Abstract: An adapter valve for backwashing a water filter is releasably connected between the water filter housing cover and enclosure. The adapter valve includes a body having a source port for fluid communication with an inlet port of the cover, a storage port for fluid communication with an outlet port of the cover, a filter inlet port for fluid communication with an inlet port of the enclosure, a filter outlet port for fluid communication with an outlet port of the enclosure, a backwash port for fluid communication with a backwash tank, a discharge port for fluid communication with a discharge line and a cavity in fluid communication with the source, filter and discharge ports. A check valve is positioned between the filter outlet port and the storage port and between the backwash port and the storage port for permitting fluid flow to a storage tank during normal operation and for blocking fluid flow from the storage tank during backwash operation.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a liquid treatment system including a first tank having an inlet and an outlet and a second tank having an inlet and an outlet. The control mechanism includes an inlet passage for receiving liquid to be treated and an outlet passage for dispensing treated liquid. A first valve is provided having a first chamber in fluid communication with the inlet passage and a second chamber in fluid communication with the outlet passage. The first valve is rotatable between a first position and a second position. A second valve is provided in fluid communication with the second chamber of the first valve. The second valve is adapted to selectively open and close a fluid path between the second chamber of the first valve and the first tank and to selectively open and close a fluid path between the second chamber of the first valve and the second tank.

Abstract: An improved electro-coalescent/magnetic separation (ECMS) system for removing contaminants from water, including desalinization, comprises a device for exposing a stream of water to be treated to an electric field, followed by introduction of ionized coagulating substances, including ionized gases and/or metal ions, followed by plural filter stages. The first filter stage may comprise a polarizable glass, alumina, or ceramic media provided as a bed in a tank with an underdrain, so as to provide substantial residence time. A polishing filter may comprise a very fine fiber or organic gel filter element confined between relatively flexible electrically-conductive screen members and provided with a DC power supply to polarize the filter. This assembly is confined between relatively rigid, perforated members such that the filter assembly can move slightly upon backwash to dislodge caked-on contaminants or the like, while preserving the structural integrity of the filter assembly.

Abstract: A swimming pool backwash filter which separates backwash contaminates from the backwash water so that the may be discarded separately, for connecting to a standard pool filtration system, having a pump with a pump inlet and a pump outlet, a sand filter having a sand filter inlet and a sand filter outlet, and having a pool return and a pool skimmer connected to the pump inlet, comprising: a backwash valve and a backwash filtering system. The backwash filtering system having an inlet and an outlet and a filter element disposed between the inlet and outlet, the outlet connected to the pump inlet. The backwash valve having a normal position and a backwash position. When in the normal position, the backwash valve connects the pump outlet and sand filter inlet, and connects the sand filter outlet and pool return. When in the backwash position, the backwash valve connects the pump outlet and sand filter outlet, and connects the sand filter inlet and backwash filtering system inlet.

Abstract: A two stage raw water clarifier with first stage flotation and second stage filtration divides at least the lower portion of a flotation tank into independent cells. A branched slotted conduit located in a filter medium in each cell collects clarified water. Valves control the flow of clarified water from each branched conduit either to a clarified water ring conduit or to a first filtrate/backwash ring conduit connected to a storage tank. The filter media is preferably a dual media, a layer of anthracite or activated carbon over a layer of sand. High cell walls and inclined baffles in each cell retain the filter media during backwashing. The baffles also slow the flotation process. A decompression valve for pressurized water with dissolved air has a very narrow annular slot in the flow path through the valve to create microscopic air bubbles of optimal size for the flotation. A movable member sets this annular slot at a proper value.

Abstract: A gravity flow, single or multi-cell filter incorporating an integral backwash control chamber for enabling backwashing to occur without the need for backwash pumps. The backwash control chamber contains a volume of backwash liquid, and communicates with a source of pressurized backwash liquid through a float-controlled flow control valve in order to maintain a desired liquid level within the backwash control chamber during backwashing operations. The flow of backwash liquid from the backwash control chamber is controllable either by means of three-way valves interconnecting the backwash control chamber with the filter outlet chamber, or by wash water control gates within the backwash chamber that are adapted to selectively cover outlet openings to permit backwash flow to enter the filter outlet chamber.

Abstract: A water conditioner rotary valve for use in a water conditioning system includes a valve body constructed of an upper section, a lower section and a middle section, to facilitate ease in assembly of the body. The valve rotor member of the conditioner valve is driven by a Geneva drive system, to provide accurate positioning of the rotor member in its various positions. A valve seat member is located adjacent the rotor member, and provides a construction which improves the seal between the rotor member and the surface of the valve body adjacent thereto. The three-piece assembly of the valve body facilitates providing a valve capable of either upflow or downflow brining by replacing the lower valve section. A brine injector valve is mounted exteriorly of the valve body.

Abstract: A method for regenerating the exhausted anion and cation exchange resin in a mixed bed demineralizer which utilizes an interface tank to increase the volume of interface resin that is physically isolated to increase separation efficiencies. An anticipatory interface detection sample flow of cation resin is directed from an intermediate section of the separation vessel through a sample line into the interface tank simultaneously with the transfer of cation resin from the bottom of the separation vessel into a cation regeneration vessel. Upon detection of an interface by the entry of anion resin, or inert material if present, into the sample line, the transfer of cation resin into the cation regeneration tank is terminated. The remaining cation resin from the separation vessel is transferred into the interface tank until an interface is detected by the entry of anion resin, or inert material if present, into the cation transfer line.

Abstract: A water conditioner rotary valve for use in a water conditioning system includes a valve body constructed of an upper section, a lower section and a middle section, to facilitate ease in assembly of the body. The valve rotor member of the conditioner valve is driven by a Geneva drive system, to provide accurate positioning of the rotor member in its various positions. A valve seat member is located adjacent the rotor member, and provides a construction which improves the seal between the rotor member and the surface of the valve body adjacent thereto. The three-piece assembly of the valve body facilitates providing a valve capable of either upflow or downflow brining by replacing the lower valve section. A brine injector valve is mounted exteriorly of the valve body.

Abstract: A rotary flow control valve for controlling the cycles of a multicycle liquid treatment apparatus such as a water softener. A pair of rotatable, slotted, circular disks connected to rotate with each other are located in a pair of aligned interconnected cylindrical housings. Rotation of the disks controls the flow of liquid through various paths in the valve. Clamps and clips are provided securing together the parts of the assembled valve.

Abstract: A rotary multi-port valve assembly is disclosed. The valve is made up of a valve body having a central bore and three peripheral openings substantially equidistant of the center; and a rotor rotatably mounted within the bore of said valve body, said rotor having a platter with a center and three peripheral through-holes, such that two through-holes are aligned with two openings of the valve body when the valve is assembled. The rotor is rotatable through 90.degree. to obtain two fluid control positions. The rotary valve is ideally adapted for use within a filtration system.

Abstract: In its broadest aspects, a method for the cyclic regeneration of a water softening system disclosed. The water softening system comprises an exchange medium in a tank which is in fluid communication with a brine storage tank. This method comprises the steps of filling the brine storage tank with refill No. 2 of softened water in a quantity sufficient to create sufficient brine for said exchange medium, said brine storage tank already containing refill No. 1 of softened water from a later step of the method. The exchange medium is subjected to backwashing No. 1 with water flowing counter the direction of water flowing therethrough during water softening operations. Next, brine from the brine storage tank is passed through the exchange medium. Water then is passed through the brine exchange tank. The exchange medium thereafter is subjected to backwashing No. 2 with water flowing counter to the direction of water flowing therethrough during the water softening operation.

Abstract: Improved methods are disclosed for cleansing a plurality of seriate filter beds in automatic backwash filtering systems by backwashing the beds one at a time with backwash liquid from an effluent channel common to seriate effluent ports of the plurality of filter beds and pumping the backwash liquid seriatim through separate effluent ports of individual filter beds and then flowing filtered effluent from each bed through its effluent port into the effluent channel, repeating such steps of backwashing and flowing filtered effluent on individual filter beds until all the filter beds in the system have been backwashed wherein, simultaneously with the backwashing of a second bed, waste liquid from the first bed is pumped through its port while the waste liquid is monitored for turbidity and such waste liquid pumping is continued until the turbidity thereof reaches a predetermined low level.

Abstract: A filtration and backwash control system for use with replaceable cartridge filters including a spool valve for controlling the flow of filtered water and backwash discharge from an existing faucet spigot having cold water and hot water faucets. The valve is movable between a filter position, wherein cold water is directed through the valve, through a filter, back through the valve and out the cold water faucet, and a backwash position, wherein hot water is directed through the valve, through the filter in reverse flow from filter outlet to filter inlet, back through the valve and out the hot water faucet.

Abstract: An apparatus for the pre-concentration of a sample substance for spectroscopical reasons in the flow injection analysis having an ion-exchanger column of conical shape filled with a granular ion-exchanger. For pre-concentration of the sample, the sample liquid flows through the ion-exchanger column from the smaller first end. Then the pre-concentrated elements are eluted by an eluting liquid from the wider second end. Therewith, a very low dispersion of the eluted sample slug results. Thus, a considerable increase in the degree of sensitivity can be achieved with high analysis frequency.

Abstract: A regenerating control system for liquid conditioners includes ball valves positioned and sized so that they do not cause any flow restriction during the normal operation of the conditioner. The valves are operated by low voltage D.C. motors which require power only while moving the valves from one position to another position. An electronics control system and timer control the operation of the valves and require very small amounts of power. Consequently, a battery backup system can operate for extended periods of time when a commercial power outage occurs. A two-piece housing assembly provides improved seals for sealing between the two housing halves and between the housing assembly and the valve.

Abstract: In order to filter out of the dielectric the microscopically small spherical particles removed by spark erosion [???] machines, a labyrinth filter is provided, containing at least one filter unit with a pressure receptacle (21) loosely filled with filter grains. The intake surface area is relatively small by comparison to the height of the column through which the liquid to be filtered flows, and the filter pump is matched to these two dimensions in such a way as to cause the dielectric to flow through the labyrinth at a rate of at least 2 meters per minute. This leads to the formation of low-pressure zones behind the individual filter grains, in which zones the microscopically small spherical particles removed by the erosion [???] process become trapped.

Abstract: A suction control filter system for swimming pools is provided, in which the vacuum filter of the water recirculation system features positive suction backwash of the filter during cleaning.

Abstract: A system for removing contaminants from water prior to supply to service by entraining a controlled quantity of air into the water to oxidize the contaminant particles and then filtering the contaminants in a combination aeration/filtration tank. The filtration tank includes an adapter which cooperates with a filter tank and the control valve for the filter tank to facilitate precipitation of water through the filter bed and venting of excess gases from the tank in addition to the filtering and backwash functions of the filter tank. The adapter is designed to cooperated with the control mechanism and tank of filter tanks used in currently available water conditioning systems.

Abstract: A central control valve arrangement for a water treatment system. The central control valve arrangement includes two independently positionable four-way ball valves and at least one of the balls of the ball valve serving as valve body includes with two L-shaped boreholes so that a multitude of couplings between the connections of the ball valves is possible.

Abstract: A valve structure for a swimming pool water filter includes:(a) a hollow body having multiple flow apertures,(b) a rotary plate on the body and having flow porting, the plate being movable toward and away from said flow apertures,(c) seal means between the body and plate,(d) a handle having operative connection to the plate to rotate said plate to bring said plate porting into and out of selected registration with said flow apertures,(e) and means mounting the handle to pivot without rotating the plate, and between a first position in which the handle has moved the plate to energize the seal means to seal off between the body and plate, and a second position in which the handle has moved the plate to de-energized said seal means.

Abstract: An improved water neutralization apparatus is disclosed comprising an elongated vertical cylindrical tank having an upper inlet and lower outlet openings. Water distributors are assembled to the tank at its upper and lower openings. A dual-seal valve is used to automatically shift water flow from normal to backflush flow paths upon actuation of a controller, comprising a timer-operated valve in a drain line connected to the dual-stem valve. In the preferred embodiment, the neutralizing mineral is 98% pure calcium carbonate.

Abstract: There is provided an improved method of cleansing a filter bed utilizing a backwash pump (12) having an inlet line (14) and an outlet line (16). The improved method and system includes two cycle operations. Initially, the filter bed is backwashed to remove contaminants from the filter bed with the backwash pump (12) drawing liquid from an effluent channel (32) through a first diverter valve (18). The fluid flows through a second diverter valve (20) and a first throttling control valve (36) for insert into a backwash shoe (38). In the purging cycle, fluid may be recirculated from the backwash pump (12) through the backwash shoe (38) and then back to the backwash pump (12) with a portion of the fluid being diverted through a second diverter valve (20') into an egress line (42).

Abstract: A 5/2-way commutating valve, particularly for reverse-flush filters in water treatment plants, consists of a tubular housing with five radial pipe connections (6, 9, 10, 11, 12), between which a valve seat (24 to 27) is present in each case. Preferably spherical valve elements (28 to 30) are arranged on a central rod (23) stressed in one direction by a spring arrangement (32), a double-sided value element (29) cooperating with the two central valve seats (25, 26) being slidable longitudinally relative to the central rod (23). The housing is composed of a plurality of mutually rotatable housing parts (16 to 20) each exhibiting a pipe connection. A flow throttle (51, 23) installed between the spigots (9 and 12) in the housing serves to adjust the flow velocity during reverse flushing. A compressed air piston, which is connectable to the compressor of a ozone generator, may be provided to actuate the central rod (23) counter to the spring arrangement (32).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for backflushing downflow filters is disclosed which comprises providing a closed container having contiguous, vertically adjacent filter layers. A layer of gravel is provided below the filter layers and is separated from the bottom filter layer by a foraminous gravel retention member. Fluid under pressure is introduced through a plurality of fluid nozzles into the gravel layer to backflush the filter layers. Backflush fluid in introduced at a sufficient flow rate to fluidize all of the filter layers to segregate them in accordance with their specific densities and particle size. Introducing the backflush fluid into a gravel layer through a plurality of nozzles helps prevent development of localized areas of high fluid velocity that can cause intermingling of the filter layers during backflush.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved water filter which comprises a cone-shaped tank, a filtering bed layer, four conduits provided in the tank and concealed in the filtering bed and a four-way valve provided on the outer wall of the tank at the junction of the conduits which allows passage between any two adjacent conduits by means of a moveable plug operated in a predetermined turn so that the filtering and backwashing process of the tank can be easily controlled by the valve in practical use and the filtering bed is prevented from boiling and cracks along the side walls of the tank.

Abstract: A filter assembly especially suitable for filtering swimming pool water includes an upright tank, and a flexible, cylindrical porous filter bag supported on star shaped core elements which are vertically spaced along a perforated outlet tube fixed centrally within the tank. Water normally flows through a filter media such as diatomaceous earth caked on the outside of the bag into the central tube and out of the tank back to the pool. When the bag becomes clogged by dirt trapped on the outer face of the filter cake, water flow is reversed for a short period of time to expand the bag suddenly and thereby release the dirt. The bag and filter media are regenerated periodically in this fashion to prolong the effective performance life of the filter.

Abstract: A water conditioner rotary valve (18) is substantially formed of plastic and designed to provide fluid type valving without requiring gaskets or precision forming of valve elements while operating in a highly efficient manner by reducing shear stress and rotative friction. The valve seat (100) has a series of raised ribs (105, 105') on both sides (103, 104) to provide a sealing engagement against a substantially planar surface (84) of a housing plate member (80) and against a substantially planar surface (119) of a rotor assembly (115). The rotor assembly (115) features a valving plate member (116) interconnected to a ported cover (117) through interlocking butterfly shaped ridges and grooves (129, 140, 132, 143) to substantially reduce rotative shear stress while further providing fluid channels (150, 151) to provide selected fluid flow paths through the rotary valve (18) in response to the selective alignment of the rotor assembly (115).

Abstract: An improved method of cleansing a filter bed is herein provided utilizing a backwash pump (12) having an inlet line (14) and an outlet line (16). The improved method and system includes two cycle operations. Initially, the filter bed is backwashed to remove contaminants from the filter bed with the backwash pump (12) drawing liquid from an effluent channel (26). A portion of the liquid passing on backwash pump outlet line (26) is passed through a bypass adjustment valve (34) for egress on an outlet line (38) for recirculation to the effluent channel (26). The second stage of the cleansing operation is through a purging cycle where the filter bed is purged subsequent to the backwashing operation for removal of further contaminants from the filter bed.

Abstract: A multiple change-over valve which can be set into various positions suite for the operation of a water treatment plant. A moulded synthetic resin body defines two valve units with seats for two movable assemblies controlled by cylinder-piston systems such as to assume two positions; each of the two movable assemblies comprises at one end a cavity with lateral apertures, and in an intermediate position longitudinal passages for cooperating with various passages, including transverse passages, between the two seats, and with passages for communication with the top and bottom of a resin column. A suction feeder for the regenerating solution, in the form of a venturi tube, is fixed between the water feed and the top of the column in order to operate when the column is connected to discharge.

Abstract: Filter backwash water saver and water filter to clean swimming pool filters which takes backwashed water from a filter which is usually discharged to the environment and instead filters the backwashed water and returns it to the system. This conserves water and protects the environment. The backwashed water is pumped into a filter contained in a canister which is suspended by a bracket which mounts to the pool cowling. The filtered backwash water is returned to the system by a specially designed chute which fits into the pool skimmer. A vinyl check valve is mounted into the chute to allow water to flow normally when the pool system is forward pumping by allowing the water to flow into the skimmer under the vinyl check valve. When backwashing is desired, the weight of the backwashed water flattens the vinyl check valve and only backwashed water recirculates. The filter material is easily accessible and easy to change.

Abstract: A water filter adapted for installation in the hot and cold water supply lines leading to a faucet, appliance or the like includes a housing containing a granular activated carbon filtration bed and a two position valve with three ports for controlling water flow through the filtration bed. The valve has a first service position for normal flow of cold water through the filtration bed to the effluent line from the water filter and a second backwash position for flow of hot water through the filtration bed in an opposite direction to then drain through the same effluent line.

Abstract: An inlet pipe having two branch pipes and an outlet pipe having two branch pipes, between the inlet and outlet pipes of each branch, there being a dump valve and a dump control valve, each outlet branch pipe containing in it a filter, the dump control valve sensing the pressure on each side of the filter and being operable, on pressure differential building up, to open the dump valve; by opening of either one of the dump valves, the water will flow through the inlet tube, the inlet branch tube of the outer dump valve and rearwardly through the filter element. The filter element will thereby be backwashed, and the particulate material which has been built up will be at least partly discharged through the dump valve to drain.

Abstract: A valve has a body containing three ports, and a rotor is rotatable in the body, the rotor rotatable about an axis to bring two passages in the rotor selectively into and out of registration with the body ports, the body ports opening at a cylindrical bore in the body, and the rotor passages opening at a cylindrical periphery of the rotor, the rotor passages spaced about said axis. The valve also includes:(a) axially spaced seal rings extending about the axis between the rotor and the body, the rings spaced at axially opposite sides of the passages and ports,(b) at least three seal strands extending between the rings and integral therewith, with first and second strands spaced apart about the axis at angularly opposite sides of one of the rotor passages, and the second strand and a third strand spaced apart about the axis at angularly opposite sides of the second of the rotor passages.

Abstract: An improvement is achieved in the operation of a process for the adsorptive separation of different components of a viscous high density feed stream, such as the separation of fructose from an aqueous mixture containing 50 wt. % fructose and glucose, in which the use of a moving bed of adsorbent is simulated. The improvement results from locating the fluid distribution means which switches the flow of the process streams between conduits leading to various points in the adsorbent bed at an elevation which is above the adsorbent bed. This reduces contamination of the next process stream to flow through the conduits which previously carried the feed stream.

Abstract: A mixed bed deionizer unit which provides in situ regeneration through the use of two compact multi-valve assemblies and an intermediate manifold which are automatically controlled to supply backwash water, chemical draw for cleansing both cation and anion resins simultaneously and rinsing water in a sequentially controlled manner. An internal water and chemical distribution system in the mixed bed tank is provided which has both input distribution and output drainage capabilities.

Abstract: A valve has a body containing three ports, and a rotor is rotatable in the body, the rotor rotatable about an axis to bring two passages in the rotor selectively into and out of registration with the body ports, the body ports opening at a cylindrical bore in the body, and the rotor passages opening at a cylindrical periphery of the rotor, the rotor passages spaced about said axis. The valve also includes:(a) axially spaced seal rings extending about the axis between the rotor and the body, the rings spaced at axially opposite sides of the passages and ports,(b) at least three seal strands extending between the rings and integral therewith, with first and second strands spaced apart about the axis at angularly opposite sides of one of the rotor passages, and the second strand and a third strand spaced apart about the axis at angularly opposite sides of the second of the rotor passages.

Abstract: A water filter (10) includes a housing (12) which receives unfiltered water through an input line (54). The water enters the housing (12) and passes through a baffle (30) and upward through charcoal filter material (86). Various pollutants within the water are removed by the charcoal (86). After being filtered by charcoal (86) the water passes through a filter cloth (24) into a lateral line (22). The water is transmitted through a return line (16) which passes through housing (12) into a supply line (46) for delivery to the consumer. The filter (10) is back washed by supplying hot, pressurized water into the return line (16) where it is fed through the lateral line (22) into the charcoal filter material (86). The back wash water passes through the baffle plate (30) and is collected at the bottom of housing (12) where it is forced out through a waste water disposal line (74).

Abstract: This invention combines the functions of filtering and softening water in a unitary system utilizing a single apparatus. The combined system first oxidizes and filters sulphur, manganese and iron and then softens by an ion exchange process using sodium chloride as the exchange chemical. The filtering process removes precipitated concentrations of iron, manganese and hydrogen sulphide gas through the use of a manganese treated zeolite material known as "Manzite". This system, provides a combined operation utilizing one water treating tank containing a filter substance such as the manganese treated zeolite, which draws from an associated chemical holding tank and a brine tank in performing the described functions in a single apparatus.

Abstract: A submarine sand filter is employed to filter water for uses requiring lack of solid contaminants, such as oil reservoir injection. The filter is provided with backwash means and allows an efficient use of differential pressure heads.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for the feeding and drainage of a column or a treatment station such as a demineralization station.The device includes a centralized distribution valve mounted on top of the column; which is equipped with at least three inner chambers having movable pistons adapted to connect various ports which the valve contains. The valve is connected with driving means, e.g., a hydraulic dispenser adapted to generate the shifting of the movable pistons for the purpose of positioning them in several specific positions.The device of the invention can especially be used in conjunction with demineralization columns containing ion exchanging resins. The device makes it possible to initiate and progress through the various operating phases or modes either automatically or semi-automatically.

Abstract: A water treatment device of the type which automatically regenerates itself at predetermined intervals is provided with a special disinfectant feeder device which dispenses a predetermined amount of disinfectant into the water treating media bed and the device itself to kill the bacteria therein. The disinfectant is dispensed at a predetermined time during the regeneration cycle so that subsequent to its bactericidal action all traces of the disinfectant will be flushed from the treatment device prior to the completion of the regeneration cycle.

Abstract: A combined closure and rotary water valve assembly provided for closing the open upper end of a water softener mineral tank to be used in conjunction with a brine water tank including a float valve controlled brine water outlet and water supply line from the brine tank to the valve assembly. The valve assembly comprises a four position, five function valve. The five functions of the valve include a service function during which hard water enters the mineral tank and is softened therein and is thereafter discharged from the tank, a backwash function during which the bed of minerals within the tank is backwashed, a brine function in which brine is flushed through the mineral bed, a slow rinse function for flushing the brine is from the mineral bed and a combined rapid rinse and brine tank refill function during which the mineral bed is rapidly rinsed with water and the supply of water within the brine tank is replenished.

Abstract: A flow control valve for multicycle liquid treatment apparatus has a pair of rotatable, slotted circular discs at its opposite ends. Rotation of the discs causes the slots to be selectively aligned with various ports, passages, holes and channels so as to control the direction and duration of liquid flow during the different cycles of the apparatus.

Abstract: A valve is provided adapted to multiple modes of use including filter, backwash, rinse, recirculate, and direct to waste, on a swimming pool filter of the type normally filtering water under pressure through a backwash-regenerable filtering medium disposed in a filter tank. The valve comprises closely interfitting, relatively rotatable inner and outer sections having coaxially tapered annular walls defining interiorly open spaces respectively within the sections; the outer section wall has formed therein circularly spaced outer ports including an inlet port, a first outlet port, and a second outlet port. The inner section is normally seated against the outer section wall, its interior space being adapted to define a continuation of the filter tank in continuously hydraulically filled relation against unseating pressure imbalances across the inner section.

Abstract: A solid-fluid contacting apparatus, comprising an outer generally tubular housing member, preferably cylindrical in shape; an inner generally tubular housing member defining a fluid flow channel therein and being placed inside of the outer housing member and being generally coaxially aligned therewith, preferably concentrically, to define a space therebetween, preferably an annular space; at least one means extending radially between the inner and outer housing members for partitioning the space into a plurality of axially spaced contacting zones; at least one means extending axially within the inner housing member for partitioning the fluid flow channel into a plurality of fluid flow sub-channels; means in each of the contacting zones for receiving the solid; and a fluid flow inlet communicating between each of the subchannels and one of the contacting zones, a fluid flow outlet communicating between each of the contacting zones and its respective subchannel, and means positioned in each subchannel between t

Abstract: A method and system for use with rotary vacuum filters having a plurality of circumferentially spaced filter segments, for selectively applying blower air to the filter segments at predetermined rotational positions at which relatively unrestricted openings to the valve ports are provided to thereby blow the filter segments, and for bypassing the stream of blower air to the atmosphere when the filter segments are not blown. The apparatus for practicing the invention may also include a blow-back trap for trapping excessive amounts of residual blow-back filtrate during blowing of the filter segments.

Abstract: An apparatus for softening hard water, wherein a raw water pipe, a soft water pipe, a discharge pipe and a salt water pipe are connected with a cylindrical valve seat equipped on a softening tank accommodating ion-exchange resin to open into said tank, a rotary valve whose center hole slidingly fits on the upper end of a water pipe erected through the layer of said ion-exchange resin is rotatably installed in said cylindrical valve seat, said rotary valve is provided with a passage through which said raw water pipe, soft water pipe and discharge pipe can be separately connected with said water pipe and a passage through which said raw water pipe, discharge pipe and salt water pipe can be separately connected with said softening tank without recoursing to said water pipe, and through the rotation of sai rotary valve the combinations of (a) raw water pipe and soft water pipe, (b) raw water pipe and discharge pipe and (c) salt water pipe and discharge pipe can be alternately connected with the softening tank, wh

Abstract: A fluid treating apparatus and method are provided which employ finely subdivided surface active particles arranged in loose bed form and confined within a treating tank by means which prevent the escape of such particles but which permits fluid flow therethrough at a high rate with a minimum pressure drop. In an important embodiment, the apparatus and method of this invention are particularly directed to the treatment of water with fine mesh ion cation exchange resin particles of below 50 mesh size, and preferably 100 to 200 mesh or smaller, measured on a dry basis.