Abstract: Described herein are super absorbent materials (SAMs) and methods of making SAMs. The SAMs are copolymerized after formation of monomer complexes to incorporate select inorganic salts into the polymerized SAMS. The SAMs are copolymerized with select stable inorganic salts and/or with select redox active inorganic salts. The SAMS are copolymerized in a single-step polymerization process or in a staged polymerization process. The copolymer-based SAMs have significantly improved absorbance properties. The compositions and methods described herein are useful in a variety of absorbent products.

Abstract: A system and method configured to restore ion exchange kinetic properties and purify resin is described. Degraded ion exchange kinetic properties of anion resin will eventually result in impurity slippage through resin charges. This system and method employs an acid catalyst in combination with sulfite cleaning solution to remove organic material and to protonate iron oxides for deconstruction and removal from anion resins. The cleaning solution, when applied via a cleaning vessel utilizing an eductor(s)/plenum and wedge-wire screen draw chamber, while controlling all phases of cleaning by electronic monitoring, yields complete restoration of ion exchange kinetics on usable resin. As such, the system and method provides a safe, effective, and vastly improved method for restoring anion resin kinetics and improving regeneration quality, for improved resin performance and minimizing resin replacement costs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for blowing off gaseous contaminants from crude water in the production of drinking water, comprising the step of introducing the water to be treated to the top of a shielded aerator and letting it pass through stacks of tubular elements interspersed with perforated sheets, while subjected to counter current suction. In a second aspect a device is provided for blowing off gaseous contaminants from crude water according to said method.

Abstract: Disclosed are a canister and an insertable filter for a canister which collects fuel evaporation gas and emits the collected fuel evaporation gas to an intake pipe when an engine is purged. The insertable filter includes a pipe configured to be able to penetrate through a case of the canister, and meshes configured to filter foreign materials. The meshes are installed at a portion where an inside and an outside of the pipe are in fluidic communication with each other.

Abstract: A composite continuous countercurrent fluidized moving bed (FMB) and/or expanded moving bed (EMB) may be used for carrying out processes of recovery, purification or reaction of single or multiple component/s of interest, by contacting liquid phase containing the component/s with a solid adsorbent in continuous countercurrent mode. The net movement of the solids is against the liquid, flowing in upward direction through stages/columns, and sedimenting solids from the one stage/column are continuously fed to the top of another stage/column placed below or alongside of previous stage/column; and also operating in fluidized/expanded bed mode, wherein its countercurrent contact with up-flowing liquid is carried out. A system described herein may include a number of stages/columns. The FMB/EMB system can be used in processes for continuous recovery, purifications or reactions of various products.

Abstract: A tank for water-carrying appliances is proposed, in particular domestic appliances or appliances for the treatment of foods and/or beverages, such as beverage vending machines, in particular coffee vending machines, drinking water dispensers, cooking and baking appliances, steam appliances, in particular steam irons, steam cleaners, high-pressure cleaners, air purifiers and conditioners or the like, a suction connection on the tank for the intake of water from the tank, with means for generating a vacuum, and a filter connection for connecting a filter cartridge inside the tank being provided, while it is ensured that only one permitted filter type is used. A tank according to the invention is characterized by mechanical coding structures at the filter connection element in order to exclude the use of a filter cartridge which does not correspond to the tank.

Abstract: A tank filter combination is provided for appliances which use water, in particular domestic appliances or appliances for preparation of foodstuffs and/or drinks, such as automatic drinks machines, in particular automatic coffee machines, drinking water dispensers, cooking and baking appliances, steamers, in particular steam irons, steam cleaners, high-pressure cleaners, air cleaners and air conditioners, etc. having a suction connection on the tank for suction of water from the tank at a reduced pressure, and a filter connection for connection of a filter cartridge in the interior of and/or outside the tank to ensure use of a permissible filter type. A filter cartridge according to the invention is distinguished by mechanical coding structures with a polygonal structure on the circumferential surface on the output side of the filter cartridge to prevent the use of a filter cartridge which does not correspond to the tank.

Abstract: A tank is proposed for appliances which use water, in particular domestic appliances or appliances for preparation of foodstuffs and/or drinks, such as automatic drinks machines, in particular automatic coffee machines, drinking water dispensers, cooking and baking appliances, steam appliances, in particular steam irons, steam cleaners, high-pressure cleaners, air cleaners and conditioners or the like, with a connection being provided on the tank for supplying water from the tank to the appliance and with a filter connection being provided for connection of a filter cartridge in the interior and/or outside the tank, while providing assurance that only the permitted filter type can be used. A tank according to the invention is distinguished by mechanical coding structures on the filter connecting element, in order to preclude the use of a filter cartridge which does not correspond to the tank.

Abstract: A blood filtering device for the recuperation of blood from wound drained blood, in particular for an autologous blood transfusion system, has a first filter arranged upstream of a second filter. The first filter is adapted for removing emboli and/or large particulate matter from the blood and for allowing red blood cells to pass. The second filter is adapted for retaining red blood cells. An exit port is arranged downstream of the first filter and upstream of the second filter. The device is characterised in that the second filter has a pore size of more than about 0.5 ?m. A method of recuperating blood from wound drained blood is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multiple-stage granular moving-bed apparatus comprises a first integrated moving-bed unit, a second integrated moving-bed unit and at least one granular material. The first integrated moving-bed unit, having a first inlet part for providing a raw gas flowing therein, a first outlet part for providing a partially-cleaned gas flowing thereout, and a plurality of first flow-corrective elements disposed therebetween for defining two channels. The second integrated moving-bed unit, coupled to the first integrated moving-bed unit, having a second inlet part for providing the partially-cleaned gas flowing therein, a second outlet part for providing a completely-cleaned gas flowing thereout, and a plurality of second flow-corrective elements disposed therebetween for defining two channels. The at least one granular material flows through the two channels respectively and then passes through the two channels respectively.

Abstract: A liquid filtering apparatus is placed in a vessel having a bed of filtration material, the bed comprising at least two different sizes of filter media wherein the filtration material is stratified using upper and lower spaced apart inverted cones so that the unfiltered liquid first contacts coarse grained filtration material and then finer grained filtration material. The apparatus includes an intake for introducing unfiltered liquid that includes a washbox, an airlifting tube extending from the washbox and including an intake end and means for introducing a primary gas to the airlifting tube, the airlifting tube passing through a central pipe, which extends from just below the washbox to a position just above the intake end. The apparatus is devoid of screen cartridges. Methods of filtering and cleaning the filtration material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A two-stage granular moving-bed filter includes a gas inlet part, a gas outlet part, and a plurality of flow-corrective elements. The gas outlet part is disposed opposite to the gas inlet part, and the plurality of flow-corrective elements is disposed in a channel formed between the gas inlet part and gas outlet part. Meanwhile, a first granular material is provided to flow through a channel formed between the gas inlet part and the flow-corrective element in a state of mass flow, and a second granular material is provided to flow through a channel formed between the flow-corrective element and the gas outlet part. By means of having two different kinds of filter media moving through the channels between the gas inlet and outlet part, it is capable of performing two-stage filtering process after the raw gas flows therethrough, so as to improve the filtering effect of the gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating purifying media from a treated fluid. The method includes transporting the purifying media and the treated fluid along a substantially horizontal direction while a substantial quantity of purifying media fall along a substantially vertical direction relative to the treated fluid to generate a concentration of purifying media below the treated fluid. The falling purifying media are collected while releasing the treated fluid so as to separate the purifying media from the treated fluid.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor configured for reduced backflow of fluid is provided. The fluidized bed reactor comprises a vessel configured to contain a level of fluid, a feed conduit positioned to deliver feed into the vessel from an elevation above the level of fluid and a vacuum relief valve coupled to said feed conduit to introduce gas into the feed conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing water, especially purified water, for use in a beverage dispenser is provided with a microbiological agent to kill or deter microbiological growth and maintain the quality of the water. The agent is provided in a physical form to promote contact with the water and may be renewable to maintain effectiveness of the agent over a period of time. In one arrangement, the agent is contained in a cartridge 92 arranged in a re-circulation loop 89 through which the water in a reservoir 80 is passed and returned to the reservoir 80. The cartridge 92 and/or a carrier for the agent within the cartridge 92 may be replaceable to renew the agent. The agent may also be provided within the reservoir 80 and various arrangements for this are also disclosed.

Abstract: A particulate reusable sorbing coalescing agent facilitating the separation of a non-aqueous phase from an aqueous phase. The agent has a desired shape and properties, sheared from a block of matrix material and presents a higher coalescing rate relative to existing sorbing coalescing agents. Also, a method of manufacturing the particulate reusable sorbing coalescing agent and a method of use the particulate reusable sorbing coalescing agent are disclosed.

Abstract: Wastewater and sewage filtering and adsorbing unit includes sewage reservoir, clean water reservoir, active coke powder storage, filtering and adsorbing tank, control cabinet, saturated active coke sludge settling tank, filtering and adsorbing material. The sewage reservoir and the clean water reservoir are on one side, and the filtering and adsorbing tank and the active coke powder storage are on other side. Active coke powder storage is above and connected to filtering and adsorbing tank by conduits; inlet pipes in rows and an outlet branch pipe are mounted into the filtering and adsorbing tank. Filtering and adsorbing material is active coke powder. The sewage reservoir is connected with the filtering and adsorbing tank. An active coke sludge discharge port and an active coke sludge conveyor, which are connected to the saturated active coke sludge settling tank by transporting pipelines, are at the bottom of the filtering and adsorbing tank.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an industrial process, for instance a process for the separation of compounds from a fluid mixture or a process for cleaning parts of equipment, using movable particles, as well as to said particles per se, which may be used in such processes.

Abstract: An automated method for controlling a solids inventory in a continuous backwashing upflow sand filter system treating a liquid inflow having impurities therein, includes the steps of: monitoring an influent inflow pressure and controlling the air pressure in an air lift pump to maintain a target ratio range between the size of a solids inventory of the system and the size of the sand bed of the system.

Abstract: A granular moving-bed apparatus is introduced to have an inlet louvered wall, an outlet louvered wall opposing to the inlet louvered wall, a granular path formed in between, a plurality of serial roof-shaped flow-corrective elements located along the granular path, and a predetermined type of granular materials flowing inside the granular path. The inlet louvered wall and the outlet louvered wall are particularly constructed to form serial hopper-shaped structures that define the granular path. The roof-shaped flow-corrective element is systematically displaced with respect to the hopper-shaped structure by specific criteria so that problems of corrosions, plaques and stagnant zones formed to the louvered walls of the apparatus can be avoided.

Abstract: A process for preparing an ion-exchangeable media within a moving-bed or simulated moving-bed device, which can create a true or simulated media flow, comprising the steps of packing the bed with ion-exchangeable media and passing a solution, containing a mixture of ionic species, through the media, wherein the solution is passed partly or completely counter-current to the media flow direction such that the ionic species are loaded to a desired level upon equilibration.

Abstract: A liquid filtering apparatus is placed in a vessel having a bed of filtration material and an intake for introducing unfiltered liquid, that includes a washbox, an airlifting tube extending from the washbox and including an intake end and means for introducing a primary gas to the airlifting tube, the airlifting tube passing through a central pipe, which extends from just below the washbox to a position just above the intake end. At least one screen cartridge is oriented in a generally angular downward direction in the bed and is in communication with an effluent chamber defined in part by the outer surface of the central pipe. A reject line extends from the washbox, and an effluent collector extends from the effluent chamber. A method of filtering and cleaning the filtration material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus comprising a container that houses a filtration tank to which contaminated water is supplied, a cleansing tank, and a screw conveyor disposed within said cleansing tank is provided. Filtration media is housed within the cleansing tank and the container. The cleansing tank has lateral surface openings, lower openings, and an upper opening. When the screw conveyor rotates, filtration media as well as water (contaminated water) is conveyed upward from the lower openings to the upper opening while being agitated. At the same time, filtration media circulates between the cleansing tank and the container and is cleansed. When cleansing is complete, a backwash water supply pump backwashes water, and expels contaminants separated and removed from the filtration media out of the container by an expulsion pump. Lateral surface doors close lateral surface openings by drive means only during cleansing (agitation). This structure increases the filtration area.

Abstract: A continuous Liquid-Solids Circulating Fluidized Bed (LSCFB) preferably for use as an ion exchanger consists of two fluidized bed columns, a fluidized bed adsorber (downer) operating in conventional fluidized bed mode for adsorption of ions of interest and a fluidized bed riser for desorption of ions (operating as a riser fluidized bed) to provide regenerated particles. Ion exchange particles circulate continuously between the riser and the downer i.e. the particles that have adsorbed ions in the absorber pass from the adsorber (downer) to the desorber where they are regenerated and the so regenerated particles are return to the adsorber near the top of the adsorber column. The LSCFB can be used in processes for continuous recovery of the ions of interest.

Abstract: A liquid filtering apparatus is placed in a vessel having a bed of filtration material and an intake for introducing unfiltered liquid, that includes a washbox, an airlifting tube extending from the washbox and including an intake end and means for introducing a primary gas to the airlifting tube, the airlifting tube passing through a central pipe, which extends from just below the washbox to a position just above the intake end. At least one screen cartridge is oriented in a generally angular downward direction in the bed and is in communication with an effluent chamber defined in part by the outer surface of the central pipe. A reject line extends from the washbox, and an effluent collector extends from the effluent chamber. A method of filtering and cleaning the filtration material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid filtering apparatus is placed in a vessel having a bed of filtration material and an intake for introducing unfiltered liquid, that includes a washbox, an airlifting tube extending from the washbox and including an intake end and means for introducing a primary gas to the airlifting tube, the airlifting tube passing through a central pipe, which extends from just below the washbox to a position just above the intake end. At least one screen cartridge is oriented in a generally angular downward direction in the bed and is in communication with an effluent chamber defined in part by the outer surface of the central pipe. A reject line extends from the washbox, and an effluent collector extends from the effluent chamber. A method of filtering and cleaning the filtration material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gravity-assisted water saving system, and a method for its use, that can be utilized to collect the condensate from an air conditioning system, sanitize it, and then divert it for constructive use. It has a chamber with an inclined bottom surface, a dimension slightly larger than a stack of several tablets used for sanitizing swimming pool water or bleach tablets used for laundry sanitizing purposes, a P-trap on its water inlet side that prevents corrosive fumes from entering the air conditioning system from which the condensate is derived, a removable cap sealing its top opening to prevent escape of corrosive fumes into the atmosphere, and an optional mounting bracket for enhanced stabilization. Inflow tubing connected to the chamber permits ready attachment of the present invention to an air conditioning condensate discharge pipe, while a discharge tube in an inferior position transports reclaimed water to its location of subsequent use.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating the heavy hydrogen isotope content of the contaminated water by contacting the contaminated water with a molecular separation material including a support medium carrying a plurality of hydration sites having associated waters of hydration, whereby a portion of the waters of hydration are replaced with heavy hydrogen isotope water molecules from the contaminated water. The hydrogen isotope water molecule content of the contaminated water is thus decreased. The molecular separation material is preferably a polymer, such as a polystyrene/divinyl benzene cross-linked polymer, having hydration sites with associated waters of hydration. Preferred hydration sites are obtained by reacting the polymer, which has been sulfonated or phosphonated to create reactive sites, with a salt of, for example, aluminum, sodium, magnesium, copper, zinc, cobalt, iron, nickel, manganese, potassium and chromium.

Abstract: An improved vertical filtration unit which includes an airlift and a washbox designed for more efficient washing of dirt particles from the filtration material. The washbox consists of a filter media shield, and a washbox skirt for washing of the filtration material. A throttling valve on the wash water discharge line regulates the overall cleaning rate of the unit. The filtered liquid is discharged via a riser pipe which feeds into a filtered liquid box before exiting the filtration unit.

Abstract: A filter apparatus removes foreign substances contained in raw water by passing the raw water through a filter layer (8) made up of a particulate filter medium disposed in a filter tank (1).

Abstract: A treatment system for treating water/wastewater includes two continuously operating granular media filters that are operated together in series. The water/wastewater to be treated is introduced as an influent into the first of the granular media filters and is treated therein. Treated, processed water/wastewater or effluent is produced as is a first reject which contains impurities separated from a granular media bed in the first granular media filter and which is discharged from the first granular media filter. The effluent from the first granular media filter is further filtered in the second continuously operating granular media filter such that the effluent from the second granular media filter is clarified water and a second reject discharged from the second granular media filter contains impurities separated from a granular bed in the second granular media filter.

Abstract: A device and method for separating a fluid component from a non-fluid component of a sample comprises a plurality of microspheres disposed in abutting relation and forming therebetween a plurality of capillary channels, whereby when the microspheres are disposed in fluid communication with a sample the fluid component is separated from the non-fluid component by capillary flow of the fluid component through the capillary channels formed by the interstitial spacing between abutting microspheres.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously filtering a suspension includes a filter-medium washer provided with length-adjustable walls.

Abstract: A filter comprises a main tank and at least two separate beds of particulate filter media contained in respective conical recipients integrated within the main tank so as to minimize the overall height and weight of the filter. A transport pipe is provided for each conical recipient in order to transport dirty filter media therefrom to a washing device in which the dirty filter media is washed as it flows downwardly in counter-current with a wash liquid. A filter media return pipe is provided for each conical recipient in order to return the cleaned filter media therein. The provision of multiple transport pipes and return pipes ensures efficient distribution of the filter media within the filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the continuous filtration of liquids containing solid matter, in particular for cleaning wastewater, by means of a filter bed consisting of a particulate filtering medium, which is continuously moved through a vertically positioned cylindrical annular space (2) through which the liquid to be filtered continuously flows radially from the interior to the exterior. The particulate filtering medium containing the separated solid matter is continuously tapped from the lower end of the annular space (2), transported to the top, freed of the filtered solid matter and fed back into the annular space (2) at its upper end. With this kind of method and device, to be able to prevent in a better and more simple manner blockages caused by the separated floc of solid matter, the invention provides that as particulate filtering medium a particle mixture is used with a particle-size range comprising two or more particle sizes, ranging from coarse (2.5 mm) to fine (0.

Abstract: To adsorb, on solid adsorbent particles, constituents dissolved in liquid, or to desorb (extract), from solid desorbent particles, soluble constituents in liquid, in a container a packed bed formed from granular material is mixed with adsorbent particles or desorbent particles smaller than 200 &mgr;m, said bed moves downwards by virtue of gravity, said liquid is passed upwards through the bed by means of a pressure differential, the said dissolved constituents being adsorbed on the solid adsorbent particles or the said soluble constituents being extracted from the desorbent particles.

Abstract: Method of filtering liquid using a vertical filter, which includes media, an airlift, a washbox, a reject box, a filtrate chamber, and an effluent box. The method of filtration and media cleaning is automatic. The filtered liquid is collected by multi-cartridge screens before entering a filtrate chamber. The filtrate flows from the filtrate chamber into an effluent weir box. The liquid level in the filter is controlled by an effluent weir in the effluent weir box. The reject line is below the water level in the filter, which provides the driving force for the reject flow. The reject rate is controlled by liquid level in the filter tank and a throttling valve on the reject discharge line. The washbox includes a filtration material shield, a filtration material/dirtied liquid separation zone, and a washbox skirt with a washbox isolator, which prevents the dirt in the washbox form entering the influent zone.

Abstract: A continuous filter device for liquids has a filter chamber that receives a granular bulk material forming a filter bed. The filter chamber has rectangular inner-walls with a liquid-permeable inlet side and a liquid-permeable outlet side positioned opposite the inlet side. A liquid-impermeable outer wall is positioned at the inlet side and forms together with the inlet side an inlet chamber. The inlet side has openings allowing flow of a liquid to be filtered from the inlet chamber into the filter chamber. A liquid-impermeable outer mantle is positioned at the outlet side and forms together with the outlet side a filtrate collection chamber. The outlet side has openings allowing filtrate flow from the filter chamber into the filtrate collection chamber. A cone-shaped removal chamber is connected to a lower end of the filter chamber. A flow discharge chamber is connected to an upper end of the filter chamber.

Abstract: A filter with a horizontally fed filter chamber having loose bulk material as the filter medium has a wall on the upstream side and downstream side to hold back the loose bulk material in the filter chamber. The filter chamber includes a compressed air-lift pump disposed inside of the filter chamber for pumping the loose bulk material from a bottom area of the filter chamber, through a bottom lifter connected with a stand pipe to an upper rinse chamber, and a hopper disposed at a bottom of the filter chamber having entrance slots and surrounded by a chamber that is provided with a rinse water inlet tube connected to a raw water chamber.

Abstract: A reactor apparatus including a fluid bed reactor wherein liquid to be processed is conducted upwardly therein through a solid bed to fluidize the bed, the bed including particulate solids having biological material supported thereon, and the liquid forming an effluent head above the bed. The reactor apparatus also includes a control apparatus for removing excess biological material from the reactor. The control apparatus includes a tubular separator column which is emersed in the liquid effluent head, and a telescoping sludge valve that has a draw-off port communicating openly with the effluent head surface and that is adjustable to raise and lower the draw-off port relative to the effluent head surface to control the sludge withdrawal rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning organic waste material from waste fluid. This comprises a container at least partially filled with carrier elements, a waste fluid feed debouching into the container close to a vertical end, a fluid outlet connected to the container close to the opposite vertical end, carrier circulation means comprising a pump for pumping round water with carrier elements taken up therein, provided with a pump inlet and outlet respectively close to opposing vertical ends of the container, a sediment drain at the bottom of the container and control means for periodically switching on the carrier circulation means.

Abstract: The process consists in passing the liquid to be purified and a superabsorbent, preferably of polyacrylic type, through a column, the upward speed of the liquid being chosen such that, in the column, the superabsorbent which is merely swollen is in a stationary dynamics regime, whereas the superabsorbent laden with polyvalent ions settles at the bottom of the column. Application to the treatment of the aqueous rinses of articles which have undergone a nickel-plating treatment.

Abstract: A suspension is delivered to a filter bed comprised of granular filter medium in a continuously working filter at the lower part of the bed and is then permitted to flow upwards through the bed. With the intention of optimizing the capacity of the filter, the suspension is now guided into a central region of the bed. The suspension is divided from this region into at least two specific proportional quantities which are each led from the filter bed in a respective ring-shaped pattern at mutually different heights in relation to the extension of the bed, these ring-shaped patterns having different diameters and each being adapted to the extension of the filter medium in the direction of the diameter.

Abstract: A continuous sand filter has a tank provided therein with a first separation container and a second separation container. The continuous filtration of the waste water is carried out in the first separation container and the second separation container. The first separation container is provided with an arresting piece capable of enhancing the filtration effect. The light and the heavy impurities are treated separately in the first separation container. The further filtration process is carried out continuously in the second separation container.

Abstract: A water treating apparatus consisting of a water path having entrance(s) and exit(s) and ceramic grain(s) movably inserted in said water path is provided in the present invention. When water is put in said water path of said water treating apparatus, said ceramic grains may be moved and rolled by the pressure of said water flowing in said water path and said moving and rolling ceramic grains may disturb the flow of said water to intensify the effectiveness of water treatment by said ceramic grains.

Abstract: A water treating apparatus is provided which can treat waste water for use as raw water in an ultrapure water producing system without addition of various kinds of chemicals. The apparatus includes a first water tank for receiving acid waste water, a second water tank for subjecting the waste water from the first water tank to solid-liquid separation and discharging supernatant liquid, an ion exchange tank including ion exchange resin and an aeration tube for generating treated water through a membrane filter, a precipitation tank for settling ion exchange resin, an air lift pump for introducing ion exchange resin from the precipitation tank into the first water tank, and a return air lift pump for returning ion exchange resin from the second water tank to the ion exchange tank. The ion exchange resin acts to exchange ions with fluorine ions of treated water in the ion exchange tank and is regenerated by acid waste water in the first water tank.

Abstract: It is possible to filter a suspension or emulsion in a filter bed of particulate filter medium by allowing the suspension to flow upwards through the filter bed simultaneously as the medium flows downwards through a filtering tank wherein filtration takes place. Filtration thus takes place during counterflow between suspension and filter medium. The supply of suspension takes place in the lower part of the filter bed and the filtered liquid phase is taken away from a zone above the filter bed. The polluted filter medium close to the bottom of the filter tank is taken out for conveyance to a washing apparatus above the filter bed and after washing is returned to the upper side of the filter bed. For providing a filter which has a considerably lower construction height for a given and unchanged volume of the filter medium, the washing apparatus is lowered so that its lower part is at a level below the upper surface of the filter bed.

Abstract: A filtering process for and apparatus separating air bubbles and granular filter medium from a filtrate contaminated by the filter medium and bubbles when passing through a filter bed formed by the filter medium for treatment of a suspension or liquid solution, a gas being passed through the filter medium in contact therewith, includes providing a treated filtrate zone (3) above the filter bed (2), collecting the treated filtrate in the filtrate zone, conducting granular filter medium from the filter bed (2) upwardly through a conveying pipe (4) to a position above the filter bed and thereafter downwardly through a washing apparatus (5) from which the filter medium is precipitated onto a plate (11) above the filter bed.

Abstract: An improved vertical filtration unit includes a bell-shaped lower end for the air-lift tube, an injection ring for introducing air into the air-lift tube at a considerable volume, and a washbox with a more efficient scrubbing arrangement for washing dirt particles from the filtration material. The bell-shaped lower end makes the transporting of a mixture of dirty filtration material and water to the top of the filtration unit more efficient than with the conventional straight tube bottom. The tube receives compressed air from two horizontally positioned inlets positioned 180.degree. from each other. The flat and round target plate makes the scrubbing of filtration material more efficient, while a baffle prevents the filtration material from being ejected from the washbox.

Abstract: This invention provides a fluidized bed reactor with improved method and apparatus for inhibiting and clearing clogging of the fluid distribution network in such reactor. In particular, at least one channel or reservoir of fluid is provided over at least a selected portion of the distribution network, with fluid from such column/reserve being released to maintain flow and pressure in the distribution network as the media bed is defluidized. For the preferred embodiment, the fluid column is (a) a feed pipe connecting a fluid inlet which is above the reactor fluid level to the distribution network; and (b) a plurality of risers which, for the preferred embodiment, extend from the end of each lateral tube of the distribution network. A vacuum breaker is provided for each fluid column to permit fluid to flow from the column into the network when pressure is removed.