Abstract: A tank top pretreatment unit and assembly comprises a treatment unit installed inside a water treatment tank, such as a water softener tank, and in the top of the tank for treating the water either prior to its treatment with the primary treating medium in the tank or following such treatment. The treatment unit includes a plurality of chambers which are configured to contain a finely divided water treatment medium of a different kind than the primary treatment medium. Some of the elements may be arranged in series, but many or all are arranged in parallel flow which reduces the pressure drop of the water across the treatment unit, and the inlet openings to the chambers and outlet openings from the chambers are elevationally spaced from each other and the area of the outlet openings is less than the area of the inlet openings to maximize contact and dwell time in the chambers.

Abstract: A modular water treatment and purification system, suitable for home use, is connected to a water supply and contains a closed fluid treatment circuit extending to a water outlet. The closed fluid circuit flows through a plurality of replaceable water treatment modules each having a specific water treatment function, such as the removal of a particular material from the water by the use of filtration, carbon adsorption, ion exchange or the addition of a chemical to balance the desired water conditions. Preferably the circuit also includes traversing a radiation device, for example an ultra violet light, for the purpose of sanitizing the water.

Abstract: A device for the desalination and conditioning of water, in particular used water from electrical erosion machines, in which two ion exchange columns (2, 3) are connected one behind the other, one of which (2) is filled w cationic exchange resin and the other (3) is filled with anionic exchange resin, the two ion exchange columns (2, 3) being arranged in a common, tightly sealed casing (1), and the connections for the feed line (5) and the discharge line (6) of each column (2, 3) being led out of the casing (1) in a leakproof manner.

Abstract: A liquid purification device comprising an enclosure having a first portion with an inlet and second portion with an outlet; a partition separating the first and second portion; a hydrate sensitive purification medium disposed within the first portion; a second purification medium disposed within the second portion; a first valve disposed adjacent the inlet of the first portion; and, a second valve operably associated with the partition for permitting flow of the liquid from the first portion to the second portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wastewater treatment is provided which can treat persistent surface active agents and coloring substances in wastewater, and which is compact and economical. The wastewater treatment method introduces water to be treated into a charcoal tank 3 packed with charcoal 10 and treats the water therein, the water to be treated having been pretreated in a pretreatment section 2. The water under treatment is introduced from the charcoal tank 3 into an activated carbon tower 6 packed with activated carbon 17 to treat the water therein. Treatment of the water in two stages, namely, treatment by bioactivated charcoal 10 and treatment by bioactivated carbon 17, makes it unnecessary to carry out backwashing of the activated carbon tower 6 and regeneration of activated carbon 17. The service life of the activated carbon can be greatly extended.

Abstract: Regeneration of water treatment media is disclosed which includes a water treatment unit having one or more media therein, and which upon initiation of flow of the water, imparts turbulence and abrasion to the treatment medium to automatically cleanse the medium of light solid contaminants, as well as contaminant coatings on the media. This greatly improves the operation of the media and extends its life. In addition, the water treatment unit disclosed may simply be rotated through any one of a number of positions between service, backwash, flush, off, and/or bypass operational modes for further regeneration of the treatment media.

Abstract: In a fluidized bed filtering apparatus, for preventing particles of filtering material from entering into a feed pipe to clog the feed pipe and lowering the frequency of washing operations, a filtering material layer made of granular filtering material is supported by a supporting layer disposed in a filtering chamber so as to provide a space in the lower portion of the filtering chamber and two lines of a first feed pipe the outlet of which opens in the filtering material layer and a second feed pipe the outlet of which opens within the space are provided for feeding corrupt water into the filtering chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single-phase fluid distributor-mixer-extractor for separating beds of granular solids used in chromatography. The distributor includes a device for adding or removing a secondary fluid. The distributor further includes at least one calibrated orifice having a geometry designed to create a sufficient pressure drop to confine fluid turbulence inside a mixing chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mineral filtering apparatus in which the raw water is passed through a plurality of filtering processes, such as automatically filtrating without pressure, multiply filtering, ions exchange, sterilization, deodorizing, and releasing mineral substance. The filtering apparatus generally comprises a cover, an inlet water box, a first filtering unit, a filtering box, a second filtering unit, a storing reservoir, a mineral substance barrel that is disposed within the reservoir, an outlet filtering core that is disposed within the reservoir, a spout, a bottom bracket, and a water pan. The storing reservoir is provided with a mineral stone barrel with which the water soluble mineral substance is released. When the raw water flows from top to bottom, it can be treated with filtrating, deodorizing, ions exchange, sterilizing, magnetizing processes such that the treated water is clean and suitable for direct drinking.

Abstract: The water filtration system has nine filter elements serially arranged in a hollow cylinder housing with a water inlet end and water outlet end having pipe fittings, such as, 3/4 inches for installation in the main inlet water line of a household. For a normal household the housing is approximately 20 inches long and 4 inches in diameter. The first filter element on the water inlet end is a loose weave polyester fiber pad; the second filter element is multiple irregular polyethylene beads filling approximately 3 inches of the housing length; the third and seventh filter sections are a very fine plain wool filter floss; the fourth, sixth and eighth filter sections are one millimeter wool fibers impregnated with carbon to equal two thirds of the total weight of the fibers; the fifth filter element is multiple pharmaceutical grade carbon granules filling approximately 4 1/2 inches of the housing length; and the ninth filter element is a fine mesh nylon screen.

Abstract: A method and system for treating and purifying water on site provides a cascade series of alternating cation and anion beds with flow control controlling flow of water in a first direction to flow through all beds in sequence, to purify the water, and controlling back flow through only like ion resin beds to regenerate the resins contained therein. The subject system removes impurities which are ionic and dissolved in the water.

Abstract: Water purification is achieved by contacting the water with a container of charcoal, zeolite and a bimetallic alloy. In a preferred embodiment, the three components are segregated from each other and contained in a bag having three compartments.

Abstract: A portable multi-functional modular water filtration unit having configurable modules that can be adapted to render environmental water potable or to isolate contaminants from groundwater or water from other sources such as backwash from reverse osmosis water purification units (ROWPU) or shower and laundry water ("gray water") such that the water may be recycled or discharged in full compliance with applicable laws. Plural treatment tanks as well as inlet and outlet filters are coupleable via pressure gauge bearing quick connect fittings in series and parallel arrangements, to allow changes of filter elements (for replacement or substitution of a different active material) and to accommodate flow in filtration arrays. The water purification system specifically addresses the changing water purifying needs that arise during troop deployment, training and maneuvers, disaster relief and environmental cleanup.

Abstract: The invention is a column for separating a substance from a liquid having a plurality of separable compounds. The column has at least a first and a second bed of granular solids separated by at least one device, the device has at least a collection device which collects the substance to be separated, the collection device being in fluid connection to at least one mixing chamber, at least a first circuit for injection and/or removal of a first secondary fluid B.sub.1 and at least a second injection and/or removal circuit of a second secondary fluid B.sub.2. The injection and/or removal circuits are in communication with the mixing chamber with at least one opening allowing passage of the secondary fluids B.sub.1, B.sub.2 into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: An aquarium filter for removing chemical and physical waste from an aquarium. The filter can include a mechanical filter portion, followed by a fluidized bed of particles, such as sand, for removing ammonia from the water and then a chemical filter portion. The filter can be constructed in an aesthetically desirable manner and can be convenient to maintain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter for removal of hydrocarbons and synthetic hydrocarbons from water by adsorption and/or absorption. The invention comprises a flow-through filter. The filter comprises at least three layers of filter media that extend radially in relation to the longitudinal axis of the filter. The first and third layers of filter media are comprised of a first material that is hydrophobic and removes hydrocarbons from contaminated water through adsorption or absorption and the second layer is comprised of a mix of the first material with a second material, a generally rigid granular spacer. The layers of filter media are separately placed within the casing, but are not spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and apparatus for filtering or treating water are shown and described, each embodiment being for multiple-stage processing of water, with storage intermediate between the stages. Water is passed through a first zone of a filter housing cavity and conducted through an intermediate port to storage. When water is demanded by a usage device, water flows in reverse from storage back into the filter, to flow through the second zone for a second stage of filtering/treatment, and then out an outlet port to the usage device. Water may also flow from the water source directly through the first and second zones and to the usage device, without intermediate storage. Preferably, both first and second zones are contained and axially arranged within a single filter housing.

Abstract: A drain pan is provided for removing copper ions from condensate water produced by a heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit. The pan defines a volume having two closed ends and an open top so that water can evaporate from the pan. At least one copper removing agent is placed in the pan, and a baffle is provided between the ends of the pan, for routing water entering the pan at one end through the removing agent en route to an outlet at the other end. The removing agent may include mossy zinc and/or activated charcoal.

Abstract: A water purifier using common advantages of natural and forced types operated without an external electric power source, resulting in high efficiency of water purification.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removal of contaminants from fluid columns utilizes a solidifying polymer-based filtration media to extract pollutants, such as organic compounds and metals. Dissolved, emulsified or suspended contaminants are absorbed and solidified into an easily retrievable mass and retained within a replaceable filter container. Solidified contaminants may not leach when exposed to pressure limits currently used to determine landfill acceptability, may be incinerated as fuel for their BTU content or used as a component in the production of asphalt, roofing material or other tar-like compounds. Treated fluid columns exit the process containing acceptable levels of contaminants to permit free release into the environment.

Abstract: A modular filtering system is provided including modular filter cartridges which can be arranged into filter assemblies of various configurations by interconnecting the filter cartridges in a desired configuration. In one embodiment of the invention, the modular filtering system includes a first filter cartridge, a second filter cartridge and a connector clip that mechanically secures the first filter cartridge to the second filter cartridge. The first filter cartridge includes an outlet port which is hydraulically connected to an input port on the second filter cartridge. Each filter cartridge includes a filter tube, a first end cap attached to one end of the filter tube and a second end cap that is attached to an opposite end of the filter tube. The connector clip can be connected between the first end caps of the filter cartridges, the second end caps of the filter cartridges, or both the first and second end caps of the filter cartridges.

Abstract: This invention comprises a process and apparatus for producing purified drinking water from surface or ground fresh water sources using no chemical pretreatment or coagulants, by usage of a positively-charged filtration media to attract the typically negatively-charged suspended solids present in the water source. The process, which can be portable, includes a filtration system having a filtration/recirulcation/backwash component and a disinfection step. The process further includes a system controller which receives electrical signals from float controls to control the filtration, recirculation, and backwash steps. This process produces drinking water which meets or exceeds the guidelines set by the World Health Organization for turbidity and microbiological content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the concentration of contaminants in an aqueous water system, wherein the contaminants are measured with the bioreactor containing a biofilm or microbial community which acts on the water to be analyzed to provide a measure of the amount of the dissolved organic carbon which is biodegradable. A bed for facilitating regulation of water flow through the bioreactor is provided, and an autosampling mechanism enables the measurement of total organic carbon, inorganic carbon and oxygen, between sample inflow and sample outflow at specified time intervals.

Abstract: The invention aims to provide an apparatus for purifying water containing organic halides therein improved so as to substantially achieve perfect removal of organic halides from water which has conventionally been considered to be impossible. The object set forth above is achieved, according to the invention, by an apparatus for purifying water containing organic halides therein characterized in that particles, fibers, nonwoven fabric, porous body or sintered body containing hydroxycarboxylic acid or polymer thereof having a chemical structure expressed by general formula: ##STR1## where R1-R6 are identical or different and represent hydrogen atom, hydroxyl-, carboxyl-, amino-, cyano- or alkyl-group having 1-5 carbons, p represents a natural number 1-10, and q and r represent an integer 0-10) as a main ingredient is used as organic halide adsorbent; and a residual concentration of organic halides in water can be decreased to the order of ppb.

Abstract: A receiver-dryer for use in an air conditioning system utilizes desiccant bags that can be mounted within the receiver-dryer body without using mounting plates or baffles. The receiver-dryer includes an output tube having a retaining shoulder located thereon. In one embodiment, a desiccant bag includes a rigid eyelet that cooperates with the retaining shoulder to support the desiccant bag. In an alternate embodiment, the desiccant bag is supported by the retaining shoulder via a support washer.

Abstract: A biological filter for purification of liquids has primary filtering stages (52a, 52b, 52c) of a particulate material and secondary filtering stages (54, 56, 58) containing a fine-fiber material. The particulate material and fine-fiber material are covered with a biofloc film. The primary filtering stages (52a, 52b, 52c) and the secondary filtering stages (54, 56, 58) form a succession of filtering groups, and liquid is caused to move through the succession of filtering groups. Liquid is aerated during movement through the succession of filtering groups.

Abstract: A device for removing a contaminant from a fluid stream flowing within a conduit is disclosed. The device includes a container and a barrier. The container has a first wall generated about an axis and a second wall generated about the same axis. The first wall defines a first volume therewithin, while the first and second walls define an annular second volume therebetween. Both the first and second volumes are sealed at one end of the device, while at the other end of the device the second volume only is sealed. A filter material occupies the second volume. The first and second walls are permeable to the fluid stream and are capable of retaining the filter material in the second volume. The barrier is impermeable to the fluid stream and creates a seal between the second wall and the conduit wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single-phase fluid distributor-mixer-extractor for separating beds of granular solids used in chromatography. The distributor includes a device for adding or removing a secondary fluid. The distributor further includes at least one calibrated orifice having a geometry designed to create a sufficient pressure drop to confine fluid turbulence inside a mixing chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a dual-stage, gravity continuously-backwashed filtering system for filtering contaminants from wastewater. This filtering system has a first sand-filter unit that is loaded with wastewater influent. The filtering sytem has injection points for coagulation chemicals and disinfection chemicals. The first sand-filter unit is connected in series to a second sand-filter unit of similar design. The first sand-filter unit is made up of large-grained sand, the second sand-filter unit fine-grained sand. The second sand-filter unit receives its influent from the effluent weir of the first sand-filter unit. The reject water from the second filter unit is re-introduced into the influent that is fed to the first filter unit. The reject matter from the first filter unit is passed to waste.

Abstract: A high-purity water producing apparatus has an excellent effect of environmental protection and is also capable of effectively removing boron. It comprises a pretreatment unit, and a double pass RO unit an EDI unit or a distillation unit or any combination thereof as principal deionization unit(s) but does not comprise any chemical-regeneration type ion exchanger. It further comprises a boron removing unit and the water treated by the principal deionization unit(s) is brought into contact with a boron-selective ion exchange resin.

Abstract: A tank coupler for releasably interconnecting serially connected tanks. The tank coupler includes threaded engagement portions which are threadedly engageable with ports formed in the tanks. The coupler defines a central fluid passage which receives in a sealing relationship, a riser tube associated with a first tank and a riser tube associated with a second tank. A snap fit mechanism maintains the engagement of one riser tube with the fluid passage in order to control separation of the riser tube from the coupler when the tanks are separated. O-ring seals mounted in grooves forming part of the fluid passage sealingly engage the periphery of the riser tubes and inhibit fluid leakage between the riser tubes and the coupler. The tank coupler also defines a second fluid passage which cross-communicates the interiors of the tanks. Distributors mounted on opposite ends of the second fluid passage inhibit material from moving from one tank to the other while permitting fluid flow.

Abstract: An insert for a storm drain or sanitary sewer inlet such as are found in factory or warehouse floors, parking lots and car washes in which the insert holds one or more bags of filter media. The bags have a very open structure such as coarse weave cotton permitting water entering the drain to pass through each bag and the filter media inside the bag. The entire bag may be conveniently withdrawn from the insert and replaced as the filter media becomes saturated. Preferably, a first bag contains an absorbant cellulose particulate media which absorbs oils and greases and post non-volatile hydrocarbons and a second bag contains specially textured activated carbon which absorbs organically bound heavy metals and volatile hydrocarbons as well other VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Various types of filter media and configurations of these media also allows for the removal of dissolved heavy metals, and even the removal of pathogenic microbes.

Abstract: The container is made of a single blow molded piece having a pair of vertical column chambers, inlet and outlet connectors and tubes connecting the inlet and outlet connectors to circulate fluid through the vertical column chambers in series. Each container is filled with a recyclable filter medium and the container can be recycled with the filter medium. When the filter container is replaced, the entire filter container is sent for recycling. The filter container can be attached to other filter containers to form a compact filter assembly or the container can be mounted to a wall to be stored out of the way. When the containers are connected together, they can be arranged to be easily connected in series and when replacing spent filter containers, it is possible to replace only some of the containers connected in series to leave partially spent containers in the fluid circuit for further use while new containers are added to an outlet side of the containers connected in series.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus (1) in the form of a treatment vessel comprising a high voidage media bed (2) situated above a low voidage granular media bed (3). Fluid (4) to be treated, combined with an effluent recycle flow stream (5) and intermediate recycle flow stream (6) as appropriate, flows down through the flooded aerated high voidage media (2), through an intermediate section (7) containing a collector in the form of a trough (8) and down through the aerated packed bed of granular media (3). The trough (8) is known as a washout trough. The high voidage media is supported on a support means such as a grille or grid (9). During a cycle any surplus treated water passes out of the intermediate section (7 at 10), while backwash liquors pass out of the vessel at (11). The usual operating level of the liquid in the vessel is shown at (12), treated liquor or effluent passing out of the vessel at (13). Process air passes into the vessel (1 at 14).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a water filter designed to be inserted into a drinking water circuit. The water filter has a support designed to house removably one or more different filters each having a different filtering property and adapted to be mounted either independently of each other or associated in a particular combination so as to effect a filtration of the drinking water according to its composition.

Abstract: A method for minimizing wastewater discharge generated in an ion exchange regeneration system having a cation exchange bed and an anion exchange bed, which method is characterized in that all of the segments of regenerant and displacement rinse are recirculated in a common loop, and shifted forward by one position, whereby the first segment is discarded in the subsequent cycle, and the last segment in the subsequent cycle is provide by fresh rinse, while chemicals are added as necessary, and in final rinse cycle, rinse flows through the cation exchange bed and the anion exchange bed in series, and recirculates in a loop, thereby eliminating over 90% of waste.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating water used in daily life such as city or well water to obtain purified and activated water having various functions such as detergency, bactericidal and antifungal actions, surface activity, cooling action, and in vivo activating function. Soft water generators, each containing an ion exchange resin therein, an ion generator containing a mixture of tourmaline and aluminum oxide, and a rock container containing a rock providing negative ions are connected in series. Water is passed through the ion exchange resin, the tourmaline/aluminum oxide and the rock providing negative ions, in this order.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to provide a water treatment technology able to perform advanced purification treatment by efficiently removing synthetic organic compounds such as surface activators for use in cleaners and agricultural chemicals present in polluted water having a relatively low load of pollutants such as BOD. In order to accomplish this objective, water to be treated is brought in contact with a assimilable filter medium under aerobic conditions, said assimilable filter medium being composed by adhering a material to be assimilated that has specific assimilability for the target microorganisms to a porous base material such as charcoal. As a result of using this type of assimilable filter medium, specific microorganisms which are highly efficient for removing the synthetic organic pollutants to be removed can be utilized selectively, thereby enabling efficient removal of synthetic organic compounds.

Abstract: A device for distributing, mixing, injecting, and/or removing several fluids, one of the fluids being a main fluid A.sub.1, and at least a first secondary fluid B.sub.1 and a second secondary fluid B.sub.2, said device having means (3, 4) for collecting said main fluid A.sub.1, said collecting means being related to at least one mixing chamber having at least one wall substantially parallel to the device axis circuit (12, 5) of a first secondary fluid B.sub.1, and at least a second injection and/or removal circuit (13, 6) of a second secondary fluid B.sub.2, said injection and/or removal circuits being in communication with the mixing chamber (7) by means of one or more openings (15, 16) allowing passage of said secondary fluids B.sub.1 and B.sub.

Abstract: A cyclonic power wash system and method of using the system to clean flat surfaces. The cyclonic power wash system uses high pressure, high temperature water for selectively cleaning large, flat, concrete or asphalt surfaces. The sprayed water is reclaimed by vacuuming it through holes in the bottom of a reclamation ring attached to the underside of the mobile cyclone sprayer, filtering the vacuumed water and returning it to a storage tank for re-use by the system. The filtration tank initially filters out large matter in an inlet trough and smaller matter in a plurality of cascading chambers. Removably constrained within each chamber of the filtration tank and in each downstream canister filter is at least one bag or pillow filled with water insoluble, hydrocarbon absorbent, substantially polypropylene material which absorbs oil, fuel and other hydrocarbon substances suspended in or floating on the water passing therethrough.

Abstract: The liquid processing plant, comprises: an inlet; an outlet; a plurality of liquid treatment apparatuses arranged in parallel between said inlet and said outlet, one of them being directly connected to said inlet and said outlet and the remainder of said plurality of liquid treatment apparatuses being connected to said inlet via a valve assembly having an inlet and an outlet and including a pressure relief valve means; each of said valve assemblies opening on a different pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous fluid-solid contacting includes a plurality of chambers on a rotating carousel, each chamber having a supply conduit and a discharge conduit, and a single valve for controlling a supply and discharge of fluid to the chambers. The valve includes a stationary annular disk having a plurality of conduits and a lower planar surface forming a disk valve face, and a rotatable annular plate having an upper planar surface forming a plate valve face and a plurality of holes forming ports in the plate valve face. The plate is supported in pressurized contact with the disk valve. The frame supporting the chambers and the annular plate are rotated by separate devices. To ensure that the valve ports remain in rotational correspondence with the rotating chamber frame, the invention includes optical control for synchronizing the rotation of the frame and the rotation of the annular plate.

Abstract: A multistage treatment system for treating nutrient-rich water containing nitrogen compounds, phosphorous compounds, and other minerals. Three or more vessels or stages typically constitute the multistage treatment system. Each stage of the system is a reaction vessel having a first zone containing a substantially insoluble salt for precipitating phosphorous compounds and other minerals, a second zone containing a microorganism retained on an inert substrate for converting nitrogen compounds, and a separation device for removing precipitates from the water. The effluent from the multistage system may be further treated in ponds cultivated with aquatic grass or in a packaged algae filter having a medium for supporting algae growth and an artificial light source.

Abstract: This invention is related to a slurry filtration device and the wet lime-gypsum flue-gas desulfurization system comprising a slurry filtration device for the separation (concentration) of gypsum. The slurry filtration device comprises tank that has a slurry supply pipe at its upper part and a filtrate-drain hole at its bottom, a layer of filter sand lying on its bottom, a slurry accumulator arranged on the layer of filter sand, and a vibrator set in said slurry accumulator for vibrating the slurry. The present invention not only improves the solid-liquid separability remarkably but also saves cost and space.

Abstract: A process and a device for biologically treating an organic waste mixture containing organically polluted waste water and solid components. The process and the device involve exposing the organic waste mixture to a first decomposition stage where the solid components and the waste water are separated from one another and where the solid components are decomposed under predominantly aerobic conditions. The waste water is then passed to a second decomposition stage where the waste water is decomposed under anoxic conditions. Thereafter, the waste water is passed to a third decomposition stage where the waste water is decomposed again under aerobic conditions thereby creating recirculation water. At least a portion of the recirculation water is returned from the third decomposition stage to the first decomposition stage for continuously recirculating water through and between respective decomposition stages.

Abstract: Water treatment apparatus includes a two-piece housing and a stack of discrete filtering layers disposed within the housing including a layer of silver impregnated carbon, a layer of pentavalent iodine impregnated resins and at least one layer of a mixed bed activated resin. The apparatus is designed so that no water pressure need be applied to force the water through the apparatus, as gravity pulls the water down through the filtering layers.

Abstract: There is provided a hydrogen peroxide removal equipment which has a high capability for removing hydrogen peroxide and is able to cope with variation in amount of a hydrogen peroxide containing waste water and variation of a hydrogen peroxide concentration occurring in a semiconductor plant. A tank 51 is internally provided with a first decomposition section 16, a second decomposition section 17 and a third decomposition section 8 which are constituted by combining a charcoal 9 and a plastic material 10 having a void capable of allowing water and gas to pass therethrough. The first and second decomposition sections 16 and 17 are provided below the level of an outlet port 42 and arranged on both sides of a vertical partition plate 13 located apart from a bottom plate 51E. The third decomposition section 8 is provided above the level of the outlet port 42 and arranged above the first and second decomposition sections 16 and 17.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for use with liquids or gases which includes a back structure having a plurality of pockets formed in it and filtration granules contained within the channels. Each of the pockets includes a plurality of holes to enable water to pass through the back structure. A filter element is secured to the front of the back structure to cover the pockets. Positioned between the pockets are protruding shelves which engage the filter element. The provision of the pockets and shelves enables a uniform distribution of filtration granules to be maintained throughout the filter cartridge.

Abstract: Washing water containing hydroxyl ions (H.sub.3 O.sub.2.sup.-) and hydronium ions (H.sub.3 O.sub.2.sup.-) is prepared by connecting soft water generators (10), (12) each having an ion exchange resin (32), and an ion generator having a tourmaline mixture of tourmaline and a metal, and passing water through the ion exchange resin (32) and the tourmaline mixture (46). Water emulsified by removing stains such as of oils with the washing water is a kind of O/W emulsion wherein the hydroxyl ions (H.sub.3 O.sub.2.sup.-) and hydronium ions (H.sub.3 O.sub.2.sup.-) have oil wrapped therein. The aqueous O/W emulsion is mixed with hard water such as city water, whereupon the hydroxyl ions (H.sub.3 O.sub.2.sup.-) and hydronium ions (H.sub.3 O.sub.2.sup.-) covering the oil therewith are converted to water, thereby permitting the oil and oil-free water to be separated from each other.

Abstract: The apparatus for waste water treatment has, in a tank, a contact circulation part in which Bincho charcoal is accommodated, a sprinkling circulation part which is disposed above the contact circulation part and in which black coal is accommodated, air lift piping for lifting treatment-object water from the contact circulation part to the sprinkling circulation part, a water-sprinkling tube for sprinkling the treatment-object water onto the sprinkling circulation part, an aquatic plant cultivation bed disposed between the contact circulation part and the sprinkling circulation part, and air-diffusing tubes for introducing malodorous gas. Small quantity of surfactants and colorants are adsorbed by the Bincho charcoal and the black coal and decomposed by microorganisms that have grown in the Bincho charcoal and the black coal. The microorganisms act to biologically decompose the malodorous gas.