Abstract: A strainer board has a main cutting surface and a strainer basket. The strainer basket has is adapted to be removably inserted into an aperture in the main cutting surface. Cooperating structure on the basket perimeter and the cutting surface aperture are adapted and arranged to permit positive engagement and disengagement of the basket and aperture under finger pressure and to prevent inadvertent disengagement when the strainer board is in a vertical orientation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a membrane module for separating material, especially by means of cross-flow filtration. Said membrane module comprises a housing (1) and at least one replaceable, self-supporting filter cartridge which is disposed therein and is provided with semi-permeable hollow fiber membranes (2) that are prefer-ably placed in a longitudinal direction and are embedded in a potting compound at the ends thereof. The inventive module is characterized in that both pottings (3, 4) are equipped with final caps, particularly with sleeve-shaped front rings (7, 8) while the filter cartridge encompasses a fixture (12, 13) for attaching the final caps or font rings to the pottings.

Abstract: A hydraulic unit for industrial trucks, comprising a motor pump unit which is directly attached to a tank, a reflux filter which has an elongate filter casing for a filtering element adapted to be introduced into the tank through an opening, a hose coupling, and an outlet opening, wherein the filtering element is disposed in the flow path between the hose coupling and the outlet opening, a reflux hose between the motor pump unit and the hose coupling, and a closure for the reflux filter, wherein the reflux hose extends within the tank and the hose coupling is disposed within the tank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable micro blood separator, which has a blood separator including a main body including an upper substrate and a lower substrate; a blood introduction unit formed at one side of the main body for allowing blood to be introduced into the separator; a blood inflow unit including an inflow groove formed in the lower substrate, through which the blood introduced by the blood introduction unit flows; and a plasma extraction unit including extraction spaces extended from the blood inflow unit and having a height lower than that of the inflow groove of the blood inflow unit so that plasma can be separated from the blood flowing into the blood inflow unit, so as to separate the plasma and corpuscles from the blood and analyze ingredients in the separated plasma.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fuel supply and fuel system with an ion filter and an ion gauge. The filter can be made from discrete pieces of polymeric filter material. The polymeric filter material is substantially the same as the proton exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) in the fuel cell. The ion gauge measures the level of ions in the fuel by measuring a voltage across a section of fuel or a current through the same section. The voltage or current is related to the ion level in the fuel.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for extending the life of fountain solutions used in commercial printing presses comprises withdrawing fountain solution from the dampener recirculation system of a printing press and directing the withdrawn fountain solution through a sediment prefilter, a separation filter, and a post treatment filter. The sediment prefilter preferably comprises a melt blown polypropylene filter; the separation filter preferably comprises a diatomaceous earth filter; and the post treatment filter preferably comprises a zeolite filter.

Abstract: A system and method for washing engines and for collecting and treating the waste water from engine washing operations. The system includes a collecting device for collecting waste liquid during a washing operation of the engine and a treatment device for treating waste liquid collected during the washing operation. The system may be advantageously arranged on a mobile cart having a chassis provided with wheels. The mobile cart also includes an adjusting device for adjusting the vertical position of liquid separating and collecting components relative to the engine.

Abstract: A sprayer purifier cartridge system is disclosed. In one non-limiting embodiment, the sprayer purifier cartridge system includes a sprayer for spraying water and a purifier cartridge for purifying water. In this embodiment, the sprayer has a receiving structure for the purifier cartridge, and the cartridge is attachable to the receiving structure of the sprayer. In this embodiment, one of the sprayer and the purifier cartridge comprises a structure having at least one opening therein. This opening is at least partially surrounded by a material that has flexibility. The other of the sprayer and the purifier cartridge has at least one hollow protrusion that fits into the at least one opening to permit the water to flow in at least one direction between the sprayer and purifier cartridge. The cartridge is attachable to the sprayer to form a seal between the cartridge and the sprayer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a component (20) for supporting a tubular filter member (15) in a portable channel (2) in a plate heat exchanger (1). The invention also relates to a device including the component (20) and the filter member (15). Furthermore, the invention relates to a plate heat exchanger (1), which includes a package of heat transfer plates (3) provided between a first plate (5) and a second plate (6). The filter member (15) has an inner surface and an outer surface. The component (20) includes a first part (21), which is arranged to be introduceable into the filter member (15) to abutment against the inner surface of the filter member, and a second part (22), which is arranged to abut a surface area of one of said first and second plates (5, 6), which surface area extends around the porthole channel (2).

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for filtration of water from hydrocarbons comprised of a fresh-feed inlet, a first dead end filter, that is hydrophobic, a second sweeping-flow filter, that is hydrophobic, a common housing containing both the first and second filters, a system for the recirculation of the retentate, a chamber for water settling, and an outlet for clean fuel permeate. This invention takes advantage of the properties of the functional groups of a surfactant, by using the surfactant to allow a hydrophobic medium to attract water, attach the water molecules to the hydrophobic medium, and then allow for agglomeration of the water molecules, which finally become large enough to detach and be swept away by the sweeping-flow. This invention can thus be used to remove high concentrations of water, up to 5%, in hydrocarbons, while allowing a high flow rate by preventing blockage of the final filter by water.

Abstract: Silica may form as a degradation product in an electrochemical fuel cell system and may be found within the water management subsystem thereof. The silica may polymerize and/or react to form insoluble metal silicates which may lead to reduced lifetime or performance of individual components within the fuel cell system. These problems can be eliminated or reduced by adding a silica absorber such as aluminum, either as alumina granulate or an aluminum plate to the water management subsystem, for example in, upstream and/or downstream of the water filter. In addition, the silica absorber may be in, upstream and/or downstream of the water tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling the alkalinity and the pH of an industrial process. The apparatus is adapted for being located outside a main process stream of the industrial process. The apparatus includes inlet means (2, 3, 4) for a basic substance, an acidic substance and water, control means (6) for said inlet means (2, 3, 4), a reactor (1) for reacting the basic substance, the acidic substance and the water for providing a predefined alkalinity and pH in the resulting aqueous buffering mixture, and outlet means (9) for supplying said buffering mixture to the main process stream for controlling the alkalinity and the pH of the industrial process.

Abstract: The filter assembly is adapted for use in filtering fluid flow in turbomachinery. The filter assembly includes a cylindrical housing, and a filter element disposed within the housing. The housing is adapted for fluid connection to a turbomachine. The filter element is adapted to filter fluid passing to the turbomachine. The filter element includes a fluid permeable core element defining a central core element flow channel through the filter element, a fluid permeable ion exchange resin layer disposed about the core element and adapted to remove mineral and organic acids from the fluid passing through the filter element, and a pleated filter media disposed about the ion exchange resin layer and core element. In another embodiment, the filter element has the pleated filter media disposed about the core element, and the fluid permeable ion exchange resin layer disposed about the core element and pleated filter media.

Abstract: A cooling system for a fuel cell system is provided with a circulation system including a circulation pump for circulating coolant, the coolant essentially consisting of water and glycol, a fuel cell connected to the circulation system so as to be cooled by the coolant, a heat exchanger connected to the circulation system so as to radiate heat from the coolant and a filter connected to the circulation system and configured to remove oxidation reaction product of the glycol from the coolant.

Abstract: A system for controlling the pH of the process water used in conjunction with formaldehyde-free binder composition for glass fiber products. A base solution is introduced into the process water used to coat the glass fibers in the formaldehyde-free binder after the water is extracted from binder coated glass fibers when the pH of the process water in less than about 6.0. The addition of the base solution increases the pH of the process water to a range from about 8.0 to about 6.0 thereby reducing the risk of corrosion when the process water is recirculated.

Abstract: In a fuel tank system, a strainer chamber with a suction bore opened into its upper surface is provided in a collecting recess for collecting a residual fuel containing impure foreign substances such as dust and water, the collecting recess being provided in a bottom wall of a fuel tank. A fuel discharge pipe is connected to the strainer chamber. Fuel flow passages are provided outside the strainer chamber. Baffle plates are provided in front and in the rear of and outside the strainer chamber to guide the fuel flowing into the collecting recess during tilting of the fuel tank into the fuel flow passages. Thus, the impure foreign substances are prevented from entering the strainer chamber.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for extending the life of fountain solutions used in commercial printing presses comprises withdrawing fountain solution from the dampener recirculation system of a printing press and directing the withdrawn fountain solution through a sediment prefilter, a separation filter, and a post treatment filter. The sediment prefilter preferably comprises a melt blown polypropylene filter; the separation filter preferably comprises a diatomaceous earth filter; and the post treatment filter preferably comprises a zeolite filter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for the removal and destruction of ammonia from an aqueous medium. The methods and apparatuses include the removal of ammonia from an aqueous medium by contact with either natural or synthetic zeolite. The spent zeolite is re-generated for continuous use, while the ammonia is concentrated as ammonium sulfate, and ultimately destroyed via combustion. A system for monitoring and maintaining an ammonia removal system by an off-site provider is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ion exchange filter apparatus to reduce ions contained in a liquid medium used in a fuel cell system is equipped with an ion exchange filter 6 to receive an ion exchange resin 38. The ion exchange filter 6 includes a flow passage 27 to introduce the liquid medium to the ion exchange resin 38, a bypass passage 7 to flow the liquid medium by bypassing the ion exchange resin 38, and an orifice 21 disposed at a branch section where the bypass passage 7 is branched from the flow passage 27, to determine a flow volume ratio of the liquid medium flowing in the ion exchange resin 38 and the bypass passage 7, wherein a hole diameter of the orifice is set so that a pressure loss generated when all the amount of the liquid medium flows in the bypass passage 7 becomes substantially equal to an allowance maximum pressure loss of the ion exchange filter 6.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for extending the life of fountain solutions used in commercial printing presses comprises withdrawing fountain solution from the dampener recirculation system of a printing press and directing the withdrawn fountain solution through a sediment prefilter, a separation filter, and a post treatment filter. The sediment prefilter preferably comprises a melt blown polypropylene filter; the separation filter preferably comprises a diatomaceous earth filter; and the post treatment filter preferably comprises a zeolite filter.

Abstract: A substantially clog-resistant self-supporting fluid filter 100 for attachment to an open end of flow tube 118. Filter 100 comprises a substantially cylindrically shaped grid or fluid intake portion 102 having first end 112 and a second end 116. Fluid intake portion 102 comprises a plurality of substantially parallel longitudinal ribs 106 affixed to a plurality of substantially parallel circular ribs 108 at an angle to longitudinal ribs 106 thereby allowing a fluid to flow therebetween while preventing passage of debris intermixed with the fluid. Longitudinal ribs 106 and circular ribs 108 are substantially rigid such that they cooperate to be structurally self-supporting. End cover 114 is affixed to first end 112. Filter 100 further comprises tube receiving portion 104, which is affixed to or integral with second end 116 and is configured such that flow tube 118 engages tube receiving portion 104 in a secure, slidable manner.

Abstract: A trash trap for liquid manure disposal systems that has a cylindrical housing with an open interior. The housing has a first end with an inlet port and an outlet port in its side wall. The cylindrical housing also has a removable cylindrical filter that has a fluid opening in its side walls and is detachably mounted along a centerline of the housing. The cylindrical filter has a diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the housing so that fluid can enter the housing through the inlet port and exit through the outlet port. Also, on the second end of the housing there is a detachable cap around an access opening.

Abstract: A method and system for separating human waste solids from liquid for a shipboard toilet system that allows for the separation of solid waste, compaction of the solid waste and storage of solid waste. Wastes are deposited into a shipboard toilet system that uses vacuum toilets to flush waste into a large, inclined solid waste separation tank. A vacuum pump is attached to the separation tank to maintain negative pressure within the tank and system and to move the separated liquid stream. The separation tank has a separating screen disposed across its entire width to retain solid wastes while allowing liquid to flow through. After separation from liquids, solid waste material is compacted and dewatered with a helical screw through an inclined tube, and packaged for later removal as landfill or burned in the ship incinerator.

Abstract: The invention is a high pressure trap for removing particles from a flow stream of a high pressure well that maintains the full pressure of the high pressure well, wherein the trap has an inlet port connected to a Christmas tree, a chamber with a top flange, a bottom flange, and a side wall connecting the top flange and the bottom flange in fluid communication with a choke manifold, a dump outlet in communication with the bottom reservoir and connected to the bottom flange, a dump outlet controller for opening and closing the dump outlet, and a tube disposed between the bottom reservoir and the side outlet, wherein the tube is mounted within the chamber to the top flange without contacting the side wall, thereby the velocity of the flow stream is changed as the flow stream is passed from the tube into the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a module of units for an internal combustion engine, comprising, as first unit, a device for separating out contaminants from the lubricating oil in the internal combustion engine, whereby the device has a filter insert, a free-jet centrifuge, driven by means of the flowing lubricating oil, at least one supply channel for lubricating oil to be purified, an outlet channel, for lubricating oil which has flowed through the filter insert and a return channel for oil which has flowed through the centrifuge, whereby the centrifuge is arranged above the filter insert in a common housing. The novel module of units is characterized in that the module comprises a further unit of the internal combustion engine, the further unit, comprising a housing which is detachably connected to the housing of the device and that both housings form the return channel between housing regions, which contact each other in a sealing manner.

Abstract: A water treatment unit for treating water in a reservoir of a coffee maker or a container water treatment system. The water treatment unit has several particulate finely divided water treatment media therein and it includes a housing which has transverse dimensions which are substantially greater than its height to cause the water to flow through the housing and the media therein in a transverse direction. Such transverse flow results in a substantially reduced pressure drop across the media with an increased water flow rate which permits a substantial reduction in size or elimination of one of two water reservoirs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating liquid products and catalyst fines from a slurry used in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor. A settling system continuously or intermittently removes catalyst fines from the slurry and is coupled with catalyst-liquid separation system that separates liquid products from the slurry. The preferred separation system produces a sub-particle rich stream and a catalyst-lean stream that are removed from the system. The systems of the present invention act to reduce the concentration of catalyst fines in the reactor, thereby increasing the effectiveness of a catalyst-liquid separation system.

Abstract: A novel process and apparatus are disclosed for cleaning wastewater containing metal ions in solution, hydrogen peroxide, and high solids, e.g., greater than about 50 mg/l particulate solids. A carbon adsorption column removes hydrogen peroxide in the wastewater feed containing high solids. A ion exchange unit removes the metal ions from solution. The process and apparatus remove metal ions such as copper from a high solids byproduct polishing slurry from the chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of integrated circuit microchips to form an environmentally clean wastewater discharge.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for filtration of water from hydrocarbons comprised of a fresh-feed inlet, a first dead end filter, having a filter medium that is hydrophobic, a second cross-flow filter, having a membrane that is hydrophobic, a common housing to contain both the first and second filters, a system for the recirculation of the retentate, a chamber for water settling, and an outlet for clean fuel permeate. This invention takes advantage of the properties of the functional groups of a surfactant, by using the surfactant to allow a hydrophobic medium to attract water, attach the water molecules to the hydrophobic medium, and then allow for agglomeration of the water molecules, which finally become large enough to detach and be swept away by the cross-flow. The hydrocarbon may then pass through the second membrane filter uncontaminated by water and be used as clean fuel.

Abstract: Catalyst particles are separated from the wax in a reactor slurry reactor by feeding a portion of the slurry to a dynamic settler. Heavier catalyst particles settle and are removed as the slurry at the bottom of the settler is recycled back to the reactor. Clarified wax is removed at the top of the settler. A multi-channel baffle prevents turbulence, improving retention of the desired heavier catalyst particles.

Abstract: An embolic protection device for use in a blood vessel when an interventional procedure is being performed in a stenosed or occluded region to capture any embolic material which may be created and released into the bloodstream during the procedure. The device includes a filtering assembly having a self-expanding strut assembly and a filter element attached thereto. The filtering assembly is capable of allowing controlled backwards flow of blood through the filter assembly, or blocking the backwards flow entirely, during aspiration of embolic material trapped within the filter assembly.

Abstract: A bilge water filter for filtering bilge water discharged being drained from the bilge of a vessel includes a casing having first and second ends and at least one sidewall extending between the first and second ends, an inlet extending through the first end of the casing, and an outlet extending through the second end of the casing. The bilge water filter also includes a filter media disposed in the casing, between the inlet and the outlet, the filter media being adapted to absorb contaminants present in the bilge water while allowing substantially contaminant-free bilge water to be discharged from the outlet of the bilge water filter. The bilge water filter is adapted to be externally mounted to the outer surface of the hull of a vessel (i.e., to the outer surface of the hull) for draining bilge water from the vessel, capturing contaminants inside the filter and discharging contaminant-free bilge water from the outlet of the filter.

Abstract: Catalyst particles are separated from the wax in a reactor slurry reactor by feeding a portion of the slurry to a dynamic settler. Heavier catalyst particles settle and are removed as the slurry at the bottom of the settler is recycled back to the reactor. Clarified wax is removed at the top of the settler. A multi-channel baffle prevents turbulence, improving retention of the desired heavier catalyst particles.

Abstract: A filtration cartridge faucet assembly contains a filtration cartridge having a filter core that is concealed beneath a sink deck through the use of an escutcheon mount. The escutcheon mount permits access to a renewable filtration cartridge from above the sink deck while concealing and protecting the filtration body. The renewable filtration cartridge is equipped with a flow control device, as well as counter rotation devices that prevent undesirable outrotation of a threaded cap.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for filtration of water from hydrocarbons comprised of a fresh-feed inlet, a first dead end filter, having a filter medium that is hydrophobic, a second cross-flow filter, having a membrane that is hydrophobic, a common housing to contain both the first and second filters, a system for the recirculation of the retentate, a chamber for water settling, and an outlet for clean fuel permeate. This invention takes advantage of the properties of the functional groups of a surfactant, by using the surfactant to allow a hydrophobic medium to attract water, attach the water molecules to the hydrophobic medium, and then allow for agglomeration of the water molecules, which finally become large enough to detach and be swept away by the cross-flow. The hydrocarbon may then pass through the second membrane filter uncontaminated by water and be used as clean fuel.

Abstract: A system for dispensing, collecting, and processing wash fluid includes a first movable support frame including a first tank that stores clean wash fluid, a first pump that pressurizes the clean wash fluid and delivers the pressurized wash fluid to a dispenser, a second tank that stores used wash fluid, and at least one of a separator unit and a reverse osmosis unit that process used wash fluid delivered from the second tank. A second movable support frame includes a used washed fluid collection area and a second pump at one end that transfers the collected wash fluid back to the second tank of the first movable support frame through a conduit. The second movable support frame also includes an inclination adjustment mechanism that adjusts the inclination of the second movable support frame so that the collected fluid is supplied to the second pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering oil has a bucket for skimming and collecting water and oil floating on the surface of the water. The bucket has a base plate having apertures for draining water collected by the bucket. The apertures have a preselected diameter and length to allow separation of the oil and water utilizing differences in specific gravities and viscosities of the oil and water so that the oil can be discharged from the bucket into an oil recovery tank after the water drains out of the bucket through the apertures but before the oil begins to drain out of the apertures.

Abstract: A combination hand held shower head and water filter assembly for removing chlorine and other substances from hot shower water. This assembly includes an elongated filter housing with an elongated shower head pivotably secured thereto by an extended swivel and ball arrangement. The elongated, filter housing holds filter media therein and the combination device may be alternatively held in a holding bracket by shaped ends of either the elongated filter housing or the elongated shower head.

Abstract: The method relates to the recovery of fine sand on floating production equipment in the form of a floating grab-bucket type excavator or floating bucket chain dredger. In this case, the dredged material is dewatered and transported to shore via floating conveyor belts. The dredged material is transferred to dewatering screening machine having a dewatering deck with a dewatering coating. Below the dewatering deck the screening machine has a blind bottom covering the entire surface area, whereby in the direction of conveyance the end zone is provided with a discharge. The discharge is directed at a hydro belt separator, which has a revolving endless conveyor belt with a washing trough as the separation bed, and an ascending part leading away from the washing trough. The running direction of the conveyor belt is in the direction of the ascent, whereby the dredged material is transferred at the discharge of the screening machine to the washing trough of the hydro belt separator.

Abstract: A water softener for reducing water hardness, suitable for use in a household washing machine, in particular a dishwasher, has a container within which ionic exchange resins are housed, which reduce the degree of hardness of water contacting them, and apparatus for regenerating the softening efficiency of the resins. Mounted in the container are a sensor for checking a physical characteristic of the resins and, in response thereto, detecting the degree of exhaustion of said resins.

Abstract: Multi-phase extraction apparatus comprising two chambers forming a partition stage. Said chambers are connected by connection channels in their upper and lower portions. The upper portion of the first chamber is connected to the lower portion of the second chamber, while the upper portion of the second chamber is connected to the lower portion of the first chamber.

Abstract: A paint sprayer filter system includes an intake tube having a rigid paint flow control and filter support frame connected to the open end thereof. A reusable filter is connected to the frame and surrounds the frame, the reusable filter being releasably connected to the frame to provide easy removal or attachment of the reusable filter.

Abstract: The strainer arrangement is adapted for straining a liquid from a mixing arrangement, such as a mixing tank, containing black liquor including solid particles of ash. The strainer arrangement comprises a strainer pipe with axial gaps defined therein for permitting a radial inflow of liquid into the strainer pipe. An axially movable shaft is disposed inside the strainer pipe and has cleaning pins attached thereto that extend into the gaps.

Abstract: A system and method for purifying water in large quantities for drinking. The system comprises a housing having a water inlet, filtering means connected to the water inlet for filtering sediment and particulate matter from the water, an inlet pump to keep the water flowing through the housing at a predetermined pressure and a mixed bed multimedia unit connected to the filtering means for removing pollutants and controlling organic growth from the water. There is also an ultra-violet treatment means connected to the mixed bed multimedia unit for subjecting the water in the system to ultraviolet radiation and carbon block filtration means disposed for a final filtering prior to dispensing the water at one or more dispensing. There is also a bottle washing means provided within the housing for cleaning water bottles prior to filling with the purified water. The system can supply drinking water for entire communities, yet is portable enough to be easily transported to disaster areas.

Abstract: A modular water treatment apparatus is provided for soft drink postmix dispensers. The apparatus includes a basic filter unit and additional modules selected from booster pump, UV treatment, and ion exchange modules as needed to match situs water problems determined water testing. A control module has microcontroller based circuitry which provides apparatus monitoring and control. Disabling and warning alarms are generated for predetermined apparatus conditions on a priority basis. A hand-held controller can be coupled to the control module to provide an operator interface for entry and readout of data on the basis of key entries.

Abstract: A unitary membrane for use in a pressing apparatus includes a semipermeable portion structured and adapted to have a permeability which permits a predetermined fluid flow therethrough, which is positioned between a pair of longitudinal edge portions, wherein the unitary membrane includes a polymeric fabric. The unitary membrane has a thickness less than about 0.1 inches. A plurality of holes are formed through the polymeric fabric at the semipermeable portion. The semipermeable portion has a permeability greater than zero and less than about five CFM per square foot as measured by TAPPI test method TIP 0404-20.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for cleaning the sand beds of slow sand filters, infiltration basins and pools of other types having sand beds in water treatment works and similar plants, while the filter is in service, by removing a few centimeters of the bed surface, cleaning the sand of the sludge or filter film formed on the bed surface, returning the cleaned sand to the bed, and discharging the separated sludge, suspended in water to drain or to a suitable disposal site. This is achieved using a tracked cleaning machine equipped with a submersible pump (7) and nozzle (8) to remove the top layer of sludge-bearing sand from the bed, cleaning the sludge from the sand thus removed in a hydrocyclone (13), returning the cleaned sand to the bed via a spreader plate (15) and discharging the water-suspended sludge to a drain or to a suitable disposal site through a hose (17).

Abstract: An apparatus for supercritical extraction is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a plurality of containers adapted to hold a different one of a corresponding plurality of samples, a first transport means for carrying the plurality of sample containers, and a second transport means for transporting a selected container from the first transport means to a supercritical extractor. The supercritical extractor includes a heating means having a recess for receiving the selected container, means for passing fluid at a supercritical condition through the selected container, and a receiving means for receiving extractant from the selected container. A programming means is provided to control the first and second transport means.

Abstract: A water treatment device for purifying small quantities of non-potable water for drinking purposes. The device includes: a primary container, a secondary product container, and a cylindrical filter cartridge. The primary container is filled with untreated water, and brought into contact with a disinfecting agent. The filter cartridge is then attached to the primary container and the secondary container is attached to an outlet port of the filter cartridge, the entire arrangement is then inverted to allow water to flow from the primary container into the inlet port of the filter cartridge. A physicochemical time switch is installed near the inlet port of the filter cartridge and blocks the flow of water from the primary container into the filtering elements until an appropriate amount of time has lapsed for the disinfecting agent to effectively disinfect the water. The physicochemical time switch is either a water dissolvable barrier or an expandable compartment filled with hydrophilic polymeric crystals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for cleaning the sand beds of slow sand filters, infiltration basins and pools of other types having sand beds in water treatment works and similar plants, while the filter is in service, by removing a few centimeters of the bed surface, cleaning the sand of the sludge or filter film formed on the bed surface, returning the cleaned sand to the bed, and discharging the separated sludge, suspended in water to drain or to a suitable disposal site. This is achieved using a tracked cleaning machine equipped with a submersible pump (7) and nozzle (8) to remove the top layer of sludge-bearing sand from the bed, cleaning the sludge from the sand thus removed in a hydrocyclone (13), returning the cleaned sand to the bed via a spreader plate (15) and discharging the water-suspended sludge to a drain or to a suitable disposal site through a hose (17).