Abstract: An improved portable reverse osmosis water purification plant includes a frame 10 with a storage area 20 thereon adapted to receive a feedwater pump 76 and a product water pump 78. A diesel engine 44 is located on the frame 10 along with a high pressure pump 52 which is driven thereby. A primary filter 70 is located on the frame 10 and is connected to the feedwater pump 76 to receive water to be purified therefrom. A secondary filter 72 is also located on the frame 10 and is of the cartridge type. The same delivers water to be purified to the high pressure pump 52, which in turn provides the water to be purified to membrane/pressure vessels 60 located on the frame.

Abstract: This invention relates to waste water treatment, more specifically this invention relates to transportable decontamination system for water which is pumped from manholes and equipment vaults. The separation of water and contaminants is accomplished by a five module system. The first module removes 98% of the solids from the waste stream by use of staggered baffles. Module two reclamates the free oil present in the liquid flow with an coalescing water oil separator. The third module removes solids still left in the stream which are greater than 20 microns by use of a size discriminating filter. The fourth and fifth modules are bonding tanks used to encapsulate hydrocarbons and heavy metals respectively. The sequence in which the contaminated flow enters each of the modules is essential to the effectiveness and efficiency of the filtration process.

Abstract: A cleaning module for cleaning sewer pipes including sewer liner, and other types of conduits. The cleaning module may comprise a single hydraulically propelled unit, wedge-shaped and selected to fit pipe size. Pipeline walls are scoured by the slurry agitation produced by hydraulic pressure jets in the module. Alternatively, the module is assembled in situ and the relative size of components is selected depending upon the diameter of the pipeline. The module may comprise a front unit and rear unit or a frame assembly and a drive assembly. The modules contain a motor, preferably a hydraulic motor. The motor drives flails, thereby disintegrating solid waste or generating and propelling a sludge slurry. The slurry scours the pipeline walls by cavitation and abrasion action. Also disclosed are systems for cleaning a sewage line section and methods of their use.

Abstract: A process of dewatering primary-treated sewage which includes mixing the sewage with a coagulant or flocculant aid, usually activated polymer. The sewage is then mixed and flocculated at conditions which involve extensive mixing turbulence of the sewage and whereby part of the sewage is recycled so as to be again subjected to such mixing and flocculating. Flocks form the solid particles in the sewage. The pH of the sewage is chemically adjusted into the basic pH range or to a higher basic pH. The sewage is applied to a sand bed whereby the flocculated solids in the sewage are separated from the liquid in the sewage, by collecting on the top of the sand bed. The flocculated solids located on the top of the sand bed are air dried. The dried flocculated solids are removed from the top of the sand bed.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and process for filtering cooking oil of the type used in deep fat fryers such as are used in restaurants and bakeries. Full cooking temperature oil from the fryer vat is forcefully moved by a motorized pump through a canister holding a sintered metal filter which is preferably made of fused Stainless steel granules and which will filter-out solid particles down to about 0.5 microns in dimension from the oil. The hot oil passes through the filter before the filtered hot oil is returned to the fryer vat through a hand held flexible dispensing hose. The canister includes an openable lid to allow repeated removal, washing and re-installation of the highly durable and reuseable sintered stainless steel filter. One preferred embodiment in accordance with the invention is a portable unit mounted on wheels so it can be rolled from one fryer to another fryer and then to an out of the way storage area.

Abstract: A sludge filtration system for separating the sludge liquids from the sludge solids. A container provides a basin for receiving and holding the sludge. Within the container, a first filter assembly, positioned proximal the container bottom, defines a first filtrate cavity. The first filter assembly is maintained below the sludge level so that a pump, in flow communication with the first filtrate cavity, provides for vacuum evacuation of the first filtrate cavity. Placing a valve in the first filtrate discharge conduit facilitates selective vacuum evacuation or gravitational evacuation of the first filtrate cavity. A second filter assembly extends about the inside perimeter of the container cavity proximal the container side walls. In addition, the second filter assembly extends from proximal the container bottom to the container top end. The second filter assembly defines a second filtrate cavity. A second filtrate discharge conduit provides for gravitational evacuation of the second filtrate cavity.

Abstract: A conical floway culture system for cleansing water of pollutants is presented that has a downward slope between the central region and the outer edge and a wall for retaining water within the floway. The water-impervious bottom surface has a texture conducive for growing an algal turf. In use, water is admitted into the floway from the waterway and is permitted to flow over the algal turf. The algal turf bioassimilates the pollutants and thereby cleanses the water, and the water is discharged in a cleansed condition. Mature algal turf is harvested periodically by an angled plowing system having a notched, fixed, or rotating scraper that travels in a downward spiral path, pushing harvested algal turf downslope toward the outer edge.

Abstract: A floway for cleansing water of pollutants is presented that has an upstream weir wherein water to be cleansed is admitted, a downstream weir wherefrom water is discharged, and curbs extending between the weirs for retaining water along the sides. The bottom surface is specifically textured conducive for growing a bed of algae to form an algal turf thereon. The algae bioassimilates pollutants from the water and is harvested periodically by a vacuum system having a notched, rotating nozzle at the intake end. An ultraviolet reactor positioned at the downstream end is used to degrade volatile organic compounds. In addition, the water surface is disturbed to change the angle of incidence of light and focus additional light energy on the algae.

Abstract: A system for cleaning and recycling a deburring compound includes apparatus for removing both ferrous and non-ferrous solids from the fluid by providing an upwardly inclined filtering chute having a top surface on which the fluid is forced to flow upstream around a plurality of baffles for enhancing the settlement of solids from the fluid on the chute. The chute is also provided with a plurality of magnets on its bottom surface creating a magnetic field for enhancing the removal of ferrous solids from the fluid. The filtered fluid is further strained through a series of filter bags and a filter cartridge to remove any remaining solids and recycled. The chute is readily disassembled for easy cleaning to save down time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for extracting an analyte from a sample using a field-portable extraction instrument. The preferred embodiment of the extraction instrument includes an extraction fluid source, a sample container, a valve element, a nozzle, and a collection trap vessel. The methods of the present invention include the steps of inserting the sample into the sample container, attaching the sample container to the instrument, and providing a quantity of pressurized extraction fluid from the pressurized extraction fluid source into the sample container to initiate the extraction process. Extraction is facilitated by directing the extraction fluid into the sample at a rapid flow rate such that the sample and extraction fluid are vigorously mixed and a sample/solvent mixture is created. The valve element is then operated to isolate the extraction fluid source and to fully close the sample container.

Abstract: A self-contained, self-sufficient system and method for purifying non-potable water to make the water potable is disclosed. The system comprises (a) means for oxidizing which treats the non-potable water by oxidizing organic substances, disinfecting the non-potable water by destroying parasites, bacteria and viruses, and causing coagulation of colloids, (b) means for filtering the treated non-potable water wherein oxidized organic substances, destroyed parasites, bacteria and viruses, and colloids are removed to provide potable water, and (c) means for optionally generating a biocide from dissolved salts when dissolved salts are present in the non-potable water. The system can also include means for contacting potable water generated by the system with a biocide. The system is self-contained and self-sufficient, requiring no external resources for the continuous operation thereof.

Abstract: An improved method for processing multiple small batches of waste material from different collection sites is provided. The method uses an apparatus designed to process small batches of waste material from a collection site, such as a septic tank, into waste water and sludge material. Using the apparatus, the waste material first undergoes oxidation with an oxidizing agent and separation with a flocculating agent. After the oxidizing and separating steps are completed, the waste water is then drained from the apparatus and returned to the collection site. The sludge material produced is then transported to a second collection site. The waste material from the second collection site is then added and mixed with the sludge material produced from the first small batch of waste material. The new waste material is then oxidized and separated into waste water and sludge material. The waste water is then drained from the apparatus and deposited into the collection site.

Abstract: A floway for cleansing the water of a waterway containing nutrients and other pollutants, utilizing growing attached algal turf, the floway utilizing at least two elongate curbs spaced apart in a parallel relationship. A growing surface for algae is disposed between the curbs, on which growing surface, selected algae are caused to grow and form an algal turf able to bring about bioassimilation of nutrients and pollutants, as well as the physical trapping of particulates contained in water caused to flow over the algal turf. Water from the waterway is directed to flow through the floway and over the algal turf. A mobile harvester is provided for removing mature algal turf containing nutrients and pollutants assimilated and trapped by the algal turf, such harvester being of a width commensurate with the spacing of the curbs, so as to be supported therefrom. The harvester contains a vacuum pickup system, including an intake plenum for harvesting mature algal turf.

Abstract: A simple, rapid, efficient and inexpensive process for on-site recycling of wastewater with minimal odor wherein the solid wastes generated by the water treatment process are dewatering on-site by solar energy to water content levels. below those required for disposal. All operations, including solar dewatering, are accomplished in a compact unit which may be mobile. The solar dewatering unit includes a drying pan over which a solar collector window arrangement is disposed.In the process, wastewater, a water purifying composition and an oxidizing agent are additively mixed together in a first reactor settling tank and the resulting composition is neutralized to a pH of between 7.5-9.4. The added water purifying composition is then allowed to precipitate wherein it binds to and precipitates heavy metals as well as other impurities. The precipitated purifying composition forms a non-hazardous sludge at the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for removing chemical contaminants from soil. Contaminated soil is loaded and hydraulically sealed in the treatment vessel. A vacuum is placed on the material, which is indirectly heated through the heat transfer plate from a natural gas of propane fired burner located under the plate. As the material is heated, contaminants are vaporized and flow through the vacuum discharge pipe toward the condenser unit. Vapors are cooled in the condenser through a series of refrigerated condensing coils where the vaporized material is converted back to a liquid and discharged to a liquid recovery vessel. After treatment, material is downloaded into a roll-off type container for post-treatment analysis and cool down prior to recycling or backfilling. Recovered liquids are recycled or sent to an appropriate facility. Process time is typically 45 minutes to an hour for a six cubic yard batch. The system is self-contained, mobile, and operable by a two-person crew.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for dewatering waste that has been collected in a sewer trap built into a tiltably mounted tank which is divided into two main chambers divided into a number of compartments. A pump is selectly connected to each main chamber to impose a pressurized atmosphere or a partial vacuum. An entry pipe connects to a suction hose outside the tank and to the first main compartment on the inside. Barriers in one main chamber are sealingly connected to the interior tank wall around the top potion and have hinged plates at a second potion. Barriers in the second main chamber are solid and sealed to the interior tank wall. A group of return pipes are adapted to return dewatered waste from the second to the first chamber and the cleaned water to the sewer line. The method taught involves drawing waste from a sewer trap into the first chamber of the tank by vacuum through the entry pipe.

Abstract: Peritoneal dialysis systems and methods move liquid using a pump chamber that is operated in response to pneumatic pressure variations applied by a pump actuator. The systems and methods periodically measure air pressures in the actuator and an associated reference air chamber and derive from these a measurement of liquid volume moved through the pump chamber. The systems and methods minimize derivation errors by compensating for temperature differences among the pump chamber; the pump actuator; and the reference chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for the delivery and application of a biocide treatment to a facility. A specially adapted vehicle is used to transport biocide precursors, and a generator capable of generating biocide from those precursors, to the site of the facility to be treated. Incompatible precursors are isolated from each other in separate compartments in the vehicle. At the site, the generator is communicated with a fluid flow path passing through the facility to be treated. While biocide is being generated in the generator from the precursors, a carrier liquid is simultaneously circulated through the fluid flow path, including the generator, so that biocide from the generator is introduced to the carrier liquid and thereby carried from the generator through the facility to treat it.

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.

Abstract: An improved food, oil and grease accumulating apparatus and method of use is disclosed. The improved apparatus includes a pump station to discharge contaminated effluent at a higher flow rate at periodic intervals into a first food separation station for removing food particles. Effluent leaves the food separation station into a second food separation system and then an oil and grease separation station which uses an oleophillic material to attract and coalesce oil and grease particles and permit their advancement along channels to the top region of the oil and grease separation station. The oil and grease are removed through an evacuation system while the water is permitted to discharge from the oil and grease separation station into the sewer system.

Abstract: Apparatus combination and system for reducing use of fresh water in a photoprocessing operation by recirculation of the wash water to the photoprocessing operation via a silver recovery system. Wash water is periodically discharged to waste and a like amount of fresh water is added to the system which serves to reduce the concentration of thiosulfate ions in the wash water.

Abstract: A device for removing oil and oily substances from a liquid, in particular water, has at least one open-ended tube that can be at least partially submerged into the oil-contaminated liquid to receive the liquid and that rotates around its longitudinal axis. The surface of the wall of the tube is treated so that it is particularly effective in retaining oil and oily substances. In addition, at least one scraping element that lies against the wall of the tube scrapes oil and oily substances away from the wall of the tube and transmits them to a collecting reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame carrying a process tank, ozone generating tubes, a venturi, and an infusion chamber for treating water with ozone. A pump circulates water from the process tank and through the venturi to the infusion chamber. The infusion chamber is connected immediately downstream from the venturi. The infusion chamber has a predetermined pressure to produce a head space and thereby generate a relatively large number of bubbles of relatively small size to enhance the mass transfer of ozone into the water. A length of tubing is connected downstream from the infusion chamber to enhance the contact time between the ozone and the contaminants. An ozone generator tube including an inner electrode formed of a mass of helical windings produces a high concentration of ozone from a cooled air supply.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for treating wastewater containing undesirable pollutants which comprises a housing having a bottom and defining an internal chamber. The internal chamber is provided with a first and second baffle member which cooperate to define a mixing zone and a separation zone. Wastewater (containing a sufficient amount of air so that the air present in the wastewater exceeds the solubility of air in the wastewater) is introduced into the mixing zone of the internal chamber, and an aerated water is sprayed into the wastewater to produce a quantity of air bubbles sufficient to promote the flotation of pollutants having a density approximately equal to that of the wastewater to form a froth. Pollutants having a density substantially greater than the density of water settled to the bottom portion of the housing. An effluent reservoir assembly (which forms a reservoir zone) is spatially disposed from the second baffle member so that a quiescent zone is formed therebetween.

Abstract: The apparatus (1) for wet oxidation is pre-assembled with its individual units, namely a high-pressure pump (2), a heat exchanger (3), a reactor (4) for the actual wet oxidation and a compressor (5) for feeding an oxygen/gas mixture, in one or two supporting flames and is accommodated in such a manner that its dimensions and its overall weight allow it to be transported on a road and/or rail vehicle, there advantageously being provided two such supporting flames in the form of standard containers (8 and 9), of which one may contain the reactor (4), divided into individual tube sections (6), and the heat exchanger (3), and the other may contain the remaining units, so that the entire apparatus can be pre-assembled into virtually operational condition and the two containers simply have to be set up, joined together and connected on site. Wet oxidation can thus be carried out even where relatively small quantities of medium are to be purified.

Abstract: A portable filtering apparatus with improved canister and filter cartridge design is described for remotely filtering by continuous recycling a variety of solvents and lubricating fluids from machinery reservoirs without requiring the halting of machinery operation or need for emptying said reservoirs to replace the solvents or fluids therein, said filter cartridge being replaceably removable from the canister for complete disposal along with its trapped contaminates preferably by incineration.

Abstract: A mobile water filtration and chlorination system in modular form provides a universal water treatment, pump and distribution system.

Abstract: This invention provides a fast and efficient method and process to remove lead from washwater streams that are part of the deleading process. By employing a two step process using epsom salts as a precipitating chemical to convert dilute lead concentrations into a very slightly soluble solid and then processing the small residue with a reverse osmosis unit the lead is totally removed from part of the water and the lead containing reject stream from the reverse osmosis unit is recucled through the process to again treat the lead. A reduction in total waste volume of over 90% is achieved.

Abstract: A submersible swimming pool cleaner including a wheeled housing into which an intake fitting for the intake of pressurized water is disposed, and an angularly disposed manifold member inside of the housing containing a plurality of apertures through which the pressurized water is directed at an angle against the pool bottom. A pair of wheel members are positioned at a front of the housing to facilitate transport of the apparatus across the pool bottom and to provide a clearance between the leading edge of the housing and the pool bottom through which debris may enter into a cavity of the housing. The housing further includes a wiper blade secured to the housing rearwardly of the manifold and positioned to seal and direct water along the pool bottom when the apparatus is in operation and thereby further loosen debris from the pool bottom. A debris collection bag is fixed over an exhaust aperture in the rear of the housing for collecting debris.

Abstract: A simple, rapid, efficient and inexpensive process for on-site recycling of wastewater with minimal odor wherein the solid wastes generated by the water treatment process are dewatering on-site by solar energy to water content levels below those required for disposal. All operations, including solar dewatering, are accomplished in a compact unit which may be mobile. The solar dewatering unit includes a drying pan over which a solar collector window arrangement is disposed.In the process, wastewater, a water purifying composition and an oxidizing agent are additively mixed together in a first reactor settling tank and the resulting composition is neutralized to a pH of between 7.5-9.4. The added water purifying composition is then allowed to precipitate wherein it binds to and precipitates heavy metals as well as other impurities. The precipitated purifying composition forms a non-hazardous sludge at the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous reconditioning of non-conductive hydrocarbon fluids from a system utilizing such fluids includes an arrangement of interconnected filters having at least two different type filters, with means for mechanically and electrically arranging the filters to allow a continuous reconditioning of the fluid with the option of re-refining some selected portions of the fluid. A monitor is provided at the end of at least one of the filtering functions for monitoring the quality of the fluid, and the fluid is automatically rerouted to either a clean reservoir or to recycling.

Abstract: The method of treating used liquid coolant employed in the coolant passages of an engine or radiator, and employing a coolant pumping structure, that includes providing a source of supply coolant liquid, and a used coolant reservoir; operating the pumping structure to displace supply coolant liquid from the source into the coolant passages, thereby displacing used coolant from the passages for flow into the reservoir structure; and chemically treating the used coolant liquid to remove metallic and other contaminants therefrom, thereby to produce treated coolant liquid usable as the supply coolant liquid.

Abstract: A mobile multi reservoir unit aspirates liquid with solids from septic tanks, treats immediately the liquor by a flocculent polymer and dehydrates the product by a low speed vertical centrifugal machine; the liquid is returned to the septic tank and the solid is maintained in a mud stade, easy to rake off by a rotating folding knife, followed by transfer to a storage reservoir; a pump unit enacts the material transfer from and to each reservoir in succession by aspiration and by pressure build up.

Abstract: As filter canisters are utilized by recreational vehicles, provision of a single filter canister to the primary water input line exteriorly of the vehicle is provided. The recreational vehicle includes a filter canister mounted exteriorly of the recreational vehicle exteriorly adjacency to the vehicle's fill nozzles, wherein a first fluid supply conduit is directed to the filter canister and in turn mounts a second fluid supply conduit directed into the fill nozzle of the vehicle to effect filtering of the primary water supply of the vehicle. A flange plate is slidably received within a mounting flange for selective positioning and mounting of the canister during use permitting ease of disassembly of the canister relative to the recreational vehicle for ease of transport of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for treating wastewater containing undesirable pollutants which comprises a housing having a bottom and defining an internal chamber. The internal chamber is provided with a first and second baffle member which cooperate to define a mixing zone and a separation zone. Wastewater (containing a sufficient amount of air so that the air present in the wastewater exceeds the solubility of air in the wastewater) is introduced into the mixing zone of the internal chamber, and an aerated water is sprayed into the wastewater to produce a quantity of air bubbles sufficient to promote the flotation of pollutants having a density approximately equal to that of the wastewater to form a froth. Pollutants having a density substantially greater than the density of water settled to the bottom portion of the housing. An effluent reservoir assembly (which forms a reservoir zone) is spatially disposed from the second baffle member so that a quiescent zone is formed therebetween.

Abstract: Apparatus for filtering liquid effluent comprises, in sequence, inlet means, filtration means, and outlet means. Each filtration means comprises at least one disposable sack filter (2, 3, 4, 31) of defined porosity. The open end of each sack filter is attached to an outlet conduit in communication with the inlet means. The opposing closed ends of the sack filters are attached to movable supports to cause agitation of the sack filters.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for use in an industrial plant that contain machines (14) having oil reservoirs (12), which facilitates cleaning of the oil. The apparatus includes a stand (20) and equipment mounted on the stand, including input and output hoses (36,38) whose ends can be dropped into a machine oil reservoir. The equipment on the stand also includes a centrifuge (24), pump (26), valve (34), and porous filter device (40). In a first mode of operation, the pump draws oil from the reservoir to flow through the input hose into the centrifuge, and then to the output hose to flow back to the reservoir. The valve can be switched to a second mode wherein fluid from the input hose is directed through the pump to the porous filter device, for final cleaning of the oil before returning it to the reservoir. The stand has wheels to enable it to roll to another machine and clean its oil.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for practice in an over-the-road vehicle to determine whether effluent water released in an operating water treatment system (plant installation) can be adequately treated to remove contaminants so the effluent may be reused at the plant rather than discharged to the environment with inimical effect. The frame of the vehicle supporting a plurality of clean holding tanks, a plurality of functionally different water treating units, an analysis laboratory, a pilot cooling tower simulator, and a pilot boiler simulator. The effluent is transferred from one of the holding tanks to at least one of the water treating units to reduce the contaminant level. When the contaminant level has been reduced to a level appropriate for reuse at the plant, the effluent is transferred to one of the simulator apparatus for evaluation of the treated water in the corresponding plant process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide automated collection and transfer of particles from a liquid suspension to a glass slide for visual examination. A solution which contains particles, for example cells, is drawn through a filter element so that particles too large to pass through the filter element collect against a first surface of the filter element. A transfer fluid, such as alcohol, is applied from a second surface of the filter element to the first surface, to transfer cells from the filter element to a glass slide positioned adjacent the filter element. An alternative transfer mechanism applies a selected pneumatic signal to the filter element for transferring collected cells to the viewing slide. The apparatus includes a device for dispersing the liquid suspension of particles prior to the collection process and particles collect against the filter element with a spatial distribution advantageous for visual examination. The transfer operation maintains this spatial distribution.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for separating granulated plastic oil containers from the oil residue remaining within the containers after use. In this process, the plastic oil container is granulated prior to the separation of the oil from the plastic; the subsequent separation is done mechanically without washing or solvent deployment. The system comprises a conveying system, a size reduction means operating in conjunction with a centrifugal separation apparatus, and a means of segregating and storing the separated oil and the plastic granulate. In a first embodiment, the process is employed as a truck mounted unit for mobile processing of oil containers at the location of utilization. In a second embodiment, the process is employed as stationary processing facility.

Abstract: A portable cooking oil filtering unit has an outer housing completely enclosing all the filter stages and providing access to the stages for maintenance purposes via doors and removable closures. The housing has an inlet conduit for connection to a cooking vat drain outlet, and an outlet conduit for returning filtered oil to the cooking vat. A first stage filter in the housing is connected to the inlet conduit for filtering relatively large size particles from the oil, and the filtered oil is connected to at least one additional filter stage for filtering smaller particles from the oil. A pump is connected downstream of the final filter stage, between that filter stage and the outlet conduit, for drawing oil through the filter stages under vacuum rather than pumping it through the filters under positive pressure. One of the filter stages is accessible to allow oil-life enhancing chemicals to be added to the oil.

Abstract: A system for filtering electric discharge machine dielectric fluid wherein the filtering apparatus is mounted on a moveable platform and attached to the electric discharge machine that needs it's dielectric fluid filtered of foreign matter. The filter system has a plurality of filter casings connected in parallel by each casings inlet and outlet fittings. Each filter casing consists of a tank having a removable lid and a replaceable filter element inside the tank. The fluid flows into the filter tank, through the filter element, into a perforated tube and out of the filter tank into the interconnecting piping system. The filter system is separate from the reserve dielectric fluid tank of the electric discharge machine and can be operated either with the reserve tank system or connected directly to the electric discharge machine.

Abstract: A chelation process and apparatus for treating an acid solution, namely nitric acid photoengraving etchant, having a high concentration of magnesium and having a heavy metal contaminant produced by zinc leached during etching. The process requires adjusting pH of a batch quantity of the etch solution to a value permitting chelating to occur and mixing carbamic sodium salt hydrate chelating agent with the solution in quantity sufficient to cause precipitation from the solution of a carbamic salt compound precipitate of the contaminant, and separating the precipitate from the remaining solution by filter press for removal from the solution for safe environmental disposal. The remaining liquor is safely sewered. The apparatus is mobile for use on photoengraving premises.

Abstract: A self-cleaning vacuum head is disclosed which has the ability to discriminate between particles of different size, or the ability to separate fluids from particulate matter. The invention has two relatively moving surfaces which provide a changing locus of vacuum so that particles drawn against the surfaces are later separated therefrom. Each of the two surfaces has slots which are transverse to one another. The surfaces are moved relative to one another in a moving direction which is transverse to the orientation of the slots on the first of the moving surface, and also transverse to the slots on the second surface. The transverse arrangement of the slots, and the relative movement of the slots in a direction which is transverse to each of the slots causes particles drawn against the surface to roll about two substantially perpendicular axes to encourage thorough decontamination of the particles. An oil spill clean-up system is also disclosed utilizing the self-cleaning vacuum head.

Abstract: A new portable system is disclosed for composting feces and for treating urine includes a composting retainer which includes a composting means for exposing the feces to sufficient air and water to allow the feces to compost, thereby forming a compost product. A urine-treatment retainer with aerobic nitrifying bacteria disposed on a substrate whereby urine is treated by the bacteria, thereby forming a liquid product. A means is available for transporting the portable system.

Abstract: A chemical feed-transport unit for transporting water-treating chemicals and introducing them into a water supply comprises a cylindrical tank with semispherical top and bottom supported on a metal transportable skid. The tank has a flanged top opening with removable cover and a top inlet for introduction of water for flushing and cleaning the tank. The tank has a chemical-resistant, plastic lining to prevent chemical attack to the walls thereof. The bottom of the tank has inlet and outlet openings with valves controlling water flow therethrough and an outlet opening for draining the contents during the flushing and cleaning operation. The supporting metal skid is rectangular in shape with channel members forming the sides and sheet metal plates forming the top and bottom thereof. The edge walls of the skid (walls of the channel members) have slots therein sized and spaced to receive the lifting members of a fork-lift apparatus.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for treating wastewater containing undesirable pollutants which comprises a housing having a bottom and defining an internal chamber. The internal chamber is provided with a first and second baffle member which cooperate to define a mixing zone and a separation zone. Wastewater (containing a sufficient amount of air so that the air present in the wastewater exceeds the solubility of air in the wastewater) is introduced into the mixing zone of the internal chamber, and an aerated water is sprayed into the wastewater to produce a quantity of air bubbles sufficient to promote the flotation of pollutants having a density approximately equal to that of the wastewater to form a froth. Pollutants having a density substantially greater than the density of water settled to the bottom portion of the housing. An effluent reservoir assembly (which forms a reservoir zone) is spatially disposed from the second baffle member so that a quiescent zone is formed therebetween.

Abstract: A liquid chromatography column that can be rapidly packed without a reservoir column is disclosed. The column includes a double sealed compressor piston with a mixture delivery bore extending through the body of the piston. Resilient sealing means are provided in annular grooves provided in the piston. The piston retains a frit and slurry scraper is mounted to the piston. A method of packing such a column is also disclosed. An outlet end plate including solvent drainage bores is provided. A threaded end cap including radial slots in an inner surface for a threaded column is disclosed, as is an adaptor for joining flanged and threaded columns.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for an apparatus for removing granular material and debris from a basin of a body of water. The apparatus comprises a first pump having an input port for collecting granular material, debris and water from of the basin. A conduit conducts the removed granular material, debris and water from the basin to a mobile reservoir. An Archimedean screw conveyor extends angularly relative to the mobile reservoir for conveying the granular material, debris and water away from the mobile reservoir and for separating the granular material and debris from the water. A second pump discharges the water from the mobile reservoir back into the basin.

Abstract: A new apparatus for extracting water from product or sewage sludge on the spot is provided. It is characterized by a frame matched to the dimensions of a low loader and having lifting supports which can be pivoted in and out and which have multi-step vertical adjustability. Filter presses of substantially higher capacity than those on known apparatuses employing a semitrailer can be used.