Abstract: A filtering device provided a horizontal drum in which a filter layer made of granular filter material and a space portion are formed in a vertical direction within its interior; a crude water introducing/dirty water discharging first water flow pipe which passes through an axial portion of the horizontal drum from the outside of the horizontal drum and whose a crude water introducing/dirty water discharging first water flow portion is located in the space portion; and a filtered water introducing/washing water discharging second water flow pipe which passes through an axial portion of the horizontal drum from the outside of the horizontal drum and whose a filtered water introducing/washing water discharging second water flow portion is located in an interior of the filter layer.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of building and public works, for example for lining the vertical walls of a building on the inside and/or on the outside, or for recovering water infiltrating through the ground in a plot. The present invention provides a closed insulating box in the form of a flat rectangular parallelepiped having two main faces in register which are spaced apart by four "lateral" faces. According to the invention, the six walls of the outer envelope of the box are rigid, thin, and made of a strong material, and at least one of the main walls is perforated by microholes, the main faces being interconnected by at least one internal stiffener, and the inside volume defined by the envelope is filled with rigid fragments of a granular material of cellular structure, and of relative density less than 1, and also having good thermal insulation properties.

Abstract: A system for remediating groundwater contaminated with radionuclides, consisting of an underground bed of crushed zeolites. Distribution pipes convey contaminated groundwater to the zeolite bed by means of a pump, which draws the contaminated water through wells from an underground plume of released waste mixed with groundwater. The radionuclides in the water undergo capture with the zeolite minerals, and lock into the zeolite crystal lattice. After the contaminated water passes through the zeolite bed, it is collected by a series of collection pipes and conveyed to a sampling station, where it can be determined whether the water has been decontaminated sufficiently to discharge it by piping to a river outfall or back to the ground. When functioning, the system contains the released contaminants on the waste site and prevents further spread and migration of the contaminated water by means of the cone of depression created by the pumping well.

Abstract: A self-supporting modular underdrain member for use in a liquid filtration system comprises a main body or housing including a pair of longitudinally extending inclined walls which may have a pair of generally triangular transverse walls connecting the inclined walls to one another, the inclined walls each being provided with a pair of longitudinally extending recesses and a plurality of orifices communicating with each of the recesses. A pair of flanges are connected to the inclined walls for attaching the underdrain body to a floor surface so that the inclined walls, any transverse walls and the floor surface define a cross-sectionally triangular underdrain chamber. Two pairs of elongate cover plates are attached to the inclined walls over the recesses to form in each of the inclined walls a pair of longitudinally extending plenums for the equalization of backwash air and water flow, each of the cover plates being provided with a plurality of spaced slots.

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: A structure for the absorption or desorption of a substance on a bed through which liquid is allowed to pass comprises a vessel containing a liquid-permeable bed, a lower adaptor, an upper adaptor and means for providing a liquid flow to the bed through one of the adaptors and means for conducting a liquid flow away from the bed through the other adaptor. The lower adaptor is arranged in the lower part of the vessel and at least partially defines the vessel bottom. The lower adaptor has an opening for the passage of liquid to or from the lower part of the vessel, which opening is directed toward the bed, and the lower adaptor is provided with a distribution facility for distributing or collecting liquid flow towards or from, respectively, a bottom surface of the bed. The upper adaptor is arranged in an upper part of the vessel and at least partially covers a cross-sectional area of the vessel.

Abstract: Sweetening of hydrogen-sulfide polluted liquids such as water and those whose viscosity is not substantially greater, is accomplished in upright tanks of constant cross-section, which are substantially conventional except for man-way provisions which permit clean-out and replacement of contents. Each tank, which has a liquid inlet provision near its bottom, is divided by its contents into three sections: a lowermost turbulence-eliminating section, an intermediate reacting section, and an uppermost tranquil purified storage section. Increase in capacity to fill a constant demand is attained by simply increasing the depth of the reacting section, to the lessening of the purified reserve.

Abstract: A filter (1) for the purification of water comprises an inlet (2) for water to be treated, an outlet (3) for treated water, filtration elements interposed between the inlet and the outlet. The filtration elements comprise two networks (5, 6) of tubes respectively for distribution and drainage associated respectively with the inlet (2) and the outlet (3), disposed substantially opposite and spaced from each other and provided with perforations (7) distributed longitudinally along their transverse walls, filter material (8) interposed between the two networks (5, 6), and distribution elements associated with the network (5) of distribution tubes (5a) and adapted to ensure a diffusion of the water to be treated toward the filter material (8).

Abstract: A pipe-mounted dual velocity strainer is disclosed including a bottom strainer portion to provide a first velocity flow path in one direction and a top strainer portion to provide a second velocity flow path in the opposite direction. A check valve and coaxial conduit between the two strainer portions provide means for obtaining different velocities dependent upon the direction of flow. The invention is utilized in fluid distribution and collection for ion exchange and filtration systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a fluid to remove at least part of a component or components from the fluid in a reciprocating flow ion exchange system. The apparatus includes a vessel having a central holding chamber that is enclosed at each end by an end cap. A packed bed of ion exchange particles is held within the central holding chamber through the use of upper and lower retaining means so that a particle free cavity is created above and below the particle bed. The flow of fluid is distributed substantially evenly across the end of the particle bed by the pressure drop through the bed when one of the particle free cavities is filled with pressurized fluid.

Abstract: Lateral member assembly for use in an underdrain lateral distribution system is made of plastics but is as capable as much heavier and more costly prior art metallic assemblies in supporting a bed of filter media which must be periodically backwashed with liquid and gas. Complementary elements, including a rigid extruded floor plate member having longitudinally extending side edge channels, and an overlying screen member having flange portions adapted to be retained by undercut recesses in the side edge channels, are adapted to be assembled to each other to form hollow lateral assemblies. In a preferred embodiment, the screen member is telescopically assembled to the floor plate member to cause the screen flange portions to interlock with the recesses in the side edge channels. The resulting assembly is sealed against leakage where the members are interlocked by a pair of flexible, integral plastic sealing strips which are co-extruded with the rigid floor plate member.

Abstract: A filter basket and filtration media for an inverted bottle type water dispenser which is disposed below the inverted bottle, depending from the collar of the water reservoir into the water reservoir and receiving the neck of the bottle, so that all the water discharged from the bottle passes through the filter basket in a downward direction. The filter basket has an inverted conical upper section which funnels all the water which is drained from the bottle to a filtration compartment at its lower section. The filtration compartment remains submerged in water. The filtration compartment contains the filtration media and discharges the filtered water therefrom directly into the water reservoir. Air released in the spigot when it is opened rises upwardly through the filtration media to be received in the bottle. The filtration media comprises an aluminosilicate gel with pore sizes in the range of sixty to two hundred and fifty Angstroms which provides for rapid flow of water and air therethrough.

Abstract: A head flush apparatus for a pressure vessel uses an equalization chamber that channels the fluid generated by the head flush into a low volume chamber and withdraws fluid from the pressure vessel through the low volume chamber. Withdrawing fluid generated by the head flush and channeling the fluid through the low volume chamber reduces or eliminates the circulation of fluid between the equalization chamber and the adjacent process chamber and minimizes the amount of contamination that can result from any circulation of fluid resulting from pressure fluctuations. The withdrawal of fluid through the low volume chamber also provides a non-contaminating path for withdrawing leakage from the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting an analyte from a liquid sample, comprises a microcolumn having a microparticulate media therein, the media being sandwiched between two compression layers. Preferably, the compression layers comprise a binder-free glass fiber, held in the microcolumn by upper and lower polypropylene mesh.

Abstract: A reactor for treating a liquid containing evolvable and entrained gas has a vessel for containing a bed of particulate media, and a liquid flow distributor mounted in the vessel that includes a manifold connected to receive liquid and introduce it into the bed. The manifold includes a liquid conveying passage having an upper region where any gas that evolves from the liquid can collect and at least one discharging nozzle having an inlet in open communication with the upper region for receiving the liquid, evolved gas or a mixture thereof, and an outlet for uniformly discharging the liquid, gas or mixture thereof into the bed.

Abstract: A travelling bridge filtration unit includes a tank having a bottom wall, a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls arranged to provide a rectangular tank with an open top. An interior partition in the tank extends lengthwise between the pair of end walls forms a filtrate channel between the interior partition and one of the side walls, and a filter basin between the interior partition and the other of the pair of side walls, with a bed of filter media located in the filter basin. A travelling bridge is mounted on the tank for movement therealong in a lengthwise direction, the travelling bridge supporting a backwash pump and a backwash hood for movement across the filter basin in close proximity to the filter bed. A plurality of structural underdrain headers extend between the interior partition and the other of the pair of side walls, the headers having closed ends adjacent one of the side walls, and open ends extending through the interior partition in communication with the filtrate channel.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in an ion exchange unit or column comprising a riser pipe, a port coupled to one end of said pipe, a first rigid cylinder having apertures therein mounted concentrically on the pipe, a port coupled to the space between the pipe and said cylinder, a mesh sleeve concentrically mounted about the cylinder, a sieve mounted about the mesh sleeve, a second rigid cylinder concentric with the pipe and near its outer end, a second mesh sleeve mounted about said second rigid cylinder and a sieve bag containing the second mesh sleeve. The aperture size in said sieve material is only sufficiently fine to prevent the passage of ion exchange resin beads.

Abstract: A unit for treating liquid comprises a cylindrical container (1) which, in an upper chamber (6), has a set of slender tubes (8) which the liquid is forced to pass on its way from an inlet (10) to an outlet (9), so as to be subjected to a treatment, such as deionization, during this forced passage. An annular casing (11) is arranged in a lower chamber (7) and serves to distribute the liquid flowing in through the inlet (10). The casing (11) is defined by inner and outer side walls (12, 13) sealingly interconnected along an upper edge portion (14) as well as interconnected by at least one lower, transverse wall (15) which is provided with a plurality of small holes through which the liquid is squeezed out in the form of a large number of individual jets. The cross-sectional area of the liquid-distributing casing (11) continuously decreases away from the inlet (10) towards an opposite end (18) of the casing.

Abstract: A permeable ditch underwater water purification apparatus purifies source water using the principle of self-purification of water. This apparatus includes impermeable ditch walls on a tapered bottom. The apparatus also has an open top side. A granular filter layer is filled in the ditch body. Collector (counter-rinsing) pipes are provided at the bottom of the granular filter layer, and a filter protecting layer is provided on the surface of the granular filter layer. This apparatus can maintain the thickness of the granular filter layer all the year round. When blockage of the filter layer occurs, water from another ditch is pumped, and the remaining impurities in the granular filter layer can be forced away by water pumped into the collector (counter-rinsing) pipe. After sterilization by adding an appropriate amount of chlorine into the purified water, the quality of water will meet the standards for drinking water in effect in China, and the purified water may be supplied directly for use by the users.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use, transport, storage, recovery and re-use of chemical compounds. In particular, the invention is directed to a method for reversibly transforming organic compounds into a phase more suitable for subsequent handling but from which the original organic compounds can be readily recovered. The invention is particularly suited for, but not limited to, the recovery and re-use of liquid hydrocarbons, either naturally occurring or synthetic, and/or their derivatives, and it is expected to be especially useful in the recovery of hydrocarbons from an oil spill.

Abstract: A head flush apparatus for a pressure vessel uses an equalization chamber that channels the fluid generated by the head flush into a low volume chamber and withdraws fluid from the pressure vessel through the low volume chamber. Withdrawing fluid generated by the head flush and channeling the fluid through the low volume chamber reduces or eliminates the circulation of fluid between the equalization chamber and the adjacent process chamber and minimizes the amount of contamination that can result from any circulation of fluid resulting from pressure fluctuations. The withdrawal of fluid through the low volume chamber also provides a non-contaminating path for withdrawing leakage from the vessel.

Abstract: A system for distributing both gas and liquid in separate conduits within an underdrain filtration system is disclosed. A tubular liquid conducting conduit also contains a separate air conduit. Extending from each conduit are, respectively, liquid conducting laterals and air laterals. The system is placed within a bed of gravel at the bottom of a filter bed and acts as conventional underdrain blocks and air grids. In a downflow mode, effluent is filtered as it passes through the filter media and filtered water is collected through orifices in the liquid conducting laterals, which in turn feed into the liquid conducting conduit to form a filtrate stream. In a backwash mode, backwash liquid flows through the liquid conducting conduit, out the laterals and up through the filter bed. During backwash, air may be introduced through the air conduit and laterals and rise through the filter media to enhance the effectiveness of the backwash operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering a fluid stream wherein the fluid stream is passed through a first filtering zone to remove particulate materials therefrom above a first preselected micron level, then through a desiccant media bed zone including a multiplicity of desiccant beads to dry the fluid stream and then through a second filtering zone to remove particulate materials therefrom above a second preselected micron level below said first micron level so as to remove smaller particulate materials including particulates from said first filtering zone.

Abstract: A step-down nozzle for the even distribution of fluids at the interface between phases in a column or cell accommodating a plug flow operation is structured with an internal flow channel of recursive configuration.

Abstract: A self-supporting modular underdrain member for use in a liquid filtration system comprises a main body or housing including a pair of longitudinally extending inclined walls which may have a pair of generally triangular transverse walls connecting the inclined walls to one another, the inclined walls each being provided with a pair of longitudinally extending recesses and a plurality of orifices communicating with each of the recesses. A pair of flanges are connected to the inclined walls for attaching the underdrain body to a floor surface so that the inclined walls, any transverse walls and the floor surface define a cross-sectionally triangular underdrain chamber. Two pairs of elongate cover plates are attached to the inclined walls over the recesses to form in each of the inclined walls a pair of longitudinally extending plenums for the equalization of backwash air and water flow. Each of the cover plates being provided with a plurality of spaced slots.

Abstract: Storm water runoff is treated by passing the runoff through a bed of high quality leaf compost material to remove pollutants from the runoff prior to discharge into a water receiving system, such as a river, lake or storm water drainage system. Apparatus for treating storm water runoff is disclosed having at least one chamber for containing compost defined by a pair of opposed side walls and a pair of opposed end walls; an influent pathway for providing storm water to the compost chamber, a drain field positioned beneath the compost chamber for receiving storm water from the compost chamber, a layer of water permeable material interposed between the compost chamber and the drain field providing fluid communication between the compost chamber and the drain field while preventing the flow of compost material into the drain field, and a storm water outlet in fluid communication with the drain field for discharging treated storm water from the apparatus.

Abstract: A partition plate for multiple-stage adsorption separator includes a planar body member having opposing external surfaces and a peripheral edge with conduits providing fluid communication between the opposing surfaces and different points on the peripheral edge. Each of the opposing surfaces is provided with a peripheral rim and covered with a perforated plate whereby an open chamber is defined between the body member and a perforated plate at each of the external faces.

Abstract: A water purifying system including two or more stages for removing organic and inorganic contaminants from source water. The system may be configured such that water is first passed through a biocidal resin, and then through a granular metal alloy and an activated carbon filter to remove iodides released into the water by the biocidal resin. The granular metal alloy may be agitated by turbulent motion as the water treated.

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 filter for a machine tool operative to filter one of steel, brass, and copper from a liquid agent is disclosed herein. The filter consists of a cylindrical container having a closed top end and a closed bottom end, an upper duct positioned near the top end of the container, a lower duct positioned near the bottom end of the container and having a lower diffuser fluidly connected thereto, and a filtering element surrounding the lower diffuser. The filter element consists of ilmenite particles having a density (d) of about 6 g/cm.sup.3 and a size ranging between a smallest size of about 0.2 mm and a largest size of about 1.0 mm, the ilmenite particles being in the form of grains having sharp edges and irregular sized faces.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a component from a liquid is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a plurality of cartridges disposed within a tank, the cartridges being mounted on a support member rotatable about a first axis, and each cartridge being rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis. The cartridges include a plurality of holes on an outer periphery thereof, and contain a supply of a granular ion exchange material capable of separating a desired component from the liquid. Means are provided for transferring liquid to be separated into the tank, and to discharge treated liquid from the cartridges to a location outside the tank.

Abstract: An adsorbent is charged into a horizontal type packed column having a multiplicity of packed vessels each of which is composed of a partition plate and a cylindrical body and which are connected through the partition plates, from an opening formed on the upper wall of each cylindrical body. Then, each opening is closed tightly with a detachable plug cover. The partition plate is provided with a first fluid passage through which a fluid is passed in the direction of the axis of the cylindrical body and a second fluid passage which is in communication with the first fluid passage, which extends toward the peripheral wall of the cylindrical body and which opens at the cylindrical body. This apparatus is suitable for use as a multiple-stage adsorption separator directed to a simulated moving-bed system.

Abstract: An improved apparatus (10) is made available for separating at least two biological substances in solution by adsorption and comprises in the upper interior section (28) of its housing (10) a means effecting a partial constriction of the cross-section of said interior section (28), said section thereby being divided into an upper and lower subspace (34; 36), and which is further distinguished in that the upper subspace (34) and the lower subspace (36) are in flow connection with each other both as regards the solution to be separated and the adsorption agent particles, the feed tube (40) for the solution to be separated being arranged in such a manner that the discharge of the solution to be separated takes place in the lower subspace (36), and the apparatus is a self-contained in unit in sterile form.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes a vertical column of filter media contained in and defined by a liquid-impervious vessel. A filtrate collection chamber is fixedly and centrally located in the media column. The collection chamber has liquid impervious top and sidewalls and an open bottom, whereby liquid to be filtered and introduced through a feed pipe at the top of the media column passes downward through the media column past the collection chamber and then upward into the collection chamber, is removed through a filtrate collection pipe. The apparatus may include equipment for continuously washing and recycling the filter media, and auxiliary alternatives for increasing the efficiency of the apparatus. Also included is the novel method for practicing the invention, particularly with the novel apparatus.

Abstract: Underdrain lateral system, which is especially adapted for use in a gravity filter bed, includes, as its preferred embodiment, scallop-shaped laterals having an upper, wrapped wire, slotted screen surface. The screen surface supports and retains the filter media particles directly, without the necessity of an underlying gravel layer, and is itself supported by channel-shaped rod members which are welded to the wires. The web portions of the channel rods perform the function of simultaneously distributing air and water during backwashing, and include small apertures in upper channels and larger apertures in lower channels to cause a plenum to be formed inside the laterals which ensures that the distribution of air and water will be uniform throughout the lateral, even if the lateral is not perfectly level.

Abstract: A filter for removing contaminants from refrigerant, consisting of an elongate closed container having a first end, a second end and an interior. An inlet is positioned adjacent to the first end. An outlet is positioned adjacent to the second end. Desiccant substantially fills the interior of the container. A plurality of liquid impervious and vapor flow retarding membranes are positioned transversely within the interior of the container forming vapour barriers. The desiccant is divided into a plurality of layers separated by the membranes. Refrigerant enters the inlet and passes through the plurality of layers prior to exiting the container via the outlet.

Abstract: An underdrain assembly for a bed of filter media includes a plurality of elongated screen lateral elements which each have a generally flat bottom surface and a convexly curved upper surface which has flow openings therein. The lateral elements each have a width substantially greater than their height and include a means defining a generally tubular-shaped surface positioned internally thereof. The generally tubular-shaped surface includes flow distribution openings which have a total open area less than the total area of the flow openings in the curved upper surfaces of the lateral elements. In various embodiments, the generally tubular-shaped surfaces are shown as comprising a single tube, a plurality of tubes, and a tube defined by the portions of a plurality of adjacent channel-shaped members whose leg portions support the curved upper surface of the screen lateral elements.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and process for the operation of a down-flow granular medium bed filter is disclosed. A splash plate for dissipating the force of influent liquid is rotatably connected to support means, allowing the plate to rotate from a position parallel to the bed surface to a position perpendicular to the bed surface upon the liquid above the bed rising to a selected first level. The splash plate is maintained in the perpendicular position for the remainder of the filtration cycle, the backwash cycle and any chemical cleaning cycle, allowing unobstructed operation of the filter bed. The splash plate returns to the original position at the start of another filtration cycle.

Abstract: An underdrain assembly contained within a swimming pool filter has a plurality of laterals, each of which is pivotable between a non-operating position and an operating position. Each of the laterals is threadedly attached to the underdrain assembly so that they can be replaced individually by unscrewing them from the underdrain assembly without removing the underdrain assembly from the filter. The laterals can be locked in their operating positions by either a reversible locking mechanism or an irreversible locking mechanism. With the laterals in their non-operating positions, the underdrain assembly and the laterals can be inserted into the filter as a unit.

Abstract: A flow collector/distributor for a water treatment tank comprises a housing proportioned to communicate through a wall of the water treatment tank to provide flow communication between the tank interior and the tank exterior. The collector/distributor defines an inner end to project inwardly from the tank wall and an outward end to face outwardly from the tank wall. A plurality of slots are defined in the tubular housing, positioned to communicate with the tank interior when the collector/distributor is seated in the tank wall. The slots are of a width which is narrow enough to permit water flow therethrough while substantially preventing passage therethrough of water treatment material present within the tank.

Abstract: A swimming pool bi-flow filter has been described herein. The invention includes the following integral structural components: an influent conduit, an effluent conduit, an influent trough and a plurality of influent and effluent laterals. Ports in the influent conduit and the influent trough receive water from a source, such as swimming pool. The water entering the influent conduit flows upwards through the influent laterals to the effluent laterals, while the water entering the influent trough overflows into the filter and flows downwards to the effluent laterals. The water then passes through the effluent laterals and into the effluent conduit. As previously mentioned, the conduits, trough and laterals are an integral part of the structure, which necessarily means that thinner materials may be used in constructing the filter, without the loss of strength or durability.

Abstract: A portable personal water filtration and purification device which includes an elongate tubular filter housing with layers of mechanical filtration and contains a layer of granular activated charcoal impregnated with silver located between the layers of mechanical filter medium. A mouthpiece limits the rate of flow of water through the filter unit, while making it convenient to draw water through the filter. In one embodiment, a filter unit is attached to a flexible drinking tube and the filter unit is located within a portable water container conveniently carried by a person.

Abstract: A strainer assembly for use in a filter having a granular media bed supported above a floor. The strainer assembly includes a low profile body member having a two tiered construction, the bottom tier having a larger diameter than the upper tier. Each of the tiers has a series of substantially equally spaced apart, generally vertical, slot openings formed therein. The total area of the openings in the bottom tier is from about 3 to 15 times greater than the total area of the openings in the upper tier. An improved distribution/fastening means is provided for directing fluid through the body member and for retaining the body member in position above the floor.

Abstract: A coarse media flocculator utilizes buoyant media restrained against upward movement in a flocculator chamber whose cross-sectional area increases uniformly in the direction of vertical flow, thereby providing a uniformly tapering velocity gradient. The height of the media bed within the chamber is alterable, thereby changing its depth and cross-sectional characteristics within the tapered chamber. The velocity gradients of the flocculator can thus be changed independent of flow. The media restrainer comprises interlocked cooperating gratings each respectively joined to an opposite wall of the flocculator housing by a tracking mechainsm. Upon manipulation of a motor device, one grating is horizontally extended or retracted, producing a lowering or raising of the restrainer as its cross-sectional area is respectively enlarged or reduced.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for converting a bottled water dispenser for use with a continuous source of water are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, means for reducing the pressure and filtering the continuous source of water are provided. In a most preferred embodiment, the apparatus is configured to substantially reside within the existing dispenser apparatus, thus eliminating the need for bottled water. A housing is provided which contains a filter in an upper portion thereof, the lower portion shaped to conform to an existing tank within the bottled water dispenser in order to provide good thermal communication between the apparatus of the present invention and the existing refrigeration means. Chilled water is retained in the lower portion of the housing and is filtered upon demand, thus providing freshly filtered water to the user at a pressure and velocity substantially the same as that produced using a bottled source, without the contaminants expense and inconvenience associated with bottled water.

Abstract: A vessel for production of deionized water having increased resistance to corrosion and internal contamination. A throughpipe provided with external threads is welded to the domed bottom and the inner tank bottom and extends into the interior of the vessel. A corrosion-resistant coating is applied to the interior of the vessel and partially upwardly on the threaded portion of the throughpipe such that the gasket prevents deionized water and other corrosive materials from attacking and delaminating the coating.

Abstract: A coarse media flocculator utilizes buoyant media restrained against upward movement in a vertical chamber whose cross-sectional area increases uniformly in the direction of flow, thereby providing a uniformly tapering velocity gradient. The height of the media restrainer within the chamber can be adjusted, thereby changing the depth and cross-sectional characteristics of the media bed within the tapered chamber. The velocity gradients of the flocculator can thus be changed independent of flow. A washwater piping grid with downwardly pointed jet spray nozzles is positioned within the media bed for cleaning. The height of the media bed can be adjusted by changing the position of the media restrainer or by changing the liquid level within the chamber, thus changing that part of the media bed where the jet spray is concentrated. In one embodiment, the restrainer is disposed within an area of the chamber above the tapered portion having a uniform cross-section.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing material from a biological solution consisting of a reactor chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a bioactive compound immobilized on particular supports within the reactor, means for retaining the particular supports within the reactor, means for recirculating the solution and the supports at a high flow rate within the reactor, and means for agitating or dispersing the recirculating solution-support mixture throughout the reactor chamber so as to prevent packing of the supports while not subjecting the solution to excessive or damaging forces.In the given example, an apparatus for the extracorporeal removal of heparin from blood is provided. Heparinase is immobilized on cross-linked agarose beads recirculated at a high flow rate through the reactor. Agitation of the blood-bead mixture sufficient to prevent packing of the beads within the reactor chamber is provided by means of a series of openings in the recirculation tube dispersing the mixture throughout the chamber.

Abstract: A fish tank filter comprising an overflow tank for collecting surface waters from a fish tank, means for conveying the waters to a dry filter, a dry filter comprising a plurality of vertically stacked filter pans each having a filter material therein, a means for collecting the effluent from the dry filter and conveying it to a wet filter, a wet filter comprising a plurality of serially arranged filter material-containing filter compartments in a tank, and means for returning purified water to the fish tank.

Abstract: A gas filter system, suitable for use in a safety installation for nuclear reactor confinement vessels, comprises a generally cylindrical enclosure having a closed bottom. In an upper part of the enclosure is an inlet for the gas to be filtered. There is an outlet for the filtered gas at the side of a lower part of the enclosure. The gas passes at a low speed through a horizontal filter bed of predetermined thickness consisting of a layer of a granular filter medium. The filter medium is supported by a supporting layer of a lightweight granular material which has an average particle size greater than that of the filter medium. This layer extends down to the closed bottom of the enclosure. The filtered gas is recovered and conveyed to the outlet by a plurality of tubular members which have walls through which the gas can pass and which are placed in the supporting layer. These tubular members discharge into an annular manifold on the outside periphery of which is the outlet for the filtered gas.