from where it came. All of this can be accomplished with a single pump. Removing or unloading of solids from the car is effected by rendering the solids flowable with a liquor and pumping the solids from the car or dissolving them.

Abstract: A pool cleaning apparatus includes a head having a forward portion and a rearward portion, a debris reservoir detachably connected to the rearward portion or the head, a first deflectable blade detachably connected to a lower end of the forward portion of the head, and being movable downwardly to engage a surface of the pool in response to water flow in the direction of the debris reservoir, and a bracket for connecting a handle to the head.

Abstract: A mobile cooking oil caddie which includes in combination features of heating, filtering and transporting oil for disposal into a disposal tank. The caddie is rolled under a hot oil fry cooker and hot fats can be drained into the caddie from the cooker. A filter screen is provided in the caddie for filtering the hot fats. If the grease is to be disposed, the caddie is moved to a facility in which the oil is pumped from the caddie by a motorized pump to a disposal tank. If the grease has been stored for a time and is not in a fluid state, the heater can be activated to heat transfer mixture which in turn heats the grease to a fluid state. The filter can then be cleaned of food particles and the caddie stored until it is desired to drain the fry cooker again for receipt of hot fats from the cooker when desired.

Abstract: A system for separation of fluids and drill cuttings received-from a borehole during an under-balanced drilling procedure. The system is designed to cope with significantly varied pressures and flow rates, particularly in relation to gas content of drill fluids returned to the surface during the drilling process in a production zones and to provide effective separation and to reduce the detrimental effect due to the presence of the drill cuttings in the returned drill fluids. In the present invention there is utilized a first stage, high pressure vessel in which a major portion of the gases ad drill cuttings are separated, and a second stages horizontal low pressure vessel, preferably of greater volume than the high pressure vessel, in which further separating is achieved, including the separate removal of the drilling liquid to be returned to the drill tube.

Abstract: A hemodialysis system includes the following: a dialysate handling unit for providing dialysate to the patient. This unit includes a hemodialysis solution pump and apparatus for monitoring hemodialysis solution safety such as a conductivity tester. Additionally a solution heater and appropriate conventional controls can be provided, as well as a proportioning system, an ultrafiltration measuring unit, and other known apparatus for handling dialysis solution. A blood handling unit is also provided, which includes a membrane dialyzer and holder, a blood pump, blood flow tubing and safety equipment for monitoring blood flow as it is pumped through the arterial/venous blood conduit set tubing from the patient, through the membrane dialyzer, and back to the patient. A first conduit is present for conveying fresh dialysate from the dialysate handling unit to the blood handling unit (or directly to the membrane dialyzer).

Abstract: An inline filter having a swivel right-angle fitting for coupling an inlet or outlet tube. The fitting includes a stem having a pair of O-rings and a distal ridge and notch. The cap of the filter includes a port having a plurality of annular, resilient tabs that engage the notch and ridge to retain the fitting to the cap.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering and cooling liquid, with four filtration chambers are connected by a series of passageways. The apparatus is mounted on a cart so that it may be rolled into position under a machine quickly and easily. Once the apparatus is in position, the machine is drained of its debris-laden oil which flows directly into the first chamber and through the first wire mesh filter. The liquid is then forced either by gravity or by pressure through the remaining chambers and their respective filters which have progressively smaller pore sizes. The tortuous movement of the liquid around the weirs helps to cool the liquid while the filters remove foreign particles from the liquid. Once the liquid reaches the fourth chamber, a pump is used to pump the cleansed liquid back into the machine so that it may be reused. The inlet to the pump may be fitted with an optional fifth filter element.

Abstract: A colander like receptacle mounted over a portable liquid storage container. The container has a drain valve and may have casters to permit its rolling. Interlocking male fins in the receptacle engage slots in the container and are locked together by turning the receptacle relative to the container. A male retaining slot in the container adjacent the slot can lock the container and receptacle together when turned. After, the items such as dishes, glassware or other kitchen items, are placed in the receptacle are drained of their liquids, the drained liquids are stored in the container until sufficiently full. These stored liquids may be drained off to permit the containers reuse.

Abstract: A portable water recycler for cleaning and recycling water used in a produce washing system or another similar system. The portable water recycler is most particularly advantageous in the recycling of water used in a potato washing system. The portable water recycler includes a conveyor filter which removes and conveys debris generally laterally while allowing water to pass generally vertically through a funnel and into a reclaiming tank. The reclaiming tank has a sloped floor and a bottom outlet. Dirty water is discharged from the bottom outlet and pumped through at least one centrifugal separator for further separation of particulate material from the water.

Abstract: A mobile bioreactor/generator is disclosed comprising a vehicle for transporting the bioreactor/generators in pairs which may be connected in series or parallel. The bioreactor/generators is comprised of a microorganism, inoculated bead bed, which is less subject to stress than other such reactors and which may be left in a dormant state for long periods of time. In one embodiment the bioreactor/generator may be off-loaded from the transport vehicle and used as a single stand alone unit at a remote site or used in combination with one or more bioreactors having different microorganisms for treating waste effluent. The bioreactor/generators further utilize the microbes which remain in the reactor's discharge effluent, after passing through the bioreactor, as a treatment for hazardous waste in the earth by injecting such effluent into bore holes.

Abstract: A hemodialysis system comprises the following: a dialysate handling unit for providing dialysate to the patient. This unit comprises a hemodialysis solution pump and apparatus for monitoring hemodialysis solution safety such as a conductivity tester. Additionally a solution heater and appropriate conventional controls can be provided, as well as a proportioning system, an ultrafiltration measuring unit, and other known apparatus for handling dialysis solution. A blood handling unit is also provided, which comprises a membrane dialyzer and holder, a blood pump, blood flow tubing and safety equipment for monitoring blood flow as it is pumped through the arterial/venous blood conduit set tubing from the patient, through the membrane dialyzer, and back to the patient. A first conduit is present for conveying fresh dialysate from the dialysate handling unit to the blood handling unit (or directly to the membrane dialyzer).

Abstract: A mobile process to reclaim spent aqueous glycol solutions used as heat transfer fluids and which contains deleterious contaminants, oil/grease, corrosion products, and additives such as buffers and corrosion inhibitors. Particulate contaminates and oil/grease are removed by passing the solution through an ultrafiltration membrane. The dissolved contaminants are removed by passing through a series of ion exchange resin (IER) vessels. The reclaimed glycol solution is reused after replacing the required additives. One embodiment provides for central processing of the filtration and absorption media housed in a mobile enclosure, such as a trailer. The mobile trailer may be used at various collection sites for cleaning and reprocessing spent glycols. After the media are spent, the mobile trailer is returned to a central processing facility for regeneration of the filtration and absorption media. The waste produced by the regeneration is concentrated at a single treatment and disposal facility.

Abstract: A flexible, multi-layer filter for separating solid and liquid wastes. In a preferred embodiment, the filter includes first, second, third, and fourth layers, interconnected by appropriately spaced connectors. The first layer comprises sub-layers of parallel strands, wherein the strands in one sub-layer cross and overlap the strands in the other sub-layer to form a netting. The second layer comprises a fibrous mat, and the third layer comprises a netting like that of the first layer. The fourth layer includes a porous filter cloth. The third layer may be cut to form end and side tabs for retaining the filter inside a conventional waste container. After a semi-solid mixture of waste is poured, dumped, or otherwise placed into the waste container, liquid waste passes through the filter layers under the force of gravity. The liquid waste is channelled through the first layer along the bottom of the waste container.

Abstract: A reconditioning system which withdraws coolant from a machine tool sump, filters solids from the coolant, removes tramp oil from the coolant, kills bacteria in the coolant, and returns the reconditioned coolant to the machine tool sump. The reconditioning system includes a separator tank having a coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, and a coalescer pack located between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet to separate tramp oil from the coolant. An ozone generator is connected to the separator tank for dissolving ozone into the coolant to kill bacteria, yeast and fungus. An in-sump pickup includes a flexible intake hose connected to the separator tank coolant inlet, a suction nozzle having a generally rigid tube attached near an angled or fluted inlet end of the intake hose, and a ring-shaped float encircling the rigid tube. A discharge hose connects the separator tank coolant outlet and the sump.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-contained, self-monitoring water purification system able to be transported to and used in remote areas. The system processes contaminated water through a preliminary filter, an oxidation contact chamber, a secondary filter and a chemical biocidal agent to obtain potable water. A number of sensor probes send information on critical operating parameters to a programmed logic control which, in turn, analyzes the information and generates an output signal to alter system operations when needed. In a second embodiment, the invention system is provided with a desalination unit in the form of a reverse osmosis filter to remove salt and extremely fine particles.

Abstract: A method for controlling odor in a waste water lagoon comprises the steps of aerating a top horizontal layer of a lagoon adjacent its upper surface at a depth of approximately 12 to 24 inches by introducing air through a plurality of nozzles submerged in the layer to create a plurality of air bubbles in the layer. The nozzles are moved horizontally through the layer. A device for controlling the odor in waste water lagoons includes a support structure with an elongated boom operatively secured to the support structure and extending outwardly therefrom to operatively contact water in an adjacent lagoon. Compressed air is delivered through a plurality of downwardly extending nozzles on the boom into a layer of water on the top of the lagoon approximately 12 to 24 inches deep. Power elements are secured to the boom to cause the boom to move horizontally with respect to the lagoon while the compressed air is being delivered through the nozzles.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating and dewatering of sludge taken from small-scale sewage treatment plants. The apparatus, which preferably is mounted on a vehicle, incorporates chamber-type units for dewatering, which can be connected by way of feed and return pipes, controllable valves, and pumps that can be switched on and off. A dewatering vessel with filter walls and separate sludge and filtrate chambers is connectable with a sludge chamber and a filtrate chamber, respectively, of a second dewatering vessel by way of joining pipes comprising at least one feeding pump and one controllable valve each, a radiation chamber arranged in the filtrate return pipe of one of the dewatering vessels, and a stone trap arranged in one other sludge feed pipe.

Abstract: A portable vacuum loadable liquid-solid separator tank having a bed with a drain, surrounding sides and a dividing wall. A grate overlays the interior of the vessel, bed, and sides, and forms the dividing wall. A filter overlays the grate, extending up the sides and covering the top and the dividing wall. The separator is filled with a sludge which is then separated from the liquid it contains by gravity and hydrostatic pressure which force the liquid through the filter. Liquid is drained out of the bottom of the vessel and the solids are transported within the vessel. The solids are removed through a gate that may be provided in the tank, or by using a hydraulic lift system in much the same manner as a garbage truck empties a municipal dumpster. The filter is removed with the solids and usually discarded.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained concrete reclaimer for use at construction sites to collect, break-down, and transport uncured waste concrete washed from concrete delivery equipment, to recycling facilities for use in the manufacture of fresh concrete. The concrete reclaimer comprises a screen having openings sized to separate aggregate from sand, cement and water when uncured waste concrete is washed thereon. The screen being sized to cover a portion of a water tight reclaiming tank having an open top, a closed wall, a bottom continuously sealed to the closed wall, and an upwardly extending partition disposed therein to divide the reclaiming tank into at least two separate, adjacently disposed compartments including a first receiving compartment adapted to receive and contain sand, cement and water, and an adjacent second receiving compartment adapted to receive and contain aggregate separated therefrom during the concrete washing and reclaiming procedure.

Abstract: Longitudinally collapsible apparatus for compacting packing material within a tubular liquid chromatography column. The apparatus includes a first support member, a second support member and a movable support member. The movable support member is releasably connectable to the second support member for support thereby. When released from the second support member, the movable member is adapted to ride on guide members extending between the first and second support members. A compression mechanism is supported on the movable support member to mote therewith to a longitudinally collapsed position for the apparatus. The compression mechanism comprises a reversible drive for an axially movable rod carrying a movable piston. With the movable support member secured to the second support member, the piston of the compression mechanism is movable in an end of the tubular column when the column is supported on the first support member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gully emptier comprising a container which has connected thereto a water jet or vacuum/pressure pump for conveying slurry and in which a discharge pipe which is provided with a filter at a liftable and lowerable end is arranged upstream of the connection to the suction side of a low-pressure pump, wherein a float is connected to the filter. Thanks to the float which floats on the water surface, the filter is automatically held at a predetermined depth below the water surface even when the water level changes. A manual adjustment by the operating staff is no longer required. The distance of the filter from the water surface can be accurately adjusted by using a floodable or inflatable float.

Abstract: A system for purifying dredging water comprises a mixing compartment and an agitating means that mixes water with a coagulating agent. A discharge means collects the coagulated sediment and delivers it to a centrifugal sediment water separating means. An outlet at the top of the fluid container collects the purified water. Recirculation means connects the decanter with the container such that the water extracted from the sludge is returned to the mixing compartment. A conveyor means collects and transports decanted sediment. Preferably, baffles partially separate the container into compartments configured to promote mixing and sedimentation. The conveyor means may comprise a solidification reaction acceleration agent injector to mix this agent with the sediment to further dehydrate and solidify it.

Abstract: A volume of slurry including grease, water and sediment is pumped from a grease trap into a first interior compartment of a mobile tank truck, and the sediment allowed to settle. Some of the grease and water is then transferred from above the settled sediment to a second interior compartment through a tubular conduit, using a siphoning action. Water is then drained out through a discharge pipe from the bottom of the second compartment below the transferred grease and returned to the grease trap, retaining the transferred grease in the second compartment. The process is repeated for successive volumes of pumped slurry until the second compartment's capacity for retaining grease is reached. In one embodiment, the siphon conduit has a transparent U-bend tube running outside the truck for viewing the flow of transferred slurry. An intake end of the conduit extends into an open-topped sleeve and a conical deflector keeps sediment out of the sleeve. The discharge pipe is transparent for viewing flow from the drain.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for extracting organic compounds from solid materials. A generator vessel has a removable closure for receiving a solid or liquid solvent which is heated with a resistive heating element to a gaseous or supercritical phase. The removable closure is unencumbered because the side wall is penetrated with an outlet for the gaseous or supercritical solvent. The generator vessel further has a pressure transducer that provides an electronic signal related to pressure of the gaseous or supercritical solvent. The apparatus of the present invention further includes at least one extraction cell having a top and a bottom and a wall extending therebetween, wherein the bottom is sealably penetrated by an inlet for gaseous or supercritical solvent received through a manifold connected to the outlet, the top having an easy-open removable closure cap, and the wall having an outlet port.

Abstract: A reinforced net apparatus, defined by a recovery net portion and a rear bag portion, the recovery net portion including a lower body panel portion of reinforced heavy duty netting, interconnected to left and right side panels of netting, and a top body panel portion of lightweight netting, together forming a forward debris-receiving opening. The recovery net portion would be interconnected at its rear wall to a bag portion, comprising netting, for receiving the debris collected in the recovery portion, the bag portion closed off at its rearmost end, and including elephant ears for recovering the bag portion when it is filled with debris. There is further included a lead chain member across the forward floor portion of the net and a trash chain to contact the debris and help move it into the net while the net is being pulled along the bottom of the body of water by a vessel.