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: A water softening system includes a resin tank which has an open drain during a regeneration cycle, and a pressurized brining system communicating with the resin tank. The brining system includes a closed brine reservoir with an outlet communicating with the resin tank and an inlet adapted to be coupled to a pressurized source of water, a salt reservoir at atmospheric pressure, and a semi-permeable membrane in communication with and forming a partition between the reservoirs and allowing free movement of salt ions therethrough while substantially inhibiting flow of water therethrough to form brine in the brine reservoir, which brine is then urged through the brine outlet and into the resin tank by the water pressure in the brine reservoir.

Abstract: A shower filter assembly, having a thin or low-profile design, including a recessed inlet, which leads into an internal chamber having a filter element mounted therein to deflect water flowing into the internal chamber substantially evenly through a filter media held within the filter element. Magnets are provided in the compact shower filter to act on the water flowing therethrough, so as to breakdown carbonates therein and prevent the formation of line and scale deposits.

Abstract: A quenchant management system having a quenchant separation module for separating a heavy phase polymer such as polyalkylene glycol (PAG) from water. The quenchant separation module includes a heating section for elevating the temperature of the fluid to be separated to provide initial thermal separation. The quenchant separation module also includes a coalescer for further separating the heavy phase from the light phase of the input fluid. In order to obtain a predetermined polymer concentration and the heavy phase, the output flow rate of the coalescer is varied in accordance with the concentration and flow rate of the input fluid.

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 and method for purifying semiconductor silicon wafer processing chemicals in line, the apparatus comprising a non-reactive chemical support, and a crown ether polymer covalently bonded to said non-reactive support, is disclosed. In operation, the crown ether polymer contained within the housing is positioned in-line with a wet chemical recirculation line, transfill system or distribution system.

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: An integrated system and method for removing excess nutrients from water, for removing the nutrients from the removal site, and for enhancing soil includes bioremediating water to be treated with cultured algae or another suitable plant matter in an attached periphyton bed, harvesting the algae/plant matter to produce a wet algal biomass, and mixing the wet biomass with a shredded fibrous material to produce a pulp. The pulp can be molded into a biodegradable package that can be utilized as a delivery vehicle to a site having nutrient-enrichable soil, where the package can be used as a soil amendment after being used as a delivery vehicle.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting a blood tubing set on a dialysis machine after the blood tubing set has been used in a dialysis treatment. One end of the blood tubing set is connected to a disinfection port on the dialysis machine and an opposite end of the blood tubing set is connected to a waste drain. The dialysis machine provides a supply of a disinfectant solution to the disinfection port. A blood pump on the dialysis machine pumps the disinfectant solution from the disinfection port to the waste drain through the blood tubing set to expel contaminants from the blood tubing set. The blood tubing set is preferably connected to a dialyzer which is disinfected when the disinfectant solution is pumped through the blood tubing set. A supply of cleaning solution or water may be pumped through the blood tubing set and dialyzer to expel the disinfectant solution. A supply of air may be pumped through the blood tubing set and dialyzer to expel substantially all fluid from the blood tubing set and dialyzer.

Abstract: A composite adsorbent element comprising a packed mixture of granules and fibers, which are desirably granular activated carbon (GAC) and activated carbon fiber (ACF). The element is employed as a filter for purifying tap water. In the composite adsorbent element the activated carbon fibers fill the spaces between the activated carbon granules. The size and relative amounts of the GAC and ACF are designed to enable water treatment to remove impurities from water more rapidly than conventional filters using granular activated carbon.

Abstract: A process for continuously controlling the pH value of an industrial process liquid removes impurities contained therein from the liquid and controls its pH value. If necessary, an aqueous solution having an acid or basic character is added. The purified process liquid having the desired acid or basic pH value is fed to the industrial process, maintaining the character of the aqueous solution constantly acid or basic by means of ion exchange resins and repeating the above steps. The system comprises a first tank (11) with a pH-meter (18) for the process liquid to be treated, a second tank (12) for the aqueous solution, pumps or the like (13,16) for recirculating the process liquid in the first tank (11) and supplying it to the industrial process and for recirculating the aqueous solution in the second tank (12), and a valve arrangement (20) for admitting to the first tank (11) the pH adjusting liquid to be added to the process liquid to be treated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for alleviating the environmental and health hazards associated with environmental contamination by metals are provided. Contained living or non-viable biomasses of metal-accumulating plant seedlings deplete the metal elements and compounds in metal-containing aqueous solutions. Concomitantly, the contained biomasses of plant seedlings accumulate the metal elements and compounds. The energy and nutrient stores of the seeds from which the seedlings develop are exploited to minimize the costs of remediating the metal-containing aqueous solutions.

Abstract: A filter for a liquid spraying device such as an airless paint sprayer. The filter separates unwanted foreign material and clumps from a liquid before the liquid is pumped into a liquid spraying device. The filter is removably mounted on a hose of a liquid spraying device to filter the liquid as it is extracted into the hose. The filter has a frusto-conical surface member having a hollow cavity, a top surface, and an open base terminating at an annular wall around the perimeter of the base. A plurality of holes surround the surface of the frusto-conical surface member wherein the holes are formed at an angle of about 90.degree. to a plane spanning the base. Removably attached to the annular wall is a circular disk having a planar surface terminating at a ring such that the ring projects about perpendicularly from the planar surface. The circular disk has a coupling projecting about perpendicularly around a center point of the planar surface.

Abstract: A stationary hydraulic jump is utilized in a multi-phase mixing system to mix components present in a plurality of separate phases. The flow rate and film height of a liquid phase in a first pipe section is metered and combined with a flow rate metered gas phase to form a stationary hydraulic jump in a second pipe section. The jump position is monitored and maintained stationary. A mixed fluid flows from the jump. A variety of solid, liquid, and gaseous components may be mixed in the hydraulic jump through appropriate selection of the liquid and gas phase components.

Abstract: A fluid filtration system for use with an apparatus, such as an electrical apparatus, having a casing within a working fluid, such as oil, is contained utilizes a filter-supporting flow conduit having an entrance end and an exit end and a filter medium supported within conduit. A pump is also associated with the filter-supporting means for pumping working fluid through the flow conduit between the entrance and the exit ends thereof so that contaminants are filtered from the fluid as it is pumped through the flow conduit. The flow conduit and the pump are adapted to be positioned in a submerged condition within the fluid of the apparatus, and a tension member is used to suspend the flow conduit in a substantially vertical orientation within the fluid so that the entrance end of the conduit is disposed adjacent the bottom of the apparatus casing. By filtering the fluid with the filtration system, the service life of the fluid is extended and the need for frequent servicing of the fluid is obviated.

Abstract: A liquid current type biochemical reactor and methods of use thereof are provided. The reactor is useful in purifying groundwater and wastewater by the process of biodegradation. Also provided is a liquid transport-stirring apparatus for use in biochemical reactors which transports and stirs large amounts of fluids with a small driving force.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying a vapor-phase nutrient to contaminated soil for in situ bioremediation. The apparatus includes a housing adapted for containing a quantity of the liquid nutrient, a conduit in communication with the interior of the housing, means for causing a gas to flow through the conduit, and means for contacting the gas with the liquid so that a portion thereof evaporates and mixes with the gas. The mixture of gas and nutrient vapor is delivered to the contaminated site via a system of injection and extraction wells configured to the site and provides for the use of a passive delivery system. The mixture has a partial pressure of vaporized nutrient that is no greater than the vapor pressure of the liquid. If desired, the nutrient and/or the gas may be heated to increase the vapor pressure and the nutrient concentration of the mixture.

Abstract: An assembly for installation on an internal combustion engine for facilitating engine cleaning and oil change and method for using the same which includes an oil filter mounting adapter interposed between the multichannel oil filter unit and the engine and a fluid egress assembly mounted in the drain opening of the oil pan. The oil filter mounting adapter is configured to be readily mountable in engine compartments having significant space constraints. The oil filter mounting adapter is composed of a sandwich adapter and a fluid coupling assembly. The fluid coupling assembly includes a quick connect nipple which is releasably matingly engageable with mating fitting on an external fluid supply source. The fluid egress fitting also includes a quick connect nipple releasably matingly engageable with a mating fitting on a fluid removal hose or conduit.

Abstract: The reactor has two tubes arranged concentrically, one having a larger diameter than the other, the tubes thus defining an inner channel and an outer channel. The inner channel contains an elongated light source, such as a bulb or a fiber optic bundle receiving sunlight from a solar collector, radiating light outwardly, the light including a substantial component of light having a wavelength of less than 390 nm. The outer channel has at least one and preferably a number of angled conical baskets arranged therein, each basket covering all of the channel and having a face supporting a fiber glass mesh thereon, exposed towards the light. An alternative embodiment reflects sunlight inwardly towards a single tube with baskets. Each basket has a plurality of small apertures therethrough to permit water to pass therethrough, and the mesh is impregnated with TiO.sub.2 particles. Preferably, the inner surface of the outer channel is reflective. The mesh is prepared by a process which includes treatment of the TiO.sub.

Abstract: The fluid handling devices are capable of accurately handling substantially continuous fluid flow rates as low as about 0.01 cc/day. The devices are so miniaturized, corrosion-resistant and non-toxic that they are suitable for being implanted in the human body; and are capable of being mass produced at costs so low, by using micromachining techniques, such as etching, that they may be considered to be disposable. The devices are either passive devices which consume no electrical energy at all, or are active devices which consume very small amounts of electrical energy. The devices are reliable because they may have as few as only two parts, only one which is a moving part; and because they may handle fluids at very low pressures. The fluid handling devices include active piezoelectrically driven membrane pumps; and passive fluid flow regulators, on-off valves, flow switches and filters.

Abstract: A method for recovering an uncrosslinked synthetic resin waste including dissolving the uncrosslinked synthetic resin waste in a solvent containing, as an active ingredient, one or more oxyisobutyric acid esters selected from an alkyl .alpha.-alkoxyisobutyrate, an alkyl .beta.-alkoxyisobutyrate and an alkyl .alpha.-hydroxyisobutyrate. This invention provides a method for recovering a plastic waste by using a highly safe solvent which is free from the problems encountered in the conventional methods with the use of aromatic hydrocarbons or halogenated hydrocarbons, and comprises non-halogen solvents, forms no substance causing environmental problems, has a high ability to dissolve plastic wastes, has neither toxicity nor any offensive odor, is not accumulated in nature because of its high biodegradability, and has a relatively high boiling point.

Abstract: A single vessel with no moving parts is constructed to perform the functions of coalescing, vacuum dehydration, and thin film evaporation.

Abstract: A closed system for reclaiming ink, solvent, and water from waste lithographic ink, or other ink types, without generating hazardous by-products is disclosed. The recycling process is performed under vacuum conditions on standard equipment, such as an agitation station, an evaporator chamber, a grinder, a condensation tank, and a vapor exhaust recovery condenser, readily available in the ink industry. Waste ink containing ink solids, solvent, water, and possibly foreign material such as debris, lint, paper, and dust, is first mixed to create a homogeneous slurry mixture of the ink, solvent, water and foreign materials. Next, water and solvent is evaporated from the slurry mixture and collected so that it may condensate and then settle. The slurry mixture is ground and heated up in order to evaporate any remaining water and solvent from the slurry.

Abstract: A filter module for filtering a flow of fluid employs a base member which either mounts a blanking plug or a diverter valve module. The plug is replaced by a diverter valve module for use with those engines that require an auxiliary source of low pressure fuel. A solenoid valve is housed in the module. A pressure regulator valve positioned in the valve module maintains a backpressure in the filter assembly to insure that there is sufficient head to drive the flow of fuel to the engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid material from cooling water in the cooling system of a marine engine. The apparatus includes a hollow member or housing having an inlet to receive cooling water and having an outlet. A drain opening is located in the housing above the bottom surface of the housing and is connected through a suitable conduit to a temperature responsive drain valve. A generally J-shaped tubular member is disposed in the housing and has one end connected to the drain outlet while a second end is slightly above the bottom surface of the housing, out of alignment with the inlet. When the drain valve is open, water will drain through the housing to the drain outlet, while solid debris will collect in the bottom of the housing beneath the second end of the tubular member.

Abstract: An improved salt basket for dewatering solids, particularly salts resulting from evaporation of industrial wastewaters. The salt basket system includes a pressurizable vessel having a screen floor situated above a bottom liquid collection head, an inlet for the brine/solids slurry from which solids are to be separated and dried, an inlet for air, an inlet for steam (the latter two inlets may be combined, where convenient), an inlet for solids free feed, and a drain outlet (these two may be combined where convenient into a combination feed/drain connection). Preferably, an automated system for introducing feed brine and for removing the solids product is provided. For safety, a pivotally attached lower door has a hydraulic failsafe closure mechanism and locking safety latches to prevent the door from inadvertently opening.

Abstract: A water magnetization apparatus includes: an insertable magnetizing unit secured in a magnetization holder such as a magnetizing shower or a water-magnetization pipe of a water treatment system, with the insertable magnetizing unit including a magnet-carrying member made of non-magnetic material, a plurality of water through holes and magnet sockets longitudinally juxtapositionally formed through the magnet-carrying member to form an array arrangement from a cross sectional view of the magnet-carrying member, and a plurality of magnets respectively embedded in the plurality of magnet sockets recessed in the magnet-carrying member, each water through hole sandwiched in between every two adjacent magnets having opposite magnetic poles of the two adjacent magnets facing each other for magnetizing a water stream flowing through each water through hole as subjected to a magnetic field between the two adjacent magnets, thereby forming a water magnetization apparatus having dense distribution of magnets for increasi

Abstract: A cloudy water recovery and recycling apparatus and method of use. The apparatus recovers cloudy water defined as water recovered from the rinse cycle of a clothes washing machine. The apparatus is comprised of an electronic controller, a storage tank, a trap having a lint screen, a pumping means, and a pressurized storage container. Water from a clothes washing machine is separated into rinse water and wash water by an electronic controller. The wash water is disposed of and the rinse water is strained to remove lint, collected in the storage tank, treated with dye and bactericide, pumped from the storage tank to a pressurized container and then utilized to flush at least one toilet.

Abstract: A filter having a an outer peripheral surface comprising an accordion wire mesh and an inner peripheral surface comprising a support structure, the filter permitting a liquid composition such as paint to be filtered therethrough when connected to an airless paint spraying system. Method of using a filter.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing an economical process for purifying water which can produce clean water by treating polluted water, which contains agricultural chemicals, organic solvents (particularly, halocarbon) and surface active agents (particularly, those with side chains) which are hard to treat according to a conventional activated sludge process, under moderate conditions readily and promptly, and also, which process is characterized by adding titanium oxide and iron salt into water to be treated, and irradiating light thereupon.

Abstract: A system for the treating of waste water comprising a first container for receiving and holding waste water to be treated. Further including a second container for effecting a thermal reaction and having a discharge for effluent from the second container. Also including is a third container receiving the effluent of the second container with an associated mechanical separation system for completely breaking down the solids and means to sequentially feed a flow of waste water to the first container and then to the second and third containers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a waste treating reservoir for treating waste collected using an associated suction system. A disposable receptacle connected to an associated suction system includes a sealed chamber such as a liner and a lid with a pour spout. The waste treating reservoir includes a closed container with an open mouth for storing a waste treating agent. A cylindrical wall forms a diffuser cap and has an open end portion and a substantially closed end portion. The closed end portion has a plurality of apertures opening radially through the cylindrical wall. The open end portion of the cylindrical diffuser cap fits telescopically over the open mouth of the agent container. The reservoir system further includes a double-walled sleeve having an inner wall and a generally concentric outer wall for attaching the combined diffuser cap and agent container to the spout of the disposable receptacle lid.

Abstract: A pre-septic tank or washing machine output filter apparatus for the improved removal of contaminants from pre-septic fluids. A filter apparatus defining a fluid filter chamber has an input port and an output port. A fluid deflector or disperser is mounted to deflect substantially all of the contaminated fluid entering the filter apparatus. A filter is mounted within the filtering chamber and has a closed lower portion and an upper portion for receiving the fluid dispersal apparatus. Fluid entering the input port is dispersed by the deflector apparatus through an upper portion of the filter, thence through the fluid filter chamber to the fluid output port. Contaminants collected in the upper portion of the filter from the deflected fluid will eventually be caused by gravity to fall to the lower, closed portion of the filter where these contaminants will remain collected until the filter is emptied.

Abstract: A fast atom beam source is capable of efficiently emitting a fast atom beam with low energy and high particle flux. A plate-shaped electrode has a plurality of atom emitting holes. A pair of electrodes are disposed in series opposite the plate-shaped electrode so as to form an electric discharge part. An AC power supply impresses an AC voltage between the pair of electrodes. A DC power supply impresses a DC voltage between the plate-shaped electrode and one of the pair of electrodes that is closer to the plate-shaped electrode. A gas inlet introduces a gas to induce electric discharge in the space between the plate-shaped electrode and the pair of electrodes.

Abstract: A dual separator purification system and method for removing particulate as well as ionic contaminants from liquids is disclosed. The present invention is particularly useful in the electrostatic printing industry. The system comprises two disparate separators connected in series. The first separator has a repelling electrode and a rotating drum which collects charged particulate contaminants and debris. A liquid such as spent liquid toner is passed through a gap between the repelling electrode and the rotating drum. The contaminants, including colored toner particles and paper debris, move electrophoretically through the gap and adhere to the rotating drum. Upward motion of the drum surface brings the accumulated deposit out of the gap region and to a scraper blade which removes the deposit from the drum for subsequent disposal. The partially purified liquid is collected and then passed through a second separator which has a spirally-wound laminate of porous and electrically conductive layers.

Abstract: A fluid recapture system collects residual waste fluids generated during airplane washing or de-icing procedures and separates and recycles these fluids to prevent contamination of storm water drainage and sewer systems and ground water supplies. The fluid recapture system includes a containment mat, a triangular berm with a resilient foam center surrounding the containment mat, a vacuum system located on the containment mat and recycling apparatus connected to the vacuum system. The recycling apparatus includes a pump for withdrawing fluid from the containment mat through the vacuum system and into the recycling apparatus. The pump withdraws the water from the containment mat and sends it to an effluent storage tank. From the effluent storage tank, the water is cycled through a hydro cycle machine, a reverse osmosis tank and finally into a clean water storage tank. The clean water can be reused in the airplane washing procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the biological purification of cutting oil, such as used in metal machining apparatus, is disclosed. The invention herein provides a suitable environment for cultured aerobic bacteria. These beneficial bacteria act to break down the hazardous organic waste products of anaerobic bacteria and eliminate rank odors. The cutting oil is aerated to encourage the proliferation of the aerobic bacteria, and to discourage the proliferation of the unwanted anaerobic bacteria.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing hydrocarbons in wastewater includes an oil separator and a stripper tower. The tower has a housing that includes a stripper section and a condensation section. The stripper section includes a plurality of trays and steam inlet under the trays. The condensation section includes a plurality of trays and a pan tray having provisions to allow vapors to rise from the stripper section.

Abstract: An apparatus for the decontamination of a subsoil formations, whereas groundwater is produced over long periods of time to remove especially the highly volatile halogenated hydrocarbons, causing contaminants to be flushed out and contaminants separated from the groundwater at the surface. In order to also be able to remove contaminants having higher specific gravities and contaminants with a low solubility in water, it is proposed to vibrate the water saturated soil/rock zone by means of an acoustic transmitter. The acoustic transmitter consists of two plate-like elements as membranes between which there is a coil.

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 mortar extrusion gun includes a refillable and cleanable mortar supply tube possessing a first end terminating in a forwardly and radially inwardly extending flange surrounding a mortar ejection aperture and a second opposite open end. A conical spout includes a tip provided with a mortar outlet aperture and a base possessing a mortar inlet aperture surrounded by a radially outwardly extending flange. Preferably, a set of spouts possessing various different dimensions are provided for selective use under different working conditions. In an assembled condition, the spout is inserted through the supply tube and ejection aperture such that the inwardly and outwardly extending flanges abut in sealing relation, supporting the spout at the first end of the supply tube. After the supply tube is filled with mortar, a packing disk is inserted into the open end of the supply tube, and the supply tube and spout assembly is inserted into a slightly modified conventional caulking gun.

Abstract: A WATER PURIFYING AND STERILIZING APPARATUS including a box (1) within which three filtering chambers are provided, one of which (4) containing resin as a filtering element within its interior, the other (5) with charcoal as a filtering element within its interior, while the third (6) carries within an ultraviolet lamp (8), with said chamber (6) being provided with a flow baffle (13), comprised of a circular part (14) centrally provided with a circular orifice (15) that surrounds the said lamp (8), being made up of U-shaped sections (16), interconnected by ramps (17), describing rectangular openings (18) for water to flow through.

Abstract: A filter having a filter element is provided for a rockdrill. The filter can be operated in three modes, namely, filtering or drilling, rinsing and back-flushing. As the filter element becomes clogged a handle on the filter can be turned to a back-flushing mode position whereby the flow of fluid through the filter element is reversed and the flow of fluid thereby expels dirt and debris accumulated in and on the filter element to the atmosphere through the a outlet port. When the handle is turned back to a filtering mode position ports in a support shaft in the filter pass through the rinsing mode which washes dirt that may have accumulated on the filter element during the back-flushing mode and expels it to the atmosphere through the vent outlet port. When the handle is positioned in the filtering mode position the filter element is clean.

Abstract: An improved dispensing spout assembly and method for self-service dispensing of purified water is described for reducing the possibility of contamination. An overlapping pair of enclosures house an ultraviolet lamp and a delivery nozzle to provide a secondary purification just prior to delivery and to inhibit contact between the nozzle and any contaminated objects, while permitting the exit of purified water to a container.

Abstract: A magnetic inductor for revitalizing water including a housing which contains two sets of magnets. A chamber between the two sets of magnets contains a central baffle with holes. Water or other fluid enters the chamber through the center of one set of magnets. The flow is slowed inside the chamber by the baffle between the sets of magnets so that the fluid is exposed to the magnetic field in the chamber. The fluid then flows out of the chamber through the center of the second set of magnets. Vortex-shaped protrusions on the baffle assist in directing the fluid flow throughout the chamber. The magnets are protected from the fluid by the housing.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention comprise an elongated auger housing having a rotatable auger therein. Augers are provided for delivering sludge and an additive such as cement kiln dust to the intake end of the mixer housing. An auger within the mixer housing conveys the material to the discharge end of the housing, and at the same time mixes the materials together.

Abstract: A method for treating liquid waste water sludge after its generation and separation from the waste liquid involves forcibly impacting sludge particles and microbial cells against a contact surface to thereby fragment the particles into smaller-sized particles and break apart the organic cells. As a result of such a fragmentation process, water located in the pores of the sludge particles is released, thereby enhancing a subsequent dewatering process performed on the sludge. The destruction of the cells permits a subsequent solids digestion process to work more efficiently, while also permitting a more complete conversion to dissolved sugars, proteins and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A plug is adapted for sealing a disposable filter cartridge. The plug is inserted into the axial opening of the cartridge for temporary retention by the grommet. The plug is then reversed and inserted into the grommet of the spent filter cartridge for sealing the contents. The plug is constructed to resist removal from the spent cartridge. A second plug embodiment seals with a sleeve-like grommet at two axial spaced positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-stage, single reactor, purification system for disinfecting, washing, and concentrating solid wastes, which include contaminated soil, highly concentrated biosolids, spent animal bedding, and spent diapers, etc.A solid waste is fed into the reactor of this invented apparatus. At least one disinfecting and chemical agent (including cationic surface active agent known as quaternary ammonium compound) is fed together with water (as needed) into this reactor to disinfect and process said solid waste with the assistance of a mechanical mixing means inside said reactor. A disinfecting gas is fed to the same reactor as needed. After the period of feeding, disinfecting, processing, and mixing is over, the process water is drained. The disinfected and processed wet solid waste is discharged to an expulsion chamber means which removes residual water and compacts the disinfected and processed solid waste.

Abstract: New and improved filtration purification or water treatment systems for providing improved purified drinking water at a point of use are provided in a substantially leak-free fluid flow control device to which the other filtration purification system elements may be matedly engaged. Other system elements may include various filters or filter modules, as well as.[.,.]. system leads for conveying incoming tap water in, outgoing waste water out to drain and purified water from the filter section to a storage tank until desired for use. The fluid flow control device is preferably a unitary thermoplastic body having a number of discrete fluid flow passages extending therein. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid flow control device includes integrally formed input/output connector features, filter-receiving socket portions and an automatic shut off valve disposed in fluid flow communication with certain ones of the passages.