Abstract: A slurry is subjected to a filtration and washing process in order to separate the liquor from the solids. The filtration and washing process is carried out in a housing (101) enclosing an inert gaseous atmosphere which also passes through the filter cake and may be recycled, after treatment, to remove contaminants therefrom. To prevent recontamination of the filter cake as a result of the recycled gas entraining contaminant vapors within the housing (101), the gas is introduced into the housing (101) at a downstream location (152a, 166) relative to the direction of travel of the filter cake on a movable filter medium (100) and in such a way as to develop a contaminant concentration gradient whereby the cleanest cake is contacted by gas having the lowest contaminant level.

Abstract: A device for removing floating and suspended debris from a liquid flow passed through a liquid flow flume (3) is disclosed, the device including a separator (9) positioned within the liquid flow flume at an angle with respect to the flume and extending across the path of the liquid stream for collecting floating and suspended debris thereon. An elongated conveyor assembly (10) having an elongated tubular housing (20) with a first conveyor portion (11) and a second conveyor portion (12) is also provided as a part of the device. The first conveyor portion of the conveyor assembly is positioned within the separator and extends therefrom, the first portion of the conveyor assembly, as well as the conveyor assembly, being independently supported with respect to, and without being formed as a part of, the separator.

Abstract: A plurality of sensors sense a plurality of parameters including flow rate of a slurry being filtered sensed along a filtration medium and differential pressure across the medium which characterize the operation of a cross-flow filtration system having a moving, continuous filter medium. The plurality of sensors produce a plurality of signals representative of the plurality of parameters. A processor processes the plurality of signals to provide at least one control signal. The at least one control signal is applied to the filtration system to control at least one parameter thereof. As a result, a desired operating condition or a desired performance criterion is automatically maintained during operation of the filtration system.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a tilting-pan filter assembly comprises an annular carrier for supporting a plurality of filter pans for motion along a circular transport path. The carrier is moved along the circular path by drive componentry including a plurality of individual hydraulic motors having pinions meshing with a ring gear on the carrier at respective equispaced drive points. The hydraulic motors are driven by a single pump which supplies a hydraulic fluid under variable pressure and variable flow rate. The hydraulic motors are connected in parallel to one another and to the pump in a closed loop hydraulic circuit. The pump may be driven by an electric motor which absorbs braking energy.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for removing solids from a liquid in which chain conveyor loops frictionally engage a segment of a continuous permanent filter media belt extending across the bottom of a tank over a perforate section through which liquid is withdrawn to be filtered. The chain conveyor loops and permanent filter media follow divergent paths after exiting the tank, the chain loops returning over the top of the tank, the permanent filter media belt returning beneath the tank to a point of entrance at the top of a rear tank wall. A disposable media belt is optionally introduced at the point the permanent media belt and chain conveyor loops reconverge at the entrance point of the tank at the rear wall. The chain conveyor loops are indexed periodically and frictionally engage the permanent media belt (and disposable media, if used) in the segment extending across the tank bottom to cause the belt media to likewise be indexed.

Abstract: The invention discloses a wet process flue gas desulfurization apparatus and method for use with a tank oxidation system. The apparatus comprises: an absorption tower having a slurry containing a calcium compound which is supplied to the bottom tank, a circulation pump for feeding the slurry in the tank into a flue gas inlet in an upper part of the absorption tank to be in contact with flue gas, and air feed means for feeding air for oxidizing into the tank, thereby absorbing and oxidizing sulfur dioxide in the flue gas by the slurry to obtain gypsum as a byproduct, wherein a vacuum type belt filter is disposed along an outer surface of a side wall of the absorption tower, and part of the slurry that is discharged from the circulation pump is led into the belt filter to be dehydrated, thereby separating and recovering gypsum.

Abstract: A method for removing debris from a free flowing water system (100) using an improved filter apparatus (10) is described. The apparatus includes a rail (12) which is mounted adjacent the water supply intake opening (102) and a continuous belt (36) made of chain links (38) and connectors (44) which mounts around an upper sprocket cylinder (26) and a lower sprocket cylinder (32) spaced between the ends of the rail. Openings (42) in the belt collect debris from the water flowing through the belt. The connectors have lifters (50) which move the debris collected on the front side (36A) of the belt and tilt to dump any debris of excess weight back into the water system. As the belt moves upward, the debris collected on the belt and by the lifters is moved out of the water system toward the top of the rail. As the belt moves over the upper sprocket cylinder, the upper sprocket teeth (28A) extend through the openings of the belt loosening the debris trapped on the front side of the belt.

Abstract: An elongate scraper apparatus for scraping filter cake from a moving filter medium of a filter apparatus comprises an elongate bar or scraper having a length sufficient to substantially span the face of the filter medium upon which filter cake is deposited. The bar has a broad, continuous, smooth, front face that is parallel with the surface of the filter medium. The broad, front face of the bar or scraper allows substantial contact with the surface of the filter medium over the entire surface of the front face of the bar or scraper. The elongate bar or scraper further has a top face that forms a chisel edge at the top edge of the front face. The chisel edge points in a direction parallel with the surface of the filter medium. As the filter medium bulges outwardly, it applies uniform pressure on the broad face of the bar or scraper so that the bar or scraper flexes to conform to the contour of the bulging filter medium.

Abstract: A filter apparatus and method use a permanent filter media belt to support a disposable filter media strip which are indexed over a vacuum chamber perforate cover plate at the bottom of a tank containing liquid to be filtered. A flight conveyor frictionally engages the disposable media strip to index both the disposable media strip and the permanent media belt. The side edges are each extended out into a seal enclosure containing an inflatable tube seal, each pressurized to seal the side edges during filtration, the tubes depressurized when the media are indexed.

Abstract: A vacuum or gas pressure clamp prevents movement of an elongate filter cloth used in a horizontal vacuum filter. The clamp includes a support frame and a planar supporting device having a perforated support surface for supporting the filter cloth. The vacuum clamp is mounted on the frame and is adapted for connection to a vacuum source so that vacuum can be applied to numerous holes in the support surface. An imperforate sealing sheet extends over the support surface and in close proximity thereto. The filter cloth can be drawn between the supporting device and the sealing sheet. A vacuum can be applied to the filter cloth in order to prevent its movement in the longitudinal direction. Preferably the support surface forms a rectangular grid comprising rows of closely spaced holes. This grid is surrounded by a sealing surface. In the gas pressure clamp, an enclosure extends around the supporting device and the sealing sheet and a positive air pressure can be provided in this enclosure.

Abstract: A filter system for removing a material from a layer of water of selected depth beginning at the surface of a body of water. The system is designed to be mounted to a surface vessel specially adapted to receive the system. The surface vessel has an intake area at its bow. A water intake gate acts as a closure to the intake area. The inlet gate can be lowered to admit water to the intake area as the vessel is propelled through the body of water. An endless conveyer type filter screen is supported by rollers in the intake area. Water passing through the filter screen is discharged through ducts passing through the sides of the vessel. Material separated from the water is conveyed by the filter screen to other equipment for further processing.

Abstract: A belt filter medium with detecting means for a filter apparatus and method is disclosed for separating solid materials from liquid materials in a slurry fluid. The apparatus includes separable plate members (12,14) that are pressed against each other to form a filter chamber (10). The plates have mating surfaces (34,54) and hollow interior portions that create the chamber. A filter medium (28) is placed between the mating surfaces before the plates are closed. The apparatus includes means for forcing wash fluids, liquids or gasses through the slurry to force the fluids from the slurry and to produce a dry filter cake of the solids. After the filtration has been completed, the plates are separated leaving the filter cake on the filter medium and the filter medium is advanced out of the filter chamber moving a clean filter medium between the open filter plates. Another filter operation them proceeds. The filter medium is cleaned outside of the filter apparatus and can be prepared for reuse.

Abstract: An improved filter apparatus (10) for removing debris from a free flowing water system (100) is described. The apparatus includes a rail (12) which is mounted adjacent the water supply intake opening (102) and a continuous belt (36) made of chain links (38) and connectors (44) which mounts around an upper sprocket cylinder (26) and a lower sprocket cylinder (32) spaced between the ends of the rail. Openings (42) in the belt collect debris from the water flowing through the belt. The connectors have lifters (50) which move the debris collected on the front side (36A) of the belt and are able to tilt to dump any debris of excess weight back into the water system. The belt is moved upward by a motor (54) which rotates the upper sprocket cylinder. As the belt moves upward, the debris collected on the belt and by the lifters is moved out of the water system toward the top of the rail.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for separating into solid material and liquid a mixture thereof. The apparatus includes a movable filtering element for filtering the mixture, a feed device for supplying the mixture onto the filtering element, a suction device for drawing off liquid from the mixture through the filtering element and a measuring device for measuring the area or areas on the filtering element where the liquid is predominantly to be found.

Abstract: A belt filter device for the cleaning of contaminated liquids has an upper dirt chamber which receives the contaminated liquid. Underneath this dirt chamber, a clean chamber is arranged. Between the dirt chamber and the clean chamber, a filter bottom is provided which has a passage opening for the liquid and on which a revolving filter belt is arranged so that it can be moved along automatically as a function of the amount of contaminations deposited on it. Outside the dirt chamber, a cleaning device is arranged which removes the contaminations situated on the filter belt. The cleaning device has at least one spray head which is arranged on the rear of the filter fabric and above the level of the contaminated liquid so that the dirty cleaning liquid is supplied directly to the contaminated liquid.

Abstract: A machine for conditioning a flocculated mixture formed by adding high molecular weight polymer to a slurry of ultrafine particles such as are found in mining silts, clays, sludges and the like. With this machine, such mixtures, which have already been partially dewatered, can then be substantially further dewatered. Reductions to between about 27% and 30% moisture content have been obtained. The machine includes a perforate endless conveyor belt onto which a continuous flow of the mixture is deposited and an array of stationary inverter plates and rollers in which pairs of rows of plates alternate with the rollers, both the plates and the rollers extending downwardly into the mixture as it is being moved on the belt. The rollers in the array squeeze water out of the mixture without disrupting bonds between the polymers and ultrafine particles and, in the process of applying pressure, contribute to the formation of new bonds.

Abstract: A self-cleaning filter apparatus for use in removing particulate matter from a transport fluid, such as air, which includes a housing having a pair of spaced pulleys over which an endless filter belt is positioned to present two generally straight filter reaches and two generally curved filter reaches. The endless filter belt includes a permeable substrate formed as an endless belt and a plurality of pleats of filter media extending outwardly from the surface of the substrate so that the transport fluid can pass inwardly therethrough an deposit the particulate material on the exterior surface of the pleats. A suction nozzle is positioned adjacent the outer surface of the endless filter at one of the curved reaches thereof for removing particulate matter deposited on the pleats as they pass along such curved reach.

Abstract: A method for assembling an apparatus that removes solid waste material from a stream of water. The apparatus sits in a channel within which the water containing waste material flows. A plurality of vertically oriented, laterally spaced apart, rotating screens are driven by sprocket segments and provide a filtering function. The screens are formed by plural loops of articulated links. Each link includes a horizontally-extending part that lifts solid matter from the stream as the screens rotate. The assembly method includes placing the links on shafts in a predetermined pattern that creates a frusto-conical space bordered by links. The frusto-conical space provides ample clearance space for each sprocket segment and ensures that the sprocket segments will not rub against the links which in turn prevents the parts of the apparatus from becoming misaligned with respect to one another so that the apparatus may operate for extended periods of time without requiring adjustment.

Abstract: The apparatus transforms animal waste produced during husbandry activities into useful materials such as organic-based manure and/or fertilizer to thereby mitigate the pollution problems associated with husbandry activities. A base part of the apparatus includes an endless conveyor having a filter in the form of an endless loop. A liquid-collection receptacle is interposed between the upper and lower runs of the filter so as to collect liquid filtrate from the waste material. A first hopper is located beneath one end of the endless loop so as to collect the solid content of the waste conveyed along the upper run of the filter. A second hopper is provided to accommodate material to be added to the solid content of the waste. The materials are fed from the respective hoppers into a mixing chamber whereupon they are mixed by a mixer. The base part of the apparatus is connected to a closed system of treatment tanks.

Abstract: A belt filter press having a wedge zone which can be adjusted during operation of the filter press to prepare a sludge or other material to be deliquified in the most efficient manner for high pressure deliquification also includes a sealing arrangement for sealing the marginal edges of the upper and lower belts, a tapered slide cam assembly on either side of the belts for adjusting the wedge angle in a controlled manner, rack and pinion assemblies associated with hydraulic cylinders on either side of the belts to ensure the uniform movement of the lower belt supports, and the staggered arrangement of upper and lower belt support members where the lower belt support members are concave-like in shape to facilitate the sealing of the marginal edges of the belts, as well as to form a confined pocket which will facilitate the shearing action induced in the material to be deliquified.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controlling and/or regulating a solids-liquid separation process, such as in a dewatering or drying device includes at least two photodetectors, each associated with a light source, a detector to detect light of the associated light source reflected from the surface of the solids-liquid mass, a controller generating an output signal as a function of the detected light and converting and processing the output signals of the photodetectors into correcting variables for controlling and/or regulating at least one process parameter of the separation process. At least one of the photodetectors is associated with at least one second photodetector for detecting light reflected into the photodetector at an angle, preferably an angle of 30.degree. to the main direction of reflection. The output signals of the photodetectors are advantageously processed into correcting variables for the step-wise adjustment of the at least one process parameter to optimize the separation process.

Abstract: The device for continuous filtration and drying of a solid suspension comprises a belt filter (1) and downstream a belt drier (2). By use of a porous conveyor belt (3) the filter cake generated in the belt filter (1) is conveyed further into the belt drier (2) in which there are provided heating devices for heating and drying the filter cake (7) which is on the conveyor belt (3). After leaving the belt filter (1), the filter cake (7) is present on the conveyor belt (3) in the form of a gas-permeable bed of solids in layer form having a maximum layer thickness of 50 mm, preferably a maximum of 20 mm. The heating devices in the belt drier (2) comprise, on the one hand, a hot gas chamber (8) disposed above the conveyor belt (3) to generate a hot gas which flows through the bed of solids downwardly from above and, on the other hand, one or more contact heating elements (10, 15, 18, 19, 20, 22) disposed above and/or below the conveyor belt (3).

Abstract: A compact sludge dehydrating apparatus having a replaceable upper part, with a lower part, a replaceable upper part having a sludge inlet, a plurality of columns for detachably mounting the upper part to the lower part with a space, a first sludge dehydrator for performing a first dehydration of the sludge waste and being provided in the upper part, a second sludge dehydrator for performing a second dehydration of the sludge waste and being mounted on the lower part. This second dehydrator communicates with the first dehydrator through a pipe. The first and the second cases are interconnected. A plurality of drains is provided to drain the waste waters extruded from the sludge waste as a result of sludge dehydration to a water collection tank of the lower part. The apparatus provides, for the upper part being replaceable for different kinds of the wastes to be treated, which reduces the moisture content of the resulting sludge waste.

Abstract: A traveling water screen including a basket having an upper lip beam and a lower lip beam, the lower lip beam including an elongated upwardly opening channel upstream of the water screen, the lower lip beam including an upstream wall having a lower portion the lower portion including a lower forward surface facing in the upstream direction, at least a portion of the lower forward surface being convex, and the upper portion of the upstream wall having a spoiler shape for deflecting water upwardly and over the upwardly opening channel. The traveling water screen also includes seals between adjacent baskets to prevent unscreened water from flowing through spaces between the baskets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a filtration knowledge base is used in a filtration process for separating a liquid component and a solid component from a slurry. The concentrations of the solid component in the slurry, and of the solid component in the separated liquid, are monitored and stored in a knowledge base along with a quantity relating to the amount of filtering. The knowledge base can be used for controlling the slurry-producing process, routing the separated liquid, automated billing and automated compliance reporting.

Abstract: A pulp dewatering and washing apparatus comprising a pressure vessel in which is contained a table assembly having a foraminous surface, in the form of a conveying belt, on which a pulp slurry is deposited. A differential pressure chamber in the table assembly is vented to a lower pressure location to cause a pressure differential across the pulp slurry to cause dewatering. Also, wash water is deposited on the dewatered pulp in sequential cycles to accomplish washing. A contact plate is provided to press the pulp slurry to aid in dewatering. The conveying belt of the table assembly on which the pulp slurry is deposited is stationary during the dewatering and washing, and then after the pressure differential between the vessel and the pressure differential chamber is reduced to zero, the conveyor belt moves the dewatered and washed slurry to a discharge location.

Abstract: A liquid filtration apparatus for improved water handling capacity of a belt filter comprising a continuously movable filtering medium, an advancing length of which being immersible in a container of contaminated liquid, a driving device to move the filter medium through the contaminated liquid, a device for cleaning contaminates from the filtering medium and a device for removing cleansed liquid from the filter from above the filtering medium in the region of immersion in the contaminated liquid.

Abstract: A sealed roller assembly (10) for hingeably connecting pairs of link plates (34) to form a chain (11), comprises a roller (12), a bushing (14) rotably mounted inside the roller (12), and a pin (16) rotably mounted inside the bushing (14). One pair of link plates (34) are mounted to the bushing (14), and another pair of link plates (34) are mounted to the pin (16). Seals are positioned between the adjoining surfaces of the roller (12) and the bushing (14) and the adjoining surfaces of the bushing (14) and the pin (16) to prevent contamination of the adjoining surfaces. Additionally, the roller assembly (10) can utilize a reservoir (28) containing a pressurized, fluid lubricant and a pressure accumulator (30) to continuously supply lubricant to the adjoining surfaces of the roller assembly (10).

Abstract: A filter belt movement control and belt treatment means for a pressure filter apparatus. The movement control includes a marking means in or on the filter belt medium and a sensing means on the filter apparatus. The sensing means detecting the position of the marking means in or on the belt filter medium and adapted to signal a controller for control of the position of the belt filter medium within the apparatus. The treatment means including cleaning, bathing and coating means for treating the belt filter medium and vibratory means for operation with the treating means.

Abstract: A belt filter press having a wedge zone which can be adjusted during operation of the filter press to prepare a sludge or other material to be deliquified in the most efficient manner for high pressure deliquification also includes a sealing arrangement for sealing the marginal edges of the upper and lower belts, a tapered slide cam assembly on either side of the belts for adjusting the wedge angle in a controlled manner, rack and pinion assemblies associated with hydraulic cylinders on either side of the belts to ensure the uniform movement of the lower belt supports, and the staggered arrangement of upper and lower belt support members where the lower belt support members are concave-like in shape to facilitate the sealing of the marginal edges of the belts, as well as to form a confined pocket which will facilitate the shearing action induced in the material to be deliquified.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dewatering a wet web wherein the water is withdrawn from the web via capillary action of the pores of a thin porous membrane component of a bi-component filtration medium and transferred to a plurality of reservoirs defined in a second component of the medium from whence the water is withdrawn and directed to a collector or disposal site.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of detecting and removing bulges in continuous strips of material before they enter higher-pressure zones in a dewatering filter press. The method is characterized in that, when a bulge occurs, a sensor is deflected and a control signal generated. The invention also concerns a device for carrying out the method, the device being characterized in that it is fitted with a preferably pressure-tight sensor which is deflected when a bulge occurs in the strip of material being filtered and can be reset when the bulge disappears.

Abstract: A traveling water screen for screening debris from water flowing in a downstream direction through a channel, the traveling water screen including a sealing flexible membrane between the train of baskets and the bottom of the channel for preventing water from flowing through the boot portion of the frame between the train of baskets and the bottom of the channel.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the treatment of pre-concentrated solid-liquid mixture streams, and in particular the dewatering of solid-liquid mixture streams metering the mixture from an intermediate container to a liquid separation device. The process accounts for variable inlet conditions or parameters of the solid-liquid mixture stream which is supplied to the intermediate container. A preset metering stream volume of the mixture is supplied to the liquid separating device for separating liquid by a metering device as a function of the level of the mixture in the intermediate container. The metering device can optionally comminute the solid-liquid mixture stream to be treated. The throughput rate of the liquid separating device is automatically adjusted according to the conveying rate of the metering device.

Abstract: A band screen (1) for installation across a channel (2) containing a flowing liquid (6) comprising an endless belt of screening panels (19), each provided with inwardly extending leading and trailing edge walls (26) and so attached to the belt as to be pivotable relative thereto. Cam plates (28) on the sides of the panels (19) slide along inner and outer guide tracks to control the panel orientations around the belt, causing the leading edge walls (26) to form upwardly facing steps on the upgoing side on the screen and to subsequently flatten to facilitate screening.

Abstract: The invention concerns a screening rake for removing solids from flowing sewage, the rake having a driven screening belt which can be immersed in the sewage and which has two lateral chains. A group of screening elements fitted with hooks is mounted on each of two support rods independently of the preceding and following group of screening elements. The screening elements in each group have extension pieces which project beyond the two associated support rods in the direction of travel of the screening belt and in the opposite direction. The extension pieces of successive groups of screening elements engage with each other like the teeth of a comb.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids from liquids including an endless rotatably mounted band of collecting arms for collecting screened solid material, each of the collecting arms having a leading collecting face and two opposite sides adjacent the leading collecting face, and being mounted on support rods which are arranged in spaced relationship around the band, link pieces rigidly attached to the collecting arms for linking one support rod to the next, such that the link pieces form continuous chains around the band, and separate the collecting arms one from the other to form slots between the link pieces, said link pieces being rotatable on the support rods to which they are attached, and a rotatable set of discharging teeth arranged to cooperate with said movable band by entering the slots as the band rotates to move along the leading collecting faces of the collecting arms, thereby to remove collected material gathered at the slots and from said leading collecting faces of the collecting arms.

Abstract: An oil skimmer of the endless belt type is disclosed. The unit has an adjustment for adjusting the location of the axis of head pulley rotation and a floating tail pulley to assure accurate tracking of the belts on the pulleys. The tail pulley features L-shaped spokes having legs that provide limited pulley-to-belt contact, minimizing oil transfer from the belt to the tail pulley, and also providing a mechanism for forcing oil against a descending belt reach to provide enhanced oil pick-up. The tail pulley is provided with a catch frame and an anchored tether for catching the belt and the tail pulley in the event that the belt breaks.

Abstract: In order to wash the lower run of a horizontal belt filter more effectively, and simultaneously provide for tensioning of the lower run, as required when progressing the belt intermittently, a dead weight roller is supported in a bight of the lower run of the filter belt and reciprocates up and down in a wash liquor vessel as a drive roller is alternately extended, so as to advance the upper run of the belt, and retracted. A one way device is located upstream of the dead weight roller to prevent backward movement of lower run. As the bight decreases and increases, rolling action of the dead weight roller rubs the belt and forces wash liquor therethrough. A plurality of dead weight rollers in one or more wash liquor vessels may be provided and they may be guided at their ends in vertical or oblique guide tracks.

Abstract: In horizontal belt filter apparatus wherein the belt is progressed by alternate incremental motion of the upper run and the lower run, wash liquor used for washing the belt in the lower run, e.g. by spraying into a wash box, is recycled and used for washing filter cake on the upper run at several spaced apart locations. Also, in the upper run, a respective compression device is arranged subsequent to each supply of wash liquor in the direction of travel of the upper run, and during compression gas is blown into the filter cake through the pressure plate of each device so as to maximise extraction of liquid. Trays mounted below the belt are connected to vacuum during stationary periods of the upper run and are arranged to ensure separate collection of liquid for successive sections of the upper run, which liquid may optionally be recycled to upstream locations.

Abstract: The invention includes a pretensioned mesh insert and method for providing a pretensioned mesh insert for a traveling water screen basket. First and second mated screen panels are secured together to place one of the screen panels under tension and the other of the screen panels under compression so that it bows outwardly from the screen under tension. The structure of the invention operates to reduce the fatigue experienced by the screen panels.

Abstract: A multi-deck filter comprising a plurality of filter plates arranged horizontally one above another which are held in parallel planes by respective frames surrounding them. A filtrate chamber and a sludge chamber are formed in each case alternately between adjacent filter plates and frames. A filter belt, which is moveable stepwise by a transport device, is positioned between two pairs of filter plates. The filter belt is unwound from a supply roll positioned outside of the multi-deck filter and, after removal of the dirt filter cake, collected by the multi-deck filter wound onto a collecting roll. A scraper, which contacts the surface of the filter belt, is positioned transversely and obliquely to the filter belt between multi-deck filter and collecting roll, for scraping off the dirt filter cake from the filter belt. An abutment positioned below the filter belt is associated with the scraper.

Abstract: A device for separating liquid and solid material from a mixture consists of an endless filter belt, beneath which is arranged a suction box connected to a vacuum device. The suction box supports the filter belt. The filter belt moves continuously while the suction box performs a reciprocating movement in the direction of the filter belt. In order to make possible the reciprocating movement of the suction box the connection of the suction box to the stationary vacuum device is embodied as a telescopic connection consisting of a stationary part connected to the vacuum device and a part connected to the suction box and slidably movable in the stationary part.

Abstract: The filter arrangement is provided with a filter in the form of an endless conveyor which is releasably mounted within a transport chute through which a flow of water can be directed. The filter is formed as a unit to be released from supports at the bottom of the transport chute for ease of cleaning. The filter is further pivotally mounted at the lower end so as to be adjusted angularly relative to the flow of water through the transport chute. Seals are provided between the sides of the filter and the side walls of the transport chute to preclude passage of liquid. A plurality of such filters may be disposed within the transport chute and may be associated with various discharge conveyors for discharging materials which have been filtered out of the flow of liquid.

Abstract: A process for making a battery paste includes steps of forming an active material in an aqueous slurry, then dewatering the slurry to form a battery paste. In one described embodiment, a slurry containing one or more basic lead sulfates suitable for use as the active material in lead-acid battery electrodes is formed in a continuously stirred tank reactor (36). The slurry is withdrawn from the reactor (36) and fed to a belt press (67) which reduces the moisture content of the slurry to the desired level. Battery pastes produced according to the invention may be fed continuously to a paster (89) for mass production of positive and negative battery plates from grids (91).

Abstract: The invention concerns equipment for continuous chopping of municipal refuse and other solid wastes in general, consisting of: Section I: refuse collection subsystem, first compaction and conveyance to chopping section; Section II: subsystem for final compaction and chopping ribbon of refuse; Section III: subsystem for collection of chopped refuse and conveyance to landfill sites; Section IV: subsystem for collection and disposal of wastewaters. The equipment permits a ten-to fifteen-fold reduction in the initial volume of the refuse, together with a chopping operation which allows this volume to be maintained and to obtain refuse of a sufficiently uniform size prior to transportation or to disposal in landfill sites.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon extractor, intended to be disposed above a tank (10) containing a mixture of a liquid and a liquid hydrocarbon, comprises a belt (16) made of an oleophilic material which is adapted to be immersed in the mixture and two oleophilic rollers (26, 28), disposed one on each side of the belt, for recovering the liquid hydrocarbon from the belt. The rollers are rotated in an opposite direction to that of the movement of the belt and at a higher speed than the belt to enhance the recovery process.

Abstract: A unit for cleaning liquid contaminated with solids, including a housing having a tank section defining a compartment in which contaminated liquid is deposited. The solid contaminants tend to collect as a sludge layer on the bottom wall of the tank section. The housing includes a discharge section having a base wall which inclines upwardly away from one end of the tank section. A conveyor moves along the bottom wall and thence upwardly along the inclined base wall for moving the sludge layer upwardly out of the liquid for discharge at a discharge opening. A dryer is associated with the inclined base wall and includes a pressure chamber disposed under the sludge layer for ejecting plural streams of air upwardly through the sludge layer for effecting removal of moisture therefrom. A suction chamber is disposed directly adjacent the upper side of the sludge layer in opposed relationship to the pressure chamber for collecting the moist air passing through the sludge layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for substantially eliminating diffusion and resin capacity as rate-limiting factors in mass transfer between phases in separation, chemical reaction, and biological culture processes by establishing turbulent flow of fluids within a continuous, moving belt of resilient, open-cell foam polymer. The belt is made to move alternately between bulk liquid and gas phases where mass transfer takes place by direct transport to the polymer surface as a consequence of compression and release of the belt.

Abstract: A sewage treatment system which presents a main flow line and a recirculating line, the former for flock which has appreciated in size due to the addition of a polymer and passage through an area of agitation/turbulence and the latter for the return of small sized flock to the agitator/turbulence area for size increase. The passageways of the system include movable flaps, serving recirculation purposes, and a ledge or flutter for current creation and flock build-up. Raw liquid sewage enters the system, where the outlet leads to a belt press and/or a dry bed to cake the resulting sludge.