Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes a laundry waste sump, a primary 50 micron static screen filter, a 9,000 gallon equalization tank, at least one secondary media/carbon filter, a sludge holding tank with a pump to return excess water to the equalization tank, a backwash pump, an air blower, and a clear well tank water source for backwash. An exemplary embodiment of the invention also includes a surge tank between the primary and secondary filters and a surge tank between the secondary filter and the clear well tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating liquid from a slurry comprised of a solid and a liquid is described. The apparatus comprises a container sized and configured to receive the slurry which container comprises a removable cover sized and configured to enclose an atmosphere within the container when the cover is attached to the container, a filter disposed within the container for separating the liquid from the slurry, and a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the enclosed atmosphere of the container which pump is configured to create a vacuum within the container that causes the liquid to move through the filter, which pump is configured to vacuum material comprised of solid material, liquid material, gas or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. Related methods of separating liquid from the slurry using the apparatus of the invention are also described.

Abstract: A process is provided to produce water that will meet the specifications of the United States Pharmacopeia Inc. for Purified Water and Water for Injection, and water for dialysis as circumscribed by the American Association for Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). The system has no storage tanks where stagnant water will be fouled by biofilm colonizing the tank surface. Water is circulated throughout the purification system and drawn as required, on demand. The water is purified and used immediately or recycled and repurified to ensure quality. Sanitation of the purification system, maintaining microbiological purity and cleaning is done by controlling the pH so that it is normally acidic by maintaining a high carbon dioxide concentration in solution, the carbon dioxide being allowed to pass into the permeate from a reverse osmosis membrane assembly used to purify the water.

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 posttreatment 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 hemodialysis machine includes a purified water tube connected with at least one or tow water pumps in parallel. Each of the water pumps is connected with a reagent jug for taking reagent or disinfectant into water tubes so as to run dialysis process or sterilize tubes. The present invention features on that an ozone water device is coupled with a water inlet end of the purified water tube so that the ozone water is used to clean the tubes of the hemodialysis machine for avoiding the problem of disinfectant residuals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removal of suspended solids from water, waste water and other effluents is disclosed. The raw fluid being extracted is placed in a pressurized equalization chamber by a pumping apparatus. The fluid might be ground in advance to reduce the size of solid particles suspended therein to a manageable size. Solids can settle from the fluid before pumping into a second chamber for further setting. Chemicals are injected between the first and second chambers. The sludge recovered from from the base of the chambers can be sterilized using conventional methods, and the separated fluid discharged from the clarification chamber is further cleaned, also using conventional methods. The method and apparatus of the present replaces or supplements conventional mainframe biological treatments.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering a liquid in a tank has a plurality of elements and a frame for holding the elements while they are immersed in the liquid. The elements have a plurality of hollow fibre membranes attached to and suspended between an upper header and a lower header. The membranes are in fluid communication with one or more permeate channels in one or more of the headers. Releasable attachments between the headers and the frame allow the frame to releasably hold the elements by their headers. The size and configuration of the frame determines the positions of the upper and lower headers of each element relative to each other. Connections between the permeate channels and one or more permeate collection tubes attached to the frame are releasable and resealable connections which are made or broken automatically by the movements involved in inserting or removing an element into or out of the frame.

Abstract: A spiral wound membrane element allowing back wash reverse filtration at 0.05 MPa to 0.3 MPa is employed for a spiral wound membrane module. Air injection of injecting air of not more than 0.3 MPa into a permeate outlet of the spiral wound membrane module from a pressurized air feeder through a pipe, back wash reverse filtration with permeate and flushing with raw water are performed as recovery of a filtration velocity. Another spiral wound membrane module comprises a spiral wound membrane element including a separation membrane having high back pressure strength. Raw water into which bubbles are diffused by an air diffuser is fed to the spiral wound membrane element stored in a pressure vessel. Part of the raw water is axially fed through the spiral wound membrane element, discharged from a raw water outlet of the pressure vessel and thereafter returned to a raw water tank through a pipe.

Abstract: Ozone gas having a high ozone concentration is generated by a solid electrolyte electrolytic process. An ozone solution is prepared by injecting the ozone gas into an acidic solution of pH 6 or below. The ozone solution heated at a temperature in the range of 50° to 90° C. is supplied to a contaminated object to oxidize and dissolve a chromium oxide film by an oxidizing dissolving process. The ozone solution used in the oxidizing dissolving process is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to decompose ozone contained in the ozone solution, the ozone solution is passed through an ion-exchange resin to remove ions contained in the ozone solution. An oxalic acid solution is supplied to the contaminated object to dissolve an iron oxide film by a reductive dissolving process.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods establish on line communication between a container and a source of blood containing leukocytes and platelets, such as a human donor. The systems and methods create a centrifugal field between the source of blood and the container that separates from the blood an unfinished suspension of platelets having a first physiologic characteristic different than the desired physiologic characteristic. The systems and methods pump the unfinished platelet suspension outside the centrifugal field through a finishing device. The finishing device changes the first physiologic characteristic to the desired physiological characteristic, thereby creating the finished platelet suspension. The systems and methods convey the finished platelet suspension from the finishing device directly into the container. The systems and methods function without interrupting the on line communication between the container and the source of blood.

Abstract: A transportable drilling fluid cleaning system for removing solids from drilling fluid at a drill site comprises a platform for transporting the system. A bin region on the platform retains solids from the drilling fluid. A settling tank on the platform separates the drilling fluid into an upper fluid fraction having a reduced concentration of solids and a lower solids fraction having a higher concentration of solids as the drilling fluid flows from an inlet chamber for receiving drilling fluid to at least one other chamber. A stand on the platform supports at least one centrifuge for separating the solids from the drilling fluid, the stand being movable between stored and operating positions. The system provides a self-contained unit that is easily transportable on a flat bed truck to provide all the ancillary equipment necessary for solids control at the drill site.

Abstract: Make-up water derived from an on-shore treatment facility is returned to a slurry processing unit on board a dredge by means of a water supply pipeline floating alongside a slurry delivery pipeline that conveys dredged material to the on-shore treatment facility. After separation from the slurry solids, the return water is pressurized to a transport pressure at the treatment facility with a centrifugal pump and then boosted to the desired working pressure once aboard the dredge. This two-stage pumping and re-cycling process reduces the amount of clear make-up water needed for proper operation of the slurry processing unit by more than 50%. This has resulted in a substantial reduction in the overall cost of remediation by reducing the amount of water that must be cleaned prior to disposal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning and/or treatment device for cleaning and/or treating surfaces such as floors, pavements and carpets. The invention particularly relates to a cleaning and/or treatment device using cleaning/treatment solution, wherein the solution is recirculated and thereby used more than one time. The cleaning device comprises a filter unit for cleaning dirt from a dirty solution tank and means for recirculating said cleaned solution to a clean solution tank, wherein said filter unit comprise at least one cross-flow filter, said cross-flow filter preferably being a membrane filter. The invention also relates to a process of cleaning and/or treating surfaces using such a device.

Abstract: Artificial liver devices and methods for using the devices to purify a biological fluid are disclosed. The methods include the use of living hepatocytes (23) which are either unattached or attached to inert carriers and suspended in a cell culture medium which circulates in the devices with the hepatocytes (23). Blood or plasma passes on one side (7?) of semi-permeable membranes, on the other side (7) of which is the cell culture medium and across which is a concentration and/or pressure gradient. Solutes diffusing across the membrane into the cell culture medium are metabolized by the hepatocytes (23) and/or captured by additional removal means (4). Those undesirable substances which do not diffuse out of the blood or plasma into the hepatocyte containing culture medium are captured by additional removal means (50).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering wastewater from laundry operations. A substantially closed loop series of tanks, conduits and pumps hold and transfer water output from a wash machine through a series of filters, including a lint pulloff filter, a multimedia pressure filter, a clay filter, and a carbon filter. The water is ozonated to coagulate suspended solids and to disinfect and is subjected to ultraviolet light to disinfect and to reduce residual ozone.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for desalting water by reverse osmosis, in particular for desalting sea water, whereby salt water at a first pressure level is introduced into a pressure compensating device, and is conveyed from the pressure-compensating device at a second, higher pressure level into a membrane module, whereby desalted water and concentrated salt water are discharged from the membrane module. In order to increase the efficiency and consequently the energy balance of such a method, the invention proposes to continuously introduce the concentrated salt water, which has been discharged from the membrane module, at a second pressure level into the pressure-compensating device, wherein it is used to subject the salt water introduced into the pressure compensating device to the second pressure level, and to discharge the salt water and convey it to the membrane module. The invention also concerns a device for implementing this method.

Abstract: A new vacuum cyclone seafood collection retainer is disclosed. Two men easily assemble this new cyclone collection retainer, made in portable sections, and the sections can be rotated for best orientation of the hose connections. This vacuum cyclone facilitates the use of a large-scale vacuum system to offload shrimp from the holds and bins of shrimp boats and trawlers up onto the dock and into collection tubs for weighing and processing. This new vacuum cyclone system will offload shrimp and other small seafood much faster, cheaper, and with less damage to the shrimp than the conventional methods now employed. One large-scale vacuum supply pump can be connected through a common vacuum supply tank to multiple vacuum cyclone collection retainers providing multiple unloading dockside facilities.

Abstract: The special features of the water treatment apparatus in the present invention are that a tank fitted with a raw water inlet and a treated water outlet on the upper part, has within said tank an upper chamber and lower chamber which divide said tank into two sections, upper and lower, and is fitted with a separating wall which can be raised and lowered to adjust the water level in said upper and lower chamber, the upper chamber above said separating wall and the lower chamber below said separating wall both being filled with water. By use of this apparatus, a novel water treatment apparatus is provided which can be extremely easily assembled into a water treatment facility.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desalination of salt water (and purification of polluted water) are disclosed. Saline (or otherwise polluted) water is pumped to a desalination installation and down to the base of a desalination fractionation column, where it is mixed with hydrate-forming gas or liquid to form either positively buoyant (also assisted buoyancy) or negatively buoyant hydrate. The hydrate rises or sinks or is carried into a lower pressure area and dissociates (melts) into the gas and pure water. In preferred embodiments, residual salt water which is heated by heat given off during formation of the hydrate is removed from the system to create a bias towards overall cooling as the hydrate dissociates endothermically at shallower depths, and input water is passed through regions of dissociation in heat-exchanging relationship therewith so as to be cooled sufficiently for hydrate to form at pressure-depth.

Abstract: A method of killing aquatic species in water includes containing the water with the aquatic species therein within a conduit; pressurizing the water; and transferring gas to the water to thereby supersaturate the water with dissolved gas such that &Dgr;P is greater than zero.

Abstract: A hemodialyzing unit includes a dialytic fluid supply line for feeding a dialytic fluid from a dialytic fluid supply/discharge unit to a dialyzer, a dialytic fluid discharge line for feeding a dialytic fluid discharged from the dialyzer to the dialytic fluid supply/discharge unit, and a bypass line for connecting both lines at an intermediate portion of each. A flow rate adjusting member is provided to a downstream supply line between a coupling portion for coupling the dialytic fluid supply line to the bypass line and the dialyzer. A wider range of treatments such as CHD (or CHDF), SHD (or SHDF), and HD (or HDF) can be conducted without employing a device for the exclusive use of the CHD or CHDF.

Abstract: A floating pond skimmer is coupled by a fluid conduit to a remote filter/aerating apparatus. The skimmer sucks a mixture of solids and water, grinds/chops the solids, and pumps the reduced solids and water through the conduit to the filter/aerating apparatus which separates the solids from the mixture and aerates the water from the mixture. The floating skimmer preferably includes a vortex chamber, an on-board pump with a grinding impeller, an adjustable ballast, and an anchor. The filter/aerating apparatus includes an inclined screen and a drain tray beneath the inclined screen coupled to a water discharge conduit. Optionally, an aeration pump is coupled to the discharge conduit. Also optionally, a removable solid waste hopper is located at the lower end of the inclined screen. Otherwise the solid waste simply falls into a compost pile at the bottom of the inclined screen.

Abstract: A rain collection system for collecting and storing rainwater. The rain collection system includes a collection assembly being designed for being positioned on a support surface. The collection assembly is designed for collecting rain that has fallen on the support surface. A storage assembly has a tank. The tank is in fluid communication with the collection assembly whereby rain collected by the collection assembly is stored in the tank of the storage assembly for use by the user. A filtration assembly is in fluid communication between the collection assembly to the storage assembly. The filtration assembly is designed for filtering contaminates from the rain being transferred from the collection assembly to the storage assembly.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis are provided. To this end, in part, a pump for a dialysis system is provided. The pump includes a first chamber wall including a first aperture, a second chamber wall including a second aperture, a piston, at least a portion of which can move through the second aperture, the piston including a third aperture, and first and second membranes disposed between the first and second chambers walls. A vacuum can be applied through the first aperture to pull the first membrane towards the first chamber wall and can be applied through the third aperture to pull the second membrane towards the piston. The piston can thereafter move the second membrane.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuous processing of intra- or postoperative blood loss for autotransfusion. According to the present invention, certain cells of the cell suspension to be processed, mainly the red blood cells, are concentrated by centrifuging in a separation unit and removed from the separation unit without being rinsed or washed in the separation unit. The concentrated cell fraction is diluted with a physiological solution, preferably a Ringer's solution, after being removed from the separation unit.

Abstract: A rotating drum pressure differential filter is provided whereby a layer of filter medium is continuously refreshed by a spray applicator device after the layer is utilized to filter components sample medium and a portion of the layer is subsequently scraped to remove sample medium waste from the layer. Methods of filtration using the device are also provided as are systems employing two or more such filters. A spray applicator device useful for refreshing a filter medium on the outer surface of a rotating drum pressure differential filter is also provided as is a retro fit kit useful in modifying existing rotating drum pressure differential filters to enable the continuous formation of a refreshed filter medium layer. The continuously refreshed filter and filter systems provide a minimized down time of the filter and system operations. Multiple-stage filtration processes are also provided and are particularly in the recovery of enzymes from fermentation broths.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating water through a magnetic field comprises an inverted vortexing ampul capable of holding water, the vortexing ampul having a wide body and a narrow neck. A water inlet located inside the vortexing ampul at its wide body portion is used to introduce water along an inner side of the vortexing ampul thereby facilitating flow in a vortexing pattern. A valve controls the flow of water. A pair of axially placed magnets are aligned around the neck of the ampul. A recirculating ampul for the collection of the treated or “living water” is included. A collar of paramagnetic material may be located close to the axially placed magnets. The apparatus includes a circulating system that pumps processed water from the recirculating ampul for reprocessing.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for treating wastewater having bio-solids therein. The system includes a tank, a wastewater inlet line, an effluent discharge outlet line, and an aeration source. The tank has an upper aeration chamber and a lower clarification chamber separated by a common inclined partition having an opening defined therein. The inclined partition opens into the lower clarification chamber near a bottom of the tank which allows fluid communication between the upper aeration chamber and the lower clarification chamber. The bottom of the tank has a bio-sludge outlet for removal of settled bio-solids. The wastewater inlet line opens into the aeration chamber and an intake end of the effluent discharge outlet line is positioned within the clarification chamber. The aeration source is positioned within the aeration chamber to supply air to the wastewater within the aeration chamber.

Abstract: A system for circulating water between a container and an external system in such a way as to maintain a desired water level in the container may include, an overflow assembly and a return assembly. The overflow and return assemblies are generally tubular structures, each of which includes a pair of concentric tubes. The overflow assembly typically includes a skimmer and a silent overflow device towards its upper portion, as well as a strainer towards its lower portion, wherein water is taken out of the container through the skimmer and/or the strainer. The return assembly typically comprises an upper capped diffuser and a lower diffuser, wherein the former allows for water to exit into an tipper portion of the container and the latter provides for water inflow at a lower portion of the container. Both assemblies are installed inside the container by attaching to a lower wall of the container.

Abstract: A rinsing liquid treatment device (2), an expansion module (12) and an adapter module (9) for a rinsing liquid circuit closed in the flow circuit of a rinsing liquid comprising a rock working tool (1) and having a feed line (3), a catch trough (4), a transport means (5) and an outflow (6), wherein the catch trough (4) is inside a wet suction device (7).

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing blood use at least one fluid activated pump and at least one fluid activated valve. The systems and methods apply positive and negative fluid pressures to operate the pump and valve. Different pressure conditions are applied to the pump and the valve, to insure that a valve used in conjunction with a pump is not overcome by the pressure applied to operate the pump, and that both the valve and pump are not overcome by normal system processing pressures.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide, liberated by introducing fouling inhibiting bubbles into a tank containing an immersed membrane module, is captured and returned to the tank by way of the bubbles to minimize increases in pH in the tank water caused by carbon dioxide stripping. Minimizing the pH increase reduces the amount of acid required to produce a desired pH in the tank water or, with scaling feed water, reduces the rate of membrane fouling.

Abstract: Often in diesel engines, there are two or more fuel filters that provide intense filtration of the fuel prior to injection of the fuel into the engine. However, the two or more fuel filters consume a considerable amount of space within the vehicle which may prevent all of the fuel filters from being attached to the engine. The present invention is a multiple fuel filter pump module that includes a module housing. The module housing is formed to include a pump housing and a dual fuel filter head portion. A fuel pump is positioned within the pump housing, and more than one detachable fuel filter assemblies are attached to the multiple fuel filter head portion. The module housing can be attached to an engine housing.

Abstract: A water purification system and method for producing high-purity, laboratory-quality product water from feed water containing a concentration of dissolved ions and other contaminants. The water purification system includes a reverse osmosis unit and a capacitive deionization module positioned in a recirculation path coupling a concentrate outlet of the reverse osmosis unit in fluid communication with a feed water inlet of the reverse osmosis unit. The capacitive deionization unit removes dissolved ions from the concentrate stream, which is admixed with feed water provided to the feed water inlet of the reverse osmosis unit. A permeate outlet of the reverse osmosis unit outputs a stream of the high-purity product water to be, for example, stored in a storage tank.

Abstract: Waste oily water is concentrated by expelling permeate water away from the oil component through ceramic membranes of a cross-flow filter. The filter is in a circulation ring, and is routinely cleaned in situ. The ring has two sight-glass reservoirs between which the cleaning fluid is see-sawed during cleaning cycles, the reverse, oscillating chemical flow being triggered by sight glass float switches. Large annual throughputs are achieved by linking in more processor rings, under control of a single PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), for automated processing. High membrane filter rates are achieved, in the range of 1 to 2 million litres per year per square meter of filter membrane surface area. The system is fail-safe and environmentally friendly.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing formation sand from an oil storage tank. The apparatus is mounted to a truck towable trailer so that it may be transported to remote sites. Mounted to the truck towable trailer is a container adapted to accept and dewater a sand-water slurry pumped from the oil storage tank. The slurry is formed by injecting high pressure water from a water reservoir mounted to the truck towable trailer into the approximate centre of mass of the formation sand by way of a pipe having a nozzle generating a spherical spray pattern within the slurry. The pipe is forced into the slurry by way of a two counter-rotating drive wheels in frictional contact with the pipe. Included in the apparatus is a bifurcated conduit adapted for attachment to the storage tank drain port adapted for the injection of high pressure through one branch of the conduit and withdrawal of slurry from the other branch and into the container by way of a slurry pump.

Abstract: A method of treating fluid body waste material includes, separating the material into factions, in which the solids content of one faction is increased substantially relative to the originating waste material, while a second faction has an increased liquid content. Material is pumped from a storage facility, passing through a first screen. Retained solid material is removed from the screen while partially cleansed liquid passes to a holding tank. The partially cleansed liquid is then passed through one or more cyclone separators. The output containing larger particles is passed to a second, finer screen with further removal of solids. A further output from the cyclone separator, of substantially clean liquid is fed partly back into the holding tank and partly back into the storage facility. Agitation of the waste material in the storage facility can be provided.

Abstract: A portable water purifier having a housing, a handle, an input tube, an output valve, a power supply line, and a water purification system. This water purification system includes a preliminary filter, a pump, two reverse osmosis units and a discharge tube. The preliminary filter can be placed in a river or a lake. The power supply line can connect to an electric energy source, such as electric generator, solar electric generator, and so on. So, it is very convenient to use it indoors or outdoors.

Abstract: A system (11) for providing purified water comprises a plurality of individual modules, each of which includes a separable head (13) and a canister (17), which modules are joined one to another via these heads to create a composite manifold (15). The heads and canisters are respectively of substantially identical construction, and the hollow canisters include the following units: preheater, prefilter (25), pump (27), membrane purification (29), postfilter (31), and UV treatment. The overall system is monitored by a control unit (131) that is regularly interrogated by an off-site, headquarters computer, and both the control unit (131) and the headquarters computer are proactive in detecting potential difficulties that may be able to be readily remedied by promptly dispatching a serviceperson with a replacement for the canister containing the operating unit that requires replacement.

Abstract: A cassette for delivering fluids, especially dialysis fluids, with connecting elements for connecting solution bags and lines leading to the patient for to the dialysis machine, with at least one delivery chamber with an inlet and outlet, with lines for carrying the fluids supplied and delivered, with the walls of the lines being designed at least in some sections so that the lines can be closed by applying a compressive force acting on the walls. Heating and delivery of fluids, in particular dialysis fluids, can be performed effectively and simply by providing at least one area in the cassette where the lines are arranged in such a way that the medium in the lines can be heated to a predetermined set point by means of a heating device arranged outside the cassette.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for monitoring and/or controlling treatment of aqueous systems including water cooling systems are provided. The present invention includes a self-contained treatment unit for controllably bleeding water from an aqueous system and delivering treatment agents, such as inhibitor agents and/or anti-biofouling agents, to treat conditions, such as scale, corrosion, biofouling or the like within the aqueous system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desalination of salt water (and purification of polluted water) are disclosed. Saline (or otherwise polluted) water is pumped to a desalination installation and down to the base of a desalination fractionation column, where it is mixed with hydrate-forming gas or liquid to form either positively buoyant (also assisted buoyancy) or negatively buoyant hydrate. The hydrate rises or sinks or is carried into a lower pressure area and dissociates (melts) into the gas and pure water. In preferred embodiments, residual salt water which is heated by heat given off during formation of the hydrate is removed from the system to create a bias towards overall cooling as the hydrate dissociates endothermically at shallower depths, and input water is passed through regions of dissociation in heat-exchanging relationship therewith so as to be cooled sufficiently for hydrate to form at pressure-depth.

Abstract: A vertical membrane storage system including a flexible membrane housing having an upper enclosed portion capable of storing a fluid and a lower open portion for receiving the fluid is disclosed. The storage system also includes a flotation tube disposed above and connected to the upper enclosed portion, and an anchor having receiving means for receiving a fluid disposed concentrically therein, whereby the anchor is connected to and encloses the lower open portion of the flexible membrane. The vertical membrane storage system can be used for storing a variety of fluids including, but not limited to, overflow sewage, oil-contaminated water, and the like.

Abstract: Method and system for removing accumulated sediment at the bottom of a waste pond or lagoon of a wastewater treatment plant for a petroleum refinery. The system comprises a primary oil separation stage for separating hydrocarbons from the wastewater stream by gravity, a secondary oil removal stage and a biological treatment stage downstream of the secondary oil removal stage. A portion of the sediment from the bottom of the waste pond or lagoon is passed to the secondary oil removal stage and/or the biological treatment stage for processing with the refinery wastewater being treated in these stages.

Abstract: A waste disposal and recovery system for disposal of expanded polystyrene foam and recovery of a usable resin. The system includes a first tank and a second tank in flow communication. Within the second tank may be a plurality of settlement compartments with a filtration system. An organic solvent is used to dissolve the expanded polystyrene foam which forms a waste solution. The waste solution is directed to the second tank where it is separated into resin and the organic solvent. The solvent may be recycled for use in dissolving more expanded polystyrene foam while the resin may be removed for storage, shipment or sale.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a first reservoir, a second reservoir having an outlet through which filtered water can be dispensed, and a pump for pumping water from the first reservoir to the second reservoir. Water passes through a filter from the first reservoir en route to the second reservoir upon activation of the pump. There is a first water level detector in the first reservoir and a second water level detector in the second reservoir. A switch co-operates with the second water level detector to activate the pump when a reduced water level is detected in the second reservoir by the second water level detector. The switch also co-operates with the first water level detector to deactivate the pump, should the first water level detector detect a low water level in the first reservoir. A single switch performs both tasks.

Abstract: Sodium chloride and purified water are recovered by treating salt water that contains sodium chloride with an integrated reverse osmosis and electrodialysis system, which includes an efficiency-enhancing feature that is one or more of the following: the use of univalent anion and univalent cation selective membranes in the electrodialysis unit; the addition of a nanofiltration unit to process the diluate from the electrodialysis unit; or operation of the electrodialysis unit at an elevated pressure. Magnesium and bromine can optionally be produced when the salt water contains these materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing waste streams wherein a slipstream is formed on the upstream side of an ultrafiltration membrane (120) to carry collected and concentrated filter reject to a microfilter (170) via a slipstream through a conduit (155) at a very low flux through the microfilter. The low flux gives the particles in this stream a chance to interact and thus form an irregular matrix that itself helps to trap particles. The effluent from this matrix and microfilter is returned upstream of the ultrafiltration membrane via a conduit (165) to be repeatedly collected and concentrated. The suspended solids removed from the reject stream and microfilter may then be disposed of directly without further processing. For metal ions, the removal efficiency of ultrafiltration membrane can be improved by injecting sulfide compounds or other compounds upstream of ultrafiltration membrane.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for treating wastewater is described which involves the use of a downflow bioreactor filled with active anaerobic granular biomass. Influent wastewater is evenly distributed across the biomass and passes downward through the granules. The system is simple to use since it does not require the use of mixers, gas/solids/liquid separators, heat exchangers, or other sophisticated equipment. Treated water from the system has a solids content of 30 mg/L or less.

Abstract: A filtering system (10) is provided for filtering working fluid from a machine (12) and includes a cleanable filter (16) and a centrifuge (82) where filter capacity is too low for a permanent filter yet flow rate is too high for a centrifuge. The system transfers the contaminant storage function from the cleanable filter to the centrifuge. A simple effective centrifuge is provided.