Abstract: A water purification system includes an activated carbon filter and a reverse-osmosis (RO) filter. The activated carbon filter is typically formed with a central aperture that receives an upper portion of a central tube. The RO filter, which is positioned downstream from the carbon filter, may be formed around a perforated section of the central tube. The system further includes a head that is structured to receive a sump that contains the carbon and RO filters, as well as the central tube. An inlet formed in the head enables unpurified feed water to flow into the carbon filter. A first channel, which is defined by an annular surface formed in the carbon filter and an outer surface of the central tube, enables water to flow into the RO filter. A channel within the central tube enables water to flow from the RO filter, through the perforated sections of the central tube, and into an outlet formed within the head.

Abstract: A fluid filter system including a cartridge filter housed in a tank having a standpipe extending from a bottom surface of the tank. The cartridge filter is positioned in the tank with the standpipe extending into an outlet tube in the filter. Fluids flow into the tank, through the filter, and out through the standpipe. The cartridge filter may include a seal in an upper portion of the filter for sealing the cartridge filter to the standpipe in a position that is above the contaminant laden fluids and debris that collect at the bottom of a tank during removal of a cartridge filter.

Abstract: An aquarium includes a bottom tank which has a pump circulate water via a first pipe and a first drainage pipe provided on top of the bottom tank to maintain water level in the bottom tank in a predetermined level, a middle tank mounted on top of the bottom tank and having a filtering box, a collecting pipe, a receiving box, a lid to cover the inlet of the collecting pipe and a funnel in communication with the lid via a conduit and a top tank having a filtering plate mounted on top of the bottom to cover the through hole and having multiple apertures, a top board to cover the top tank, an illuminating device to illuminate the top tank and a feeding device mounted on top of the top board for distributing food to fish in the top tank.

Abstract: A packaged wastewater treatment unit has a compact configuration into which all subcomponents may be integrally molded. The compactness of the unit results from the arrangement of the subcomponents within the unit. In one embodiment, a clarifying unit and a basin into which a biological digester is mounted are formed within the top surface of a tank. The interior of the tank contains a collecting compartment separated from a secondary compartment by a baffle. In another embodiment, the housing of a disinfecting unit, such as an ultraviolet or chlorination unit, is also formed within the top surface of the packaged system. A method for treating wastewater includes using a single integrated unit to feed an effluent stream to a collection tank and then transport it to a biological digester, clarifying unit, and disinfecting unit. The effluent stream may be transported through the unit by a series of pumps and spillways. Optionally, the output stream may also be subjected to a sand filtration unit.

Abstract: A standard 20 ft or 40 ft sea-freight shipping container is configured as a septic tank, or as an aerobic trickle filter station. The shipping-container is lined with a watertight shell or liner. The liner may be a prefabricated separate structure inserted into the container, and supported from the container walls. Or, the liner may be actually constructed inside the container, again taking mechanical support from the container walls. The openable doors at the end of the standard container are retained, a wall being added to the shipping-container a foot or two inside the doors to form the tank, leaving a utility room for pipework, valves, pumps, etc.

Abstract: A packaged wastewater treatment unit has a compact configuration into which all subcomponents may be integrally molded. The compactness of the unit results from the arrangement of the subcomponents within the unit. In one embodiment, a clarifying unit and a basin into which a biological digester is mounted are formed within the top surface of a tank. The interior of the tank contains a collecting compartment separated from a secondary compartment by a baffle. In another embodiment, the housing of a disinfecting unit, such as an ultraviolet or chlorination unit, is also formed within the top surface of the packaged system. A method for treating wastewater includes using a single integrated unit to feed an effluent stream to a collection tank and then transport it to a biological digester, clarifying unit, and disinfecting unit. The effluent stream may be transported through the unit by a series of pumps and spillways. Optionally, the output stream may also be subjected to a sand filtration unit.

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: An aquarium includes a pump disposed in a chamber of a container to circulate water and having a spindle. An air supplying device is coupled to the spindle of the pump and driven by the spindle of the pump, to pump air into the water contained in the chamber of the container. The pump may thus be used to pump or circulate the water in the aquarium, and to simultaneously supply air into the water contained in the aquarium. The air supplying device includes a valve housing having two check valve members disposed in a recess and a depression, and a membrane attached to the valve housing and forced by the pump to actuate the check valve members.

Abstract: A device for delivering chemical solutions into a liquid flow, where the chemical solution is created by dissolving solid chemical contained within a chemical dispenser cartridge, the dispenser cartridge having an intake aperture located on the upper portion of its side wall and a dispensing aperture on its removable cap member, such that a saturated chemical solution is formed in the cartridge and passes into the liquid flow through the dispensing aperture due to the pressure differential of the liquid flowing through a tubular filter, the dispenser cartridge being mounted within the tubular filter.

Abstract: A filter adapter for removing metallic particles from fluid. The adapter is cylindrical in shape and includes an attachment insert for mounting the adapter between a source in a fluid flow system and a conventional filter. The adapter has a ring shaped magnet held in the housing of the adapter by magnet holders. The adapter has a plurality of perforations in the top and bottom for the flow of unfiltered fluid from the fluid source, through the adapter, and to the conventional filter. The attachment insert is hollow so as to allow filtered oil to flow back from the conventional filter to the fluid system the adapter is attached to.

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: A variable vortex, baffle fluid filter apparatus for installation primarily in urban storm water drain sumps. A circular, filter channel that is enclosed on all four sides by filter screens, includes a cylindrical baffle screen that is attached concentrically below the channel for moving impurities to the sump bottom. Provision is made for manually adjusting the velocity of the fluid inlet flow. An angle adjustable, pivotable vane is provided in front of the inlet opening to adjust inlet flow velocity and vortex strength, to keep inlet impurities from sticking to the filter screens. The filter unit provides 150 percent more treatment capacity than comparable filter units and provides easy access for maintenance to all parts.

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: An improved method of separation of liquids from solids. Animal manure in particular must be separated in order to further process the liquid. This improved method of separation also utilizes a slanted plate clarifier in its design. This design will also provide a means of removing some of the more soluble chemicals from the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for, and method of, performing various liquid-liquid contacting operations such as solvent extraction, stripping, scrubbing, washing, re-extraction and reacting in a single, integrated column. The ability of the integrated column, which is based on the intermediate decanter, of the present invention, to perform the entire operation of solvent extraction plant in a single column has many technical, economical, ecological and operational safety advantages. Investment costs significantly decrease due to the decrease in the number of columns, decanters, and auxiliary equipment, spare parts, materials inventories and the requisite area for the plant relative to a standard prior art plant. Operating and maintenance costs also decrease due to less pumping between columns and less equipment in operation.

Abstract: An oil filter including a housing, a first oil filter element, a second oil filter element disposed circumferentially about a length of the first oil filter capable of filtering particles of a smaller size than the first oil filter element. A first oil filter inlet is disposed at a bottom portion of the housing for providing oil to be filtered to an outside surface of the first oil filter element, and a second oil filter inlet is disposed at the bottom portion of the housing and surrounding the first oil inlet for providing oil to be filtered to a bottom surface of the second oil filter element. A fluid communication path extends from a top surface of the second oil filter element into the first oil filter element such that oil filtered through the second oil filter element is mixed with oil filtered by the first oil filter element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of purifying feedwater to remove impurities including suspended solids therefrom, the method suitable for using in-line water pressure to permeate water through hollow fiber membranes and to backflush the membranes to remove solids collected or deposited thereon.

Abstract: Detergent cleaning is combined with ozone disinfection in a single, preferably mobile sanitizing unit. A detergent cleaning solution, preferably under pressure, is directed onto a surface to be cleaned. Subsequently, an aqueous ozone rinse is applied to the surface following removal of soils by the detergent. Because the ozone rinse functions to sanitize the target and remove residual detergent, and works best when delivered without substantial pressure, construction and ozone generation are simplified.

Abstract: The present invention provides a permanent magnet rotating electric machine that comprises a stator, into which concentrated wound armature windings are inserted in such a way as to surround a plurality of teeth formed in a stator core, and a rotor having rare earth permanent magnets inserted into a plurality of permanent magnet holes, which are formed in a rotor core and used for accommodating permanent magnets. In this permanent magnet rotating electric machine, the permanent magnets are each shaped like a convex “V” or “U” with respect to the shaft of the rotor. Moreover, a ratio of the width W1 of an interpole core between the permanent magnets to the width Xg of the gap between the stator core and the rotor core is set in such a manner as to satisfy the following condition: 0.8≦W1/Xg≦13.2. Thus, even when this rotating electric machine is driven by a position sensorless inverter in the case of 120 degree energization, the system efficiency is enhanced.

Abstract: A low cost system for providing drinking water includes a feed water container with a simple ceramic filter covering an outlet of the feed water container. The preferred filter is generally cylindrically shaped with a bore extending partially therethrough, in a configuration commonly referred to as a “ceramic candle” filter in developing countries. Under force of gravity, feed water filters through the ceramic to a storage container below. The filtered water is irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) energy either as it flows or after collection in the storage container. In one embodiment, filtered water is temporarily collected in an intermediate holding tank, where it can be irradiated constantly on in batches and periodically released to the lower container. Filtration through ceramic provides clear water with a low UV extinction coefficient for more efficient UV disinfection.

Abstract: A device for removing or replacing solvent in a liquid sample containing macromolecules includes a concentration chamber having an aperture adjacent to the upper end of the concentration chamber which is arranged to receive and tightly fix the outlet of a detachable auxiliary reservoir. In methods employing the device, the concentration chamber is filled with part of a liquid sample to a predetermined level, and a detachable auxiliary upper reservoir containing the rest of the liquid sample is tightly fixed to the aperture adjacent to the upper end of the concentration chamber to successively deliver additional liquid sample as the concentration is progressing, or a detachable auxiliary upper reservoir containing a solvent or buffer solution is tightly fixed to the aperture adjacent to the upper end of the concentration chamber to successively deliver solvent or buffer solution as a replacement for the liquid absorbed by an absorption material.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-well plates and column arrays in which samples (e.g., cell lysates containing nucleic acids of interest, such as RNA) can be analyzed and/or processed. In one embodiment, the microfiltration arrangement is a multilayer structure, including (i) a column plate having an array of minicolumns into which samples can be placed, (ii) a discrete filter element disposed in each minicolumn, (iii) a drip-director plate having a corresponding array of drip directors through which filtrate may egress, and (iv) a receiving-well plate having a corresponding array of receiving wells into which filtrate can flow. The invention provides multi-well microfiltration arrangements that are relatively simple to manufacture and that overcome many of the problems associated with the prior arrangements relating to (i) cross-contamination due to wicking across a common filter sheet or (ii) individual filter elements entrapping sample constituents within substantial dead volumes.

Abstract: A stormwater pollution separator and filter apparatus to be fitted inline in a stormwater conduit. The apparatus has an inlet (1) receiving stormwater and leading through an inlet aperture (3) to a separation chamber (4) which then leads to a filtration chamber (5) which is positioned below the inlet aperture (3). A riser (6) leads from the filtration chamber (5) to an outlet (7) which is connected back to the stormwater conduit (3). The inlet opening is connected tangentially into the separation chamber (4) to create, in use, a swirl action in the separation chamber (4) by reason of the flow of the stormwater. The separation chamber (4) is positioned vertically above the filtration chamber (5), and the filtration chamber (5) has one or more filtration baskets (9) positioned in the filtration chamber (5) to receive substantially all the flow of stormwater from the separation chamber (4), the baskets (9) are spaced apart from a wall (10) defining a periphery of the filtration chamber (5).

Abstract: A circulation and filtration system is provided for use with water gardens having a water container adapted to hold water at a preferred fill height. The system includes a reservoir, an intake line, a pump, and a return line. The reservoir is located near the water container and is capable of holding a reserve of water. In one embodiment, the reservoir includes an upright basket filter located therein. The intake line includes a first end opening positionable within the water container near the preferred fill height and a second end opening connected to the basket filter. During use, water flows into the basket filter through the intake line via gravity. The pump is located either within the reservoir or externally from the reservoir though connected to the reservoir through additional piping. The return line includes a first end connected to the pump and a second end positionable at a desired location in the water garden.

Abstract: A customized pump, filtration, oxygenation and/or debubbler apparatus includes a first pump module, a filtration module, an oxygenation module, a debubbler module and/or a second pump module. Each module is formed of stackable support members with filtration, oxygenation and/or degassing membranes interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system having a treatment tank with an inlet and an outlet, a pump tank having an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the treatment tank, and a connector affixed to a wall of the treatment tank and to a wall of the pump tank so as to maintain the treatment tank and the pump tank in fixed spaced relationship to each other. A pretreatment tank has an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet of the treatment tank. The connector is affixed to the wall of the pretreatment tank so as to maintain the pretreatment tank and the treatment tank in fixed spaced relationship to each other. The bottoms of the treatment tank, the pump tank and the pretreatment tank are arranged in coplanar relationship. The connector is in the form of a band extending around a portion of a circumference of the walls of the treatment tank, the pump tank and the pretreatment tank.

Abstract: A new apparatus and method for the removal of waste material including solid wastes from a fluid is provided. The apparatus and method employ a unique combination of processes that result in extended periods of use between cleanings of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-well plates and column arrays in which samples (e.g., cell lysates containing nucleic acids of interest, such as RNA) can be analyzed and/or processed. In one embodiment, the microfiltration arrangement is a multilayer structure, including (i) a column plate having an array of minicolumns into which samples can be placed, (ii) a discrete filter element disposed in each minicolumn, (iii) a drip-director plate having a corresponding array of drip directors through which filtrate may egress, and (iv) a receiving-well plate having a corresponding array of receiving wells into which filtrate can flow. The invention provides multi-well microfiltration arrangements that are relatively simple to manufacture and that overcome many of the problems associated with is the prior arrangements relating to (i) cross-contamination due to wicking across a common filter sheet or (ii) individual filter elements entrapping sample constituents within substantial dead volumes.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing multiple units of a particulate matter-containing fluid in independent source containers. Each source container has a separate filter assembly associated therewith near the top of the container, and the filter assemblies are in fluid communication with a manifold. Fluid is moved upwardly through the filter assemblies, out of the source containers and into a manifold assembly. Movable platforms, including a slide-carrying platform, support and manipulate the components such that the particulate matter samples are transferred from the filters to the slides.

Abstract: A portable water treatment assembly and water treatment method are disclosed in which the water to be purified is placed in an upper container together with a suitable bactericide, and is held in that container until the bactericidal action is complete. At that time, an elongate dowel is manually manipulated to open a passage between the upper container and a lower container to drain the purified water through a sediment cartridge in the upper container to remove sediment from the water, and through a cartridge in the lower container containing a medium to remove the bactericide and/or other potentially distasteful ingredients from the water, and the purified water is collected in the lower container for subsequent dispensing and use.

Abstract: A primary treating tank (10) comprises a filling layer (14) and a foam glass layer (16) below the filling layer (14). The foam glass layer (16) contains foam glass grains each of which is larger in a grain diameter than a wood chip of the filling layer (14) so that the foam glass layer (16) is superior in water passing ability to the filling layer (14). In this arrangement, a space ratio is larger with a lower layer. This arrangement promotes smooth downward shifting of primary treated water. A secondary treating tank (30) also has a laminating structure including a filling layer (34) and a form glass layer (36). As air is supplied to the foam glass layer (36), the filling layer (34) is kept in a preferable aerobic condition so that preferable aerobic biological treatment is carried out on the treated water supplied from the primary treating tank (10).

Abstract: A system and method for producing potable water from a brine source uses an Archimedean screw to elevate water to an elevated point. The water is then filtered to desalinate the water through a series of filters arranged in a vertical shaft using gravity to move the water through the filters. The vertical nature of the screw and shaft reduce land requirements and costs. A power source turns the screw and relies on renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and tidal/wave power. A turbine is used to recapture any energy in the descending water. The screw, renewable energy power source, and turbine reduce the energy requirements and costs. A brine recycling system recovers the removed brine and various elements and minerals are separated.

Abstract: A device for producing fibrinogen includes a platen having a surface configured for heat exchange with a container, which is adhered to the platen by device of a vacuum and heat exchange allowing both cooling and heating to occur along the boundary between the container and the platen. The platen is operatively coupled to a device of rocking the platen about a horizontal axis and the container allows scavenging of a cryoprecipitate fibrinogen from the blood product for subsequent utilization.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the continuous remediation of a site contaminated with a hazardous substance. The remediation apparatus includes a material selectively permeable to the hazardous substance located at the site. Once isolated, the hazardous substance is removed to a remote vessel by utilization of an automated gas-injection system. The remediation apparatus also incorporates a valve configured to protect the system from detrimental, and potentially dangerous, overloadings of hazardous substances.

Abstract: There is provided an improved centrifugal dryer that includes a motor section or portion, a dryer section or portion disposed therebelow, and a reservoir section or portion disposed below the dryer portion, the dryer portion being hingedly attached to the reservoir portion. A product slurry is introduced into the dryer portion through a center inlet pipe and flows into the dryer section where the product is dried by forcing the fluid in the slurry through apertures in a perforated screen held in position between upper and lower screen positioning plates.

Abstract: A waste water treatment system including an anaerobic tank for treating phosphorous contained in initial waste water, a pair of anoxic tanks for treating nitrate in the waste water from the anaerobic tank, a holding tank for containing therein the waste water from an anoxic tank, an aeration tank for treating an organic material contained in waste water from the holding tank by microorganisms and pure oxygen and for treating ammonia by microorganisms to convert the ammonia into nitrate, with the aeration tank being a substantial cylindrical body mounted on a concrete bottom provided with an inclined eccentric slope for causing the waste water to eccentrically flow within the aeration tank, having a diffuser for diffusing compressed air into the waste water in the aeration tank, and a pure oxygen generator, and with the anaerobic tank, the pair of anoxic tanks and the holding tank being mounted around the aeration tank, a sedimentation tank vertically combined with the aeration tank and communicated therewith,

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the continuous remediation of a site contaminated with a hazardous substance. The remediation apparatus includes a material selectively permeable to the hazardous substance located at the site. Once isolated, the hazardous substance is removed to a remote vessel by mechanical means or by utilization of an gas-injection system. The invention also contemplates a valve configured to protect remediation apparatuses from detrimental overloadings of hazardous substances during a remediation procedure.

Abstract: A water purification unit including a water inlet having a filter adapted to remove undissolved contaminants from a raw water source. The water inlet is coupled to a water reservoir including a semi-permeable membrane adapted to remove dissolved contaminants from raw water source. The filter and the membrane function to produce permeate water having undissolved and dissolved contaminants removed therefrom. The unit further includes a pressure source positioned within the water reservoir, wherein the pressure source forces raw water through the semi-permeable membrane. In addition, the unit is provided with a purified water container in fluid communication with the water reservoir adapted to receive the permeate water, wherein the purified water container is coupled to an oxidizing agent source. The oxidizing agent from the oxidizing agent source contacts the permeate water to destroy any contaminants that still may remain in the water.

Abstract: A dialysis machine is described which provides for the detection of leakage anywhere in the machine. The machine includes integral water treatment, dialysate preparation and extracorporeal circuit modules. The floor of the machine is constructed in a non-horizontal manner so as to provide a fluid catchment chamber with a fluid sensor. The extracorporeal circuit is mounted above the dialysate preparation module and the water treatment module. In one embodiment, a drain and drain tube allows fluid that leaks from the extracorporeal circuit module to be conducted to the floor of the machine, where the leak can be detected, along with a fluid leak in the water treatment or dialysate preparation modules. In another embodiment, a separate fluid leakage detector is placed at the base of the extracorporeal circuit module for detection of leakage in situ in the extracorporeal circuit, while the catchment chamber and sensor in the base of the machine detect leaks from the other modules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterile separation of a fluid into components, for washing of a material, and for preparing a washed, separated material for refrigerated storage includes rotating the fluid or material in a multi-chambered container to accomplish a centrifuging operation. An apparatus embodying the invention may include an elongated, collapsible container having plural chambers connected in series by necks. The multi-chambered container may be formed of a single flexible bag having plural chambers. Alternately, the container may comprise plural flexible bags, each of which comprises one or more of the chambers of the container. A chamber of the container may be separated into plural sections by partition walls, each of the sections of the chamber being connected to an adjacent chamber by a separate branch of a neck between the chambers.

Abstract: A water pacifier that includes a hollow and rectangular parallelpipedly-shaped collection chamber, a hollow, vertically oriented and cylindrically-shaped purifying chamber, a circular-shaped filter, an electric heater coil, and a bimetallic strip. The collection chamber collects purified water. The purifying chamber purifies water to be collected in the collection chamber. The filter filters the water being purified in the purifying chamber. The electric heater coil boils the water filtered by the filter. Also, the bimetallic strip selectively opens and closes a centrally-disposed throughbore in a fiat and horizontally-oriented bottom of the purifying chamber in response to the temperature of the purified water it is in contact with, so that when the water boiled by the heater coil reaches 210 degrees F.

Abstract: A secondary sewage treatment system is provided with a treatment vessel disposed within a septic tank. The treatment vessel has a draft tube for aerating and circulating waste liquor through the treatment vessel and through media contained within the treatment vessel. The media has one part that is submerged media and another part that is an unsubmerged trickle media. The operation of the draft tube circulated waste liquor within the treatment vessel through the submerged media and up through the draft tube where it is expelled and trickles down through the trickle media back into the liquor in the lower portion of the treatment vessel.

Abstract: A system is provided for handling of watery, oily waste which constitutes a closed vessel divided into two chambers by a dividing wall, such that lower chamber portions are in fluid communication. The vessel contains an inlet for flowing fluid into the upper portion of one chamber, an upper outlet for the other chamber, an air passage connecting upper portions of the chambers and effective for maintaining normal liquid levels in the two chambers, a sensing device in the one chamber and a discharge conduit for the first chamber which is controlled selectively by the sensing device.

Abstract: A compact sludge dehydrating apparatus having a replaceable upper part, with a lower part, a replaceable upper part having a sludge inlet, a plurality of columns for detachably mounting the upper part to the lower part with a space, a first sludge dehydrator for performing a first dehydration of the sludge waste and being provided in the upper part, a second sludge dehydrator for performing a second dehydration of the sludge waste and being mounted on the lower part. This second dehydrator communicates with the first dehydrator through a pipe. The first and the second cases are interconnected. A plurality of drains is provided to drain the waste waters extruded from the sludge waste as a result of sludge dehydration to a water collection tank of the lower part. The apparatus provides, for the upper part being replaceable for different kinds of the wastes to be treated, which reduces the moisture content of the resulting sludge waste.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for treating polluted water. The apparatus comprises a supply system for polluted water; an activated-sludge reactor; one or more filter membrane modules; an air supply system and a discharge system for the treated water. The filter membrane modules comprise hollow membranes within a casing. Said filter membrane modules on one side adjoin the activated-sludge reactor and on the other side adjoin air distribution means. The activated-sludge reactor communicates, via a bypass line, with a sludge receiving container which adjoins the air distribution means. The apparatus functions in such a way that the water to be treated and air supplied are flowing in the same direction through the hollow membranes, the permeate flowing through the membranes towards the space between the casing and the membranes, where it is discharged via permeate discharge system.

Abstract: Method for extracting a waste fluid from a used vehicle filter. A centrifuge includes at least one support for holding the filter in a position such that the filter's aperture is oriented radially outward from the axis of rotation of the centrifuge. A housing includes a vertical wall and surrounds the centrifuge so that as the centrifuge is spun, waste fluid within the filter is caused to exit through the filter's aperture into the housing. The method for extracting waste fluid from a used filter according to the present invention includes the steps of providing a centrifuge capable of receiving a used vehicle filter and rotating the centrifuge to cause fluid to exit through the filter's aperture.

Abstract: The basin of a parts washer includes a spigot for showering parts to be washed with a solvent and a drain for draining contaminant entrained solvent. The drain conveys the contaminant entrained solvent into a removable tank containing a filtering fluid, such as water, of a higher density than the solvent. The solvent percolates upwardly through the filtering fluid into an upper tank. During percolation, the contaminants are segregated from the solvent and migrate to the bottom of the tank. In a variant parts washer, the solvent floats upon the filtering fluid in a common tank and the contaminants, in the form of a sludge, are segregated from freestanding filtering fluid and are collected as a moist, but not wet, sludge in a removable tank for disposal. When a water based solvent is used with any of the parts washers, only a single fluid is present; nevertheless heavy particulates and insoluble contaminants and debris will settle and migrate into the respective removable tank.

Abstract: A separator for separating a solid and liquid is disclosed which includes a sensor system for detecting the level of solid that is separated from the liquid and accumulated in a settling tank. A movable locking element locks the separator to the settling tank, and is movable between an open and a closed position. The sensor system is attached to the movable locking element thereby providing protection for the sensing elements which include at least one light barrier.

Abstract: A system is described for use in an auto maintenance shop which receives oil from the changing of vehicle oil and oil filters, to recycle the oil. The system includes an apparatus (10) that has a tank reservoir (12) for receiving contaminated oil. The apparatus also includes equipment mounted on the housing, comprising a centrifuge (24), a pump device (26), a valve (34), and a porous filter device (40). In a first mode of operation, the pump draws oil from the reservoir to flow through an input tube (36) into the centrifuge, and then to an output tube (38) to flow back to the reservoir. The centrifuge is operated long enough so the amount of oil flowing through it is at least ten times the amount of oil in the reservoir. The valve is then switched to a second mode wherein fluid from the input tube is directed through the pump to the porous filter device, for final cleaning of the oil before returning it to the reservoir.

Abstract: A combination filter and evaporator unit for use in small engine applications includes a filter member that is screw threadedly engaged to the evaporator unit to facilitate replacement of filter media as needed. The design of the unit constrains incoming oil to flow first through the filter media and then to an evaporation chamber. A central hub and a bottom wall of the evaporation chamber are directly heated by a heating element, and the evaporation chamber is closed by an imperforate lid so that heat loss is inhibited.