Abstract: An ion exchanger of the countercurrent type includes a pressure vessel for supporting a resin bed. The vessel includes a first port through which water to be treated is supplied to the vessel during a production cycle, a second port through which regenerant is supplied to the vessel during a regenerant cycle, and a third port located intermediate of the first and second ports and connected to a lower in-bed distributor located within the vessel. A recycling loop is provided between the third port and the first port for recycling regenerant during at least a portion of the regeneration cycle. An upper in-bed distributor is located within the vessel slightly above the lower in-bed distributor and has an associated fourth port through which waste regenerant is removed from the vessel during the regeneration cycle.

Abstract: A moving bed filter in which the liquid to be filtered is introduced into an internal chamber centrally disposed in the filter bed. The liquid flows through the filter bed to filtration nozzles which are disposed near the outer periphery of the filter bed. A portion of the filter bed media is continuously removed from a recessed chamber below the floor of the filter bed, transported by gas lift through a lift conduit to a washbox located above the filter bed, and cleaned by a countercurrent flow of the filtrate.

Abstract: A filtration device 5 is provided in the state being submerged in slurry comprising adsorbent component stored in a reaction tank 1. The filtration device 5 incorporates a plurality of filtering-membrane elements 8 each comprising a filtering membrane 10 having less than 0.1 .mu.m of through-hole diameter. These filtering-membrane elements 8 are vertically disposed in parallel with each other at predetermined intervals between surfaces of adjoining filtering membranes 10. A suction pump 14 is provided by way of linkage with the filtering-membrane elements 8 via a suction tube 13 for sucking processed liquid. A gas-dispersing device 16 is disposed below the filtering-membrane elements 8. A blower 18 is provided in linkage with the gas-dispersing device 16 via a blowing duct 17. An adsorbent regeneration apparatus 21 and an adsorbent feeding pump 22 are respectively interposed on the halfway of an adsorbent circulation duct 20.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regenerating an ion exchange resin utilizing recycled solution or reused regeneration solution. At least one tank containing an ion exchange material is provided having a spaced first and second ports which define a fluid flow path through the ion exchange media. Water to be treated is introduced at an inlet and flows through the resin bed ultimately being discharged at the outlet. A polishing zone is located at the outlet which includes highly regenerated, uncontaminated resin. The media is regenerated in a multi-step process in which regeneration solution is introduced into the resin bed in two separate steps. In the first step, a first regeneration solution is introduced into the resin bed upstream from the polishing zone, flows in a countercurrent direction and is discharged through the inlet of the tank. A second regeneration fluid is introduced at the outlet of the tank and flows in a countercurrent direction through the entire resin bed.

Abstract: A stream of contaminated liquid flows into a vessel, through a filter media comprised of pecan hulls, while clean liquid exits the vessel, leaving the contaminants deposited on the filter media. The deposited contaminants are scrubbed from the media by circulating the media along a toroidal flow path within the vessel until the contaminants have been transferred from the media into the liquid. The scrubbing action is achieved by a pump suction which is spaced from a pump discharge. The pump discharges through a perforated nozzle. The nozzle extends through a housing. An annulus is formed between the nozzle and the housing. Dirty scrub water flows from the pump, through the nozzle perforations, into the annulus, and away from the vessel, while at the same time the toroidal flow path is maintained.

Abstract: An automated system is disclosed for providing at least periodic removal of metal ions from a chemical complex and contaminants from a chemical bath. The chemical bath is a latex solution containing charged latex particles and having an acidic pH to form a coating by autodeposition, the charged particles tending to coagulate when subjected to a high shear circulation. The system uses an ion exchange column containing an iminodiacetate ion exchange resin for removal of the metal ion contaminants. The chemical bath is passed through the ion exchange column at a low velocity to prevent coagulation of the latex particles. Conductivity measurement devices and controllers are used to automate the operation of the system. Also, additional sensors, such as pressure and level sensors, controllers, filters, circulation pumps and tanks are used for performing rinsing and regeneration of the ion exchange column.

Abstract: In a retardation installation having a container holding the adsorber material capable of accepting acid, in particular adsorber resin, and a feed for a watery acid-salt-solution, for example from an anodizing bath, a further feed for a regenerating solution to regenerate the adsorber material, in particular demineralized Water in opposite flow to the acid-salt-solution, as well as a drain for the treated acid-salt-solution which has passed the adsorber material and with at least one pump for the transport of the acid salt solution and/or the regenerating solution, precisely one pump is provided for which is configured as a compressed air-diaphragm pump and which exhibits a device for stroke counting as well as a device for the control of the volume flow of acid-salt-solution or regenerating solution on the a basis of the stroke count of the compressed air-diaphragm pump.

Abstract: A water treatment tank for use in a water treatment or softening system is disclosed which is operative in a treatment mode to receive untreated water through an inlet port and to pass treated water through an outlet port, and which is operative in a backwash mode to receive wash water through the outlet port and to pass waste water through the inlet port. Treatment tank has a vessel having an interior cavity which is partitioned into a top headspace portion, and a middle treatment bed space portion, and a bottom headspace portion via the placement of a pair of distributor filters mounted within the interior cavity to extend between the side walls thereof. The filters are spaced-apart, respectively, from the top end wall to define therewith the top headspace portion and the bottom headspace portion.

Abstract: The method of cleaning porous ceramic filters with a backwashing apparatus comprising an accelerating circulation path and a unit for mixing accelerated water with high-pressure air can be implemented with compact equipment to achieve efficient cleaning. The pool water purifying apparatus and system that adopt this method of cleaning porous ceramic filters comprise a filtering means that uses the ceramic filters, a disinfecting means and an adsorbing means and, optionally, an ultrafiltration means as an additional filtering means, and are capable of removing not only bacteria but also viruses so that the water purified by this apparatus and system may be as clean as potable water. Such an extremely high efficiency of water purification achieved by the apparatus and system can be maintained over a prolonged period since both the filtering and adsorption means can be cleaned by backwashing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtering apparatus and the method of washing such an apparatus. The filtering apparatus with an upward flow of a fluid to be treated in an enclosure (7) closed at least at one end (15) and containing a fixed floating bed of filtering particles (16) of a density less than that of the fluid to be treated, is characterized in that the pipe (3) for discharging the filtered materials in suspension has the form of a lyre with vent (5) and dimensions allowing the column of fluid contained in the enclosure to be emptied at a speed higher than the minimum fluidization speed, the filtering particles having a characteristic mass per unit volume between 5 kg/m.sup.3 and 500 kg/m.sup.3 and a pipe (1) for intake of the fluid to be treated is disposed in a zone at the lower end of the enclosure situated below the lower level of the fixed floating bed and above the upper level (30) of the waste discharge pipe (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for washing a filter intended for cleansing a contaminated liquid and having a granular bed, a drainage system located beneath the bed, means for introducing first and second liquid flows into the bed, wherein the first liquid flow is operative to fluidize solely upper bed layers at least locally, and the second liquid flow is operative to fluidize the bed throughout the whole of its depth. The method teaches ejecting the flows of liquid selectively into the bed through orifices which are placed in the bed at a location between the highest point and the lowest point therein and which are substantially equidistant from the upper surface of the bed; and by introducing the first liquid stream into the upper layers of said bed in a smaller quantity and at a corresponding smaller rate than the second liquid stream, such that the bed layers located beneath these upper layers will be unaffected by the ongoing bed washing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing cations/anions from liquids including a container provided with an anode mounted centrally in the container, a cathode surrounding the anode and a layer of ion exchange material mounted between the cathode and anode, the cathode and a wall of the container form an outer space filled with water therebetween, the anode and cathode form a water-free inner space therebetween, the inner and outer spaces are connected with each other at opposite ends in order to generate a liquid circulation.

Abstract: A launder and baffle structure, used in association with a filtration tank of the type using granular filtration media, is disclosed which reduces the amount of filtration media lost during a backwashing cycle. The structure of the invention includes an elongated launder, baffle structure system associated with the elongated launder and regulatable air discharge structure associated with the baffle structure system. The structure of the invention is configured to reduce velocity of flow in order to provide settling of filter media from solution and is configured to provide dissipation of air from solution to further enhance quiescence of flow and settling of filter media from solution. The regulatable air discharge system is adjustable to release a selected amount of air from beneath the baffle system in order to regulate turbulence and thereby facilitate quiescence of flow.

Abstract: A deep bed upflow filter (10) for removing suspended solids from an influent stream to provide a clean filtrate, comprising an upright vessel (12) having a vertical axis (14), top and bottom ends (16,18) and contiguous upper (20), lower (22), and intermediate (24) regions between the ends. The upper region contains filtrate (26) up to a first elevation (28) and an outlet (30) for drawing the filtrate out of the vessel. The intermediate region contains particulate filter media (32) for removing the suspended solids from influent moving upwardly through the media as the media, dirtied with solids, moves downwardly into the lower region. The lower region is generally tapered (36) inwardly toward the vessel bottom and contains dirty media (34) that has moved downwardly from the intermediate region. Influent is introduced (44) between the intermediate and lower regions, and the dirty media is collected (46) at the bottom and transported (50) to a regenerative washing compartment (52).

Abstract: A method of treating fluid in a bed of ion exchange resin wherein in one embodiment the resin is of a high kinetic type and water is introduced upwardly through the bed to effect a complete fluidized resin bed. The high kinetic resin is of a fine mesh type and preferably can be monospheric. An apparatus for carrying out the method is devoid of any elements which effect a compacting of the resin during normal operation. The method and apparatus is particularly directed to water treatment. In another embodiment, cocurrent proportional regeneration of a resin bed is effected using resins with nonoverlapping terminal velocities in two different ionic forms.

Abstract: A washable filter for purifying water includes an upwardly open, upright vessel. A raw water inlet is provided above a filtration zone in the vessel. A sedimentation chamber is arranged underneath the filtration zone. A vertical wall arranged above the sedimentation chamber divides the filtration zone into two filter chambers, such that the filter chambers are connected to each other only through the sedimentation chamber. One of the filter chambers is arranged below the inlet and an outlet for the filtered water is arranged above the other of the filter chambers. A heavy material pump connected to a sludge outlet pipe is arranged in the sedimentation chamber.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus has a tank that contains a resin bed through which water flows. The apparatus is controlled by occasionally measuring the conductivity of the resin bed at two spaced apart locations to produce first and second conductivity measurements. The ratio of the two conductivity measurements is calculated periodically. The present ratio value, along with the minimum and maximum ratio values that occurred since a previous regeneration of the resin bed, are used to determine the movement of an exhaustion front through the resin bed. A probability of exhaustion also is determined and when that probability exceeds a given value, regeneration of the resin bed is initiated. The conductivity measurements are used to determine if the resin bed has lost efficiency and in which event a warning signal is sent to the user.

Abstract: A launder and baffle structure, used in association with a filtration tank of the type using granular filter media, is disclosed which reduces the amount of filter media lost during a backwashing cycle. The structure of the invention includes an elongated launder, sloping baffle structure associated with the elongated launder and air discharge structure associated with the sloping baffle structure which releases air from beneath the sloping baffle structure, the air having been dissipated from the fluid. The structure of the invention is configured to reduce velocity of flow in order to provide settling of filter media from solution, is configured to provide dissipation of air from solution to further enhance quiescence of flow and settling of filter media from solution, and directs fluid flow away from the launder. The structure of the invention further includes a wing baffle for dissipating velocity in the fluid.

Abstract: A filter vessel comprises a sieve or nozzle bottom, which carries a filter material and on which at least one trough for washing out the filter material is provided. A pipe for rinsing liquid is disposed above the trough and is provided with a plurality of nozzles, which are obliquely directed into the trough. The distance A measured between the top edges of the trough and the longitudinal axis of the pipe is 0.2 to 2 times the outside diameter D of the pipe.

Abstract: A baffle system is described that significantly reduces media loss caused by turbulence encountered during gas and liquid backwashing of a discrete media filter bed. When positioned about a filter collection trough or outlet, the baffle system deflects rising gas bubbles away from the collection trough and disengages filter media from the backwash liquid.

Abstract: A method of washing an upflow filter between service runs employs a filter bed having a non-buoyant particulate filter layer through which influent to be filtered is directed in an upward direction, and through which liquid employed in the washing operation is directed in an upflow direction. A two-stage washing operation includes the steps of first directing a combination of air and liquid in an upflow direction through the filter layer with the velocity of the liquid being less than the minimum fluidization velocity of the filter layer, for disrupting only some floc retained in the filter layer during a previous service run, and thereafter directing only liquid in an upflow direction through the filter layer at a velocity less than the minimum fluidization velocity of the filter layer for removing disrupted floc from the filter layer while leaving some floc attached to said particulate media of the filter layer.

Abstract: An improved cross-flow granular filtration system involving the use of ultraviolet, ozonation, chlorination, reactive granular filtration media, chemical regeneration, and central flow control is described. The process system and apparatus includes a liquid pump, a central flow control, a cross-flow reactive pressure filter, a process tank and at least one chemical feeder. The filter media are of reactive and granular type, including diatomaceous earth, granular activated carbon, granular metal medium, greensand, neutralizing sand, activated alumina, ion exchange resins, polymeric adsorbents, coal, porous plastic medium, porous stainless steel medium, porous ceramic medium, bacteriostatic filter medium, or combinations thereof. Alternatively a downflow or upflow filter is substituted for the crossflow reactive pressure filter. The process tank contains and handles regeneration chemicals or filter aids for the reactive filter media.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for removing cations/anions from liquids, having a container material between a cathode and the layer of ion exchange material between the anode and the cathode and a free liquid-filled space as a treatment space between the layer of ion exchange material and the cathode and a liquid-filled outer space between the cathode and the wall of the container, the treatment space and the outer space being connected to one another at both ends in order to permit liquid circulation.

Abstract: Apparatus for removal of a desired material from a liquid is described, in which the liquid is cycled through a plurality of liquid treatment containers in a first direction and brought into countercurrent contact with a medium for recovery of the desired material cycled through the treatment containers in a second, opposite direction. After treatment of the liquid, the medium is advantageously regenerated in a plurality of medium regeneration containers. The used medium is cycled through a plurality of medium regeneration containers in a first direction and brought into countercurrent contact with a medium regeneration liquid cycled through the regeneration containers in a second, opposite direction.

Abstract: Regeneration of a granular media is produced by mechanically forming a slurry of the media in a liquid and separation of the liquid from the granular media by rapidly rotating a separator element having small openings through the slurry, as flow of a liquid granule slurry is drawn out through the openings, the movement producing a scrubbing action keeping the openings clear of the granules.

Abstract: Method and apparatus (10) includes the use of multiple containers (B-1-B-3) containing a weak base ion resin (R) through which plating rinse water (W) is pumped with precious metal such as potassium gold cyanide adsorbed by said resin and then with the cyanide sequentially eluted by potassium hydroxide, water, potassium thiocyanate, water, and the resulting effluent evaporated (at 40) and then chilled (at 44) to remove for reuse the gold and inorganic salt and base.

Abstract: A system for prolonging the life of a GAC water treatment device in which an ultraviolet light transparent material is used to constrain water to flow over carbon surfaces configured to receive maximum flux from a U/V radiation source, for the purpose of preventing microbial proliferation on the carbon surfaces, oxidizing organic contaminants adsorbed from the water onto the carbon surfaces and from biodegradation of adsorbed microbial forms, disinfecting water, and oxidizing organic contaminants in the water.

Abstract: Silver is recovered from the rinse water from a photographic film processing unit by means of a silver recovery device in which the rinse water is passed through at least one bed of ion exchange resin particles maintained in fluidized condition by the water flow. A plurality of such beds are preferably connected in series with rinse water being recirculated until fresh rinse water causes overflow to the next bed and finally to a collection vessel. Fluidization is interrupted periodically to create quiescent periods which aid in removal from the resin particles of accumulated gelatin from the processed film.

Abstract: Sorbable ions are removed from aqueous compositions by the use of an apparatus and method which permits the aqueous composition to flow in an uninterrupted or continuous manner. Included is a resin cycling contactor assembly which continuously accepts the flow of aqueous composition and which turbulently contacts it in a generally co-current elongated contactor path during which ions are removed from the aqueous composition and sorbed to the resin. The resin cycles within the resin cycling contactor assembly until a selected degree of resin contamination is achieved, at which time a predetermined portion of the resin is removed from the resin cycling contactor assembly and replaced by regenerated resin. The resin is regenerated within a regenerator assembly which accomplishes regeneration by counter-current flow of liquids through a packed resin bed.

Abstract: The filtration system provides a long horizontal flow path through buoyant filter media. The filter media is contained in a vessel and the relationship between the water level in the vessel and the amount of filter media is such that the media extends completely across the horizontal flow path of the water during the filtration mode of operation. The system is configured so that the buoyant media volume expands during a cleansing mode of operation.

Abstract: A water treating apparatus is provided with a softening section, including an ion-exchange resin-filled section and a softening section disposed integrally with a vacuum deaerating membrane section so as to allow gases to pass through the membrane while a liquid is prevented from passing therethrough. The apparatus is compact in size and easily handled. The softened water provided thereby is useful as deionized and degassed water for boiler water and for the preparation of integrated circuits.

Abstract: A method of washing an upflow filter between service runs employs a filter bed having a non-buoyant particulate filter layer through which influent to be filtered is directed in an upward direction, and through which liquid employed in the washing operation is directed in an upflow direction. A two-stage washing operation includes the steps of first directing a combination of air and liquid in an upflow direction through the filter layer with the velocity of the liquid being less than the minimum fluidization velocity of the filter layer, for disrupting only some floc retained in the filter layer during a previous service run, and thereafter directing only liquid in an upflow direction through the filter layer at a velocity less than the minimum fluidization velocity of the filter layer for removing disrupted floc from the filter layer while leaving some floc attached to said particulate media of the filter layer.

Abstract: A water treatment system including a plurality of treatment tanks containing a water treatment material and defining a fluid flow path through the material extending between a first tank port and a second tank port. A first remotely controlled three way valve associated with the first tank port controls the fluid communication of a source manifold and a regeneration discharge manifold with the first tank port of each tank. A second, remotely controlled three way valve controls the fluid communication of a product receiving manifold and a regeneration chemistry supply manifold with the second port of each tank. A regeneration control monitors the loading of each tank and initiates regeneration in a given tank when that tank reaches a predetermined exhaustion level.

Abstract: A system for fixing anodized aluminum surfaces comprises a bath (1) of nickel fluoride solution in which the items are immersed following anodization, and a tank (2), connected with the bath by way of flow and return pipelines (4, 5) and containing a negative ion exchange resin bed charged with F-fluorine ions; the solution is circulated between bath and tank by a recycle pump (3), and the resin bed will be recharged by a regeneration device (7) whenever the fluorine ions have been totally or almost totally replaced by other negative ions.

Abstract: A water treatment system is provided including a service step, a regenerating step and a rinse step. The service step includes introducing water to be treated into the inlet, through a treatment medium and out the outlet to a service location. If a prolonged period of idleness is determined automatically, a rinse step is automatically provided by which an amount of water to be treated is introduced into the inlet, through the treatment medium and out of the outlet to drain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a fluid treatment apparatus that includes a resin tank containing an ion exchange media. A control valve controls the regeneration cycle and includes a regeneration control turbine operatively connected to a regeneration control disk forming part of a servo system. During regeneration, a meter flow of fluid emitted by a regeneration control nozzle produces rotation in the turbine to effect a regeneration sequence. Regeneration is initiated by a regeneration initiating nozzle which emits a stream of fluid at the turbine for a predetermined time interval in order to initiate a regeneration cycle. A control system includes a sensor for monitoring the fluid quality level of the source fluid or the treated fluid and initiates regeneration. When the control system is used with the disclosed control valve, the control system communicates presssurized fluid to the regeneration initiating nozzle upon sensing a predetermined quality level.

Abstract: A water softening system is provided including a service step, a regenerating step and a rinse step. The service step includes introducing relatively hard water into the inlet, through an ion exchange resin and out the outlet to a service location. The regenerating step includes introducing a brine solution into the inlet, through the resin and out the outlet to drain. Prior to the service step, an automatic rinse step is provided by which an amount of the relatively hard water is introduced into the inlet, through the softening medium and out of the outlet to drain.

Abstract: A stream of contaminated liquid flows into a vessel, and through a filter media, while clean liquid exits the vessel leaving the contaminants deposited on the filter media. The deposited contaminants are scrubbed from the media by circulating the media along a toroidal flow path within the vessel until the contaminants have been transferred from the media into the liquid. The scrubbing action is achieved by a punp suction which is spaced from a pump discharge. The pump discharges through a perforated nozzle. The nozzle extends through a housing. An annulus is formed between the nozzle and the housing. Dirty scrub water flows from the pump, through the nozzle perforations, into the annulus, and away from the vessel, while at the same time the toroidal flow path is maintained.

Abstract: Water is demineralized by passage through a water demineralization system. The water demineralization system comprises a series of at least three ion exchange resin zones. The sequential series comprises a strong acid cation (SAC) resin zone, a first anion resin zone, and a weak acid cation (WAC) resin zone. The SAC resin zone comprises a SAC resin for removing cations from the water, the first anion resin zone comprises an anion resin for removing anions from the water, and the WAC resin zone comprises a WAC resin for removing cations from water without substantially splitting any salts present in the water. Means for connecting each resin zone in the series are provided so that water can pass sequentially through the system. A method is also provided for regenerating the WAC resin from sodium and ammonium exhaustants. This method comprises contacting the WAC resin with an aqueous solution of a regenerant that is substantially devoid of sulfur and halogen groups.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor for the biological treatment of a fluid includes granular treating material through which the fluid to be treated passes upwardly, thereby fluidizing the treating material, during which biological treatment is achieved. A homogeneous distribution of the fluid into the bottom of the granular treating material is achieved by providing a granular transfer material beneath the granular treating material, and introducing the fluid to be treated into the granular transfer material at a speed and under conditions sufficient to impart movement to the granular transfer material causing uniform distribution of the fluid and uniform diffusion thereof upwardly into the granular treating material at a speed sufficient to achieve fluidization thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively recovering ions from an aqueous solution and producing deionized water for reuse. When used in a nickel plating process, a rinse water stream is passed through a first cation removing assembly that contains an ion exchange media having a greater affinity for nickel ions than for most or all other ions present in the system. Rinse water processed by the first cation removing assembly is conveyed to a second cation removing assembly and then to an anion removing assembly so that deionized water is produced and is then returned to a rinse bath. Rinse water is passed through the first ion exchange media until substantially all of the ion exchange sites hold a nickel ion. The other cations in the rinse water are captured by the second cation assembly. The first cation assembly is regenerated using a regeneration solution compatible with the plating bath.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-cleaning filter in which the suspension to be filtered is introduced into the filter media at a lower portion of the apparatus. The dirtied filter media flows out the bottom of the apparatus by gravity, while the material being filtered flows upwardly through the filter media into an annular chamber, over a weir and out an outlet pipe. The dirty filter media is mixed with clarified liquid that is received from a confined chamber in the upper portion of the filtering apparatus and the slurry so formed flows into the inlet of a pump. The pump scours the material acting to partially separate the liquid and particulate from the filter material. The slurry is then pumped up into a separator wherein further separation takes place with the liquid and particulate matter being directed out of the separator back for reprocessing and the clean filter medium is reintroduced into the filtering apparatus.

Abstract: A water conditioning system which employs a blend of sodium cation exchange resins and chloride anion exchange resins in a common tank and means for regenerating the resins in a specified sequence to prevent build-up of impurities in the resin bed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing chemical oxygen demand levels in water which includes the steps of:(a) mixing the water to be treated with at least one oxygen source;(b) contacting the water with a first, activated alumina catalyst;(c) contacting the water with a catalyst selected from the group consisting of Group VIIIB metals, Group IB metals, or mixtures thereof;(d) reacting chemical contaminants in the water with the oxgen source; and finally(e) contacting the water with an adsorptive material such as activated carbon.The present invention also includes a method and apparatus for regenerating the catalyst in situ by contacting the catalyst with alkaline and acidic aqueous inorganic regeneration solutions.

Abstract: Filter apparatus for purifying oil contaminated water, comprising a pressure resistant container (1) having a cylindrical outer shell (2) and pressure resistant end walls (3A, 3B). Disposed within the container (1) are first (5) and second (15) cylindrical inner shells, arranged concentrically and extending between the end walls (3A, 3B) and defining an intermediate, annular filter chamber (23) enclosing a particulate, elastic, oil absorbing, regeneratable filter material (24). The end portions (13A, 21A; 13B, 21B) of said first and second inner shells are fluid impervious whereas the intermediate portions thereof (14, 22) are designed as screen tubes. An axially movable, annular transverse wall (26A, 26B) is disposed in each fluid impervious portion (27A, 27B) of said filter chamber (23), said transverse walls being movable towards each other for compressing the filter material under the influence of a pressure medium supplied to the annular chambers (27A, 27B).

Abstract: A liquid carrier having mineral ore in the form of free particles or a salt dissolved therein is contained within a suitable container. A box member which has walls which are pervious to the liquid by virtue of apertures formed therein or the porous nature of such walls is filled with a collection material such as carbon which may be in the form of filaments or particles. This box member is suspended in the liquid carrier. An elastic member which may be a plate of steel has an orbitting mass oscillator attached to the top end thereof. This elastic member is suspended in the liquid in opposing relationship to the box member. The rotor of the oscillator is rotatably driven so as to generate sonic energy in the elastic member. The carbon particles provide an electrode of an electrolytic system such that the mineral in the carrier, e.g. gold migrates to the carbon particles and deposits thereon.

Abstract: A method of cleaning and removing clogging material from a clogged granular filter medium of a granular filter device is disclosed. A collector is positioned proximate the clogged filter medium for collecting the clogged filter medium together with a portion of the water contained within a tank housing the clogged granular filter medium. An input of a first pump is connected in fluid tight communication with the collector. A conduit is connected in fluid tight communication with an output port of the first pump. The conduit is connected to a reservoir.

Abstract: A filter device for removing contaminants from liquid flowing therethrough comprising a vessel having an inlet for providing a contaminated liquid flow into the interior thereof and an outlet through which filtered liquid can exit the vessel. A screen means contained within the vessel supports a filter media thereon. A pump has a suction and discharge located within the vessel and respective to the screen whereby the filter media can be fluidized and thereby cleaned without removing the media from the vessel. The scrubbing action transfers the contaminants from the filter media into the scrub water and thereby enables the contaminants to be removed from the vessel by discharging the scrub water therefrom.

Abstract: A filtration system and method for the removal of suspended solids from a contaminated liquid in which the contaminated liquid is pumped into the top of a vessel and allowed to flow through a bed of polyethylene particles which acts as a filtering medium. Periodically the flow of liquid through the polyethylene filter bed is stopped and a backwash cycle in which the contaminated liquid is pumped in a reverse flow direction through the filter bed is initiated. By thoroughly agitating the filter bed and polyethylene particles, contaminants are loosened and removed from the polyethylene particles and placed back into the liquid. The highly concentrated contaminated liquid is removed from the vessel for further processing. The filter bed is reset and the filtering cycle is again initiated.

Abstract: A continuous and valveless sorber device is described which utilizes a novel rotating sorption bed which operates through at least three zones (sorption, desorption and cooling). The rotating sorption bed is contained within a plurality of manifolds and the sorption bed and the manifolds are sealed to one another via sealing means. Contaminated fluid is directed through the sorption zone of the rotating sorption bed where the contaminants are removed by sorbents. The bulk of the fluid which is then cleaned is available for use. A portion of the clean fluid (regeneration fluid) is used to cool the sorbent in the cooling zone of the rotating sorption bed. The warmed regeneration fluid is then heated by a regeneration heater and is subsequently directed into the desorption zone of the rotating sorption bed where the hot clean regeneration fluid is used to desorb and carry away the contaminants from the sorbent.