Abstract: Roller for machines in the paper-making industry or similar, with a honeycomb-shaped roller element formed by upright straight and corrugated bands, extending approximately in the circumferential direction and alternating with each other in the axial direction, said bands being connected by welded joints. To make passages, which allow a throughflow in the circumferential direction, between the roller element and a fabric cover supported by the latter, openings adjoining the fabric cover are provided in the roller element between the fabric cover and the radially outer edges of the corrugated bands in the area of the connecting points and in the center between the connecting points, and in order to increase the open-passage area of the fabric cover, the latter rests directly on the roller element.

Abstract: Rotary vacuum filter for filtering a suspension of, for example, yeast or some other plant cell material, comprising a drum (1), a trough (3) for the suspension positioned under the drum and a doctor knife (5) for removing the filter cake which is produced. The doctor knife is attached to or adjacent to one of the upper edges (6) of the trough (3).According to the invention the trough (3) can be revolved around the geometric axis (10) of the drum (1), whereby the immersion angle (.alpha.) is infinitely adjustable, and the doctor knife (5) can be moved towards and away from the center of the drum (1).

Abstract: A filtering device for filtering solids from liquids or liquid-like materials comprising a housing within which a filter member is rotatably mounted. The filter member which is traversed radially by the material to be filtered, comprises an outer sleeve member, a fine filter sleeve, a support filter sleeve and an inner sleeve member or drum. The outer sleeve member includes bores which receive the material to be filtered and has an external surface which is cylindrical. The filtrate, that is to say, the liquid or liquid-like material, passes through the filter member into the interior of the drum and then travels axially along the drum to a discharge outlet. At least the fine filter sleeve and the support filter sleeve taper conically inwardly in a direction towards the outlet. The solid material remains in the bores.

Abstract: A roller is provided with ribs directed outwardly from its face which permit the formation of cavities between the circumferential surface of the roller and the screen belts entrained thereon so that continuous channels are formed on the circumferential surface of the roller which conduct the filtrate axially outwards. The ribs are hollow tubular members having an opening along the surface of the roller which captures additional liquid, preventing it from falling back onto the belt, and allowing it to be conducted off and drained by allowing the liquid to flow laterally only.

Abstract: A water filtering device has a substantially horizontal rotatable drum having a filter layer composed of a granular filter material and a space therein, the rotatable drum being rotatable about its own axis, a first water flow pipe extending axially into the rotatable drum in coaxial relationship, the first water flow pipe having a first branch extending radially outwardly in the space for introducing crude water to be filtered into the rotatable drum and discharging waste washing water out of the rotatable drum, and a second water flow pipe extending axially into the rotatable drum in coaxial relationship, the second water flow pipe having a second branch extending radially outwardly in the filter layer for discharging filtered water out of the rotatable drum and introducing washing water into the rotatable drum. The rotatable drum is rotatably mounted on the first and second water flow pipes. The first and second water flow pipes are fixedly mounted on a support base.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating loose paper pieces from a bath of caustic soda including a tank with a hopper-like structure disposed at the top of the tank. A helical screw conveyor is operatively disposed below the hopper and has its discharge exteriorly of the tank. A pair of perforated stainless steel screen-type spaced rotatable drums is operatively disposed between the hopper and the conveyor, and a hollow stainless steel screen-type cylindrical filter (with a nylon filter cover) is positioned in the bottom of the tank and has an outlet extending to the tank exterior. In operation, a caustic soda solution mixed with paper pieces in the hopper is discharged by gravity onto the rotating drums which feed the paper pieces via the outer (rotating) drum surfaces into the conveyor and then to the exterior of the tank. The caustic soda solution flows through the perforations in the drums and then to the bottom of the tank and through the cylindrical filter for final filtering and then to the tank exterior.

Abstract: A shower pipe for a rotary drum filter has a square cross-sectional shape defined by top, bottom and side walls. The sidewalls and a pair of lengthwise-extending continuous diffusion flanges depending from the bottom wall of the pipe stiffen the pipe against sag for placement at a 12 o'clock position spanning the filter drum. The pipe is formed of fiberglass reinforced plastic in two longitudinally-divided hollow sections in a pair of mirror image, trough-like molds. Each section has a pair of interconnection flanges for mating the sections together. The interconnection flanges extend normally to the sidewalls to stiffen the pipe when the bottom wall of the pipe is vertically-oriented for placing the pipe at at 9 o'clock position along one side of the filter drum. Glass rods are secured in the interior corners of the pipe to provide diagonal rigidity, for placing the pipe at, e.g., a 10-11 o'clock position between the top and side of the filter drum.

Abstract: A method and device for filtering a suspension (14), for example of yeast or other plant cell material, on a rotary vacuum filter (10), beneath which a trough (4) containing the suspension (14) is located. In order to improve the balance between dipping zone and drying zone, according to the invention a take-off knife (1) for taking off the filter cake (8) resulting from the filtering is attached to the trough (4). The level of the suspension (14) is maintained constant, and the trough (4) is moved by means of a feeding device (7) to the center of the drum (12) of the vacuum filter (10) while the drum is rotating.

Abstract: A solid, fiberglass-reinforced plastic rotary drum filter includes a first solid fiberglass-reinforced head at one end and a second solid fiberglass-reinforced head at the other end. A central solid fiberglass-reinforced plastic pipe extends from one plastic head a predetermined distance into the plastic drum. A plurality of radial, solid fiberglass-reinforced plastic drainage conduits extends from the solid fiberglass-reinforced plastic deck of the plastic drum to the central pipe. The longitudinal separation between the radial plastic drainage conduits and the first plastic head is carefully chosen and the dimensions of the first plastic head are such that the first plastic head is strong enough to withstand the head-bending force due to radial force, drive torque, and hydraulic end force.

Abstract: This invention relates to the art of vacuum pre-coat filtering to produce solids capable of being incinerated for their heat value and recovery of non-combustible solids. Specifically, the invention deals with rotary vacuum filtering apparatus containing a coating layer on the filter drum screen of a combustible non-fibrous particulate filter aid, preferably charcoal, which forms an efficient filter bed, is capable of being scraped from the bed in thin film form with the filtered out solids thereon and is capable of being incinerated eliminating heretofore necessary disposal expense.

Abstract: A conveyor belt assembly is presented for use in conjunction with a rotary drum filtration apparatus, the conveyor belt passing longitudinally through the drum. The conveyor belt assembly comprises two movable frame sections and an associated conveyor belt. A first movable frame section is slidably mounted, preferably by rollers on rails, on the supporting framework whereby the conveyor belt may be moved between an operative position inside the drum and a retracted position outside the drum. The second movable frame section is pivotably mounted and is capable of pivoting upwardly into a raised position thereby providing a space for the first frame section to be slidably positioned thereunder. Preferably, a ramp means attached to the slidable frame section urges the second pivotable frame section upwardly to the raised position.

Abstract: A method of improving the washing efficiency for removal of cooking and bleaching chemicals from cellulose paper pulp on rotary vacuum filters by disrupting the filter mat with a low volume, directly impinged flow of wash liquor applied intermediately of soft, displacement wash liquor applications. No additional wash liquor is allocated for respective wash stages but the mat disturbing flow volume is deducted from the predetermined requirement with the remainder divided in substantially equal proportions applied before and after the mat disturbing application.

Abstract: An air filter comprising a rotatably mounted drum assembly having a generally cylindrically shaped skeletal framework, with a plurality of side-by-side substantially circular filter media support members projecting radially outwardly from and supported by the cylindrical framework and with each of the circular support members being of modular construction, and wherein each of the circular support members has opposing sloping sides thereof arranged in radially outwardly converging relationship with a band of pliable filter media secured to and overlying the circular support members for rotative movement therewith. Suction apparatus in the form of a plurality of stationary nozzles extend in the valleys between adjacent circular support members for effecting removal of the collected waste from the filter media.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus is used to continuously separate a large quantity of a substance such as a slurry, sludge or other suspension into a liquid component and a solid component in such a manner that the separated solid component is obtained as a cake in a semi-dried condition, and comprises a rotary drum including a perforated cylindrical member and a filter cloth provided on the outer peripheral surface. The drum is supported for rotation so that a portion thereof is immersed into the substance to be filtered. The pressure within the drum is reduced by a vacuum pump so that the liquid component of the substance is drawn into the drum through the portion thereof is immersed into the substance while the solid component of the substance is accumulated on the filter cloth of the rotating drum and is held as a cake thereon. The cake is continuously removed by a doctor blade in the portion of the drum which is exposed to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A fluid assisted doffer (30) is disclosed in combination with a fluid filter (10). The fluid filter (10) includes a rotatably mounted drum (23) covered with a filter screen (25). Fluid is filtered through screen (25) from the upstream to the downstream side to form an overlying porous layer of particulate matter. The downstream side of the drum (23) includes filter chambers (A) and (B) being sealed against direct fluid flow. The fluid assisted doffer comprises a doffing chamber (45) positioned on the downstream side of screen (25) at the position where the overlying porous layer of particulate matter is to be removed from the screen (25) and communicating through the screen (25) with the upstream side thereof. The doffing chamber (45) is sealed against direct fluid communication with filter chambers (A) and (B) on the downstream side of the screen (25).

Abstract: A rotatable drum solids-liquids separation device having bailer scoop means forming a fluid-holding trough attached to and rotatable with the drum which is operable to pick-up fluid in an internal drum sump and during rotation to lift and transport the fluid to an outlet position higher in elevation than the sump level, normally at the centerline of the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing excess liquid and contaminants from a belt filter cake includes a perforated main belt extending over a separation drum. An anti-wear permeable belt has one portion lying against part of the main belt supported by the separation drum. There are exterior suction headers and chambers effective through the anti-wear belt and main belt and a main suction box within the separation drum for cake recovery where the main belt is in contact therewith. Wash water nozzles are within the separation drum directed toward the exterior suction headers and chambers.

Abstract: A rotary filter drum in which the drum is a single cell having a perforated cylindrical wall and solid end walls. A hollow central shaft extends through the drum and its opposite ends extend axially from the end walls. The drum contains a plurality of relatively narrow elongated open-top pans that are equally spaced radially from and angularly about the central shaft. Each pan is defined by a bottom, spaced apart inner and outer sidewalls which extend the full length of the drum and the drum end walls. The pan walls are secured to the ends of the drum. The pans are located so the open tops face the direction of drum rotation and the entire leading edge of the outer sidewall of the pan is secured to the perforated cylindrical wall. A closed conduit connects the bottom portion of each pan to the central shaft which in turn connects to the vacuum source so the filtrate is removed from and vacuum applied to the interior of the drum solely through the central shaft but via the pans and connecting conduits.

Abstract: A strainer device for purification of pulp suspensions comprises a strainer drum with a cylindrical mantle provided with strainer openings. Between the strainer openings are inclined surfaces forming an angle with the flow direction of the suspension, in order that particles contacting the surfaces are given a component of movement radially outwards.

Abstract: A substantially entirely plastic rotary drum filter is made by applying a layer of plastic to the interior surface of a cylindrical mold, removing the mold, and applying at least one additional layer of plastic to the exposed exterior surface of the shell formed by the first layer. A plastic annular axial valve housing with plural valve chambers and a central valve receiving space is mounted to a head assembly at the head end of the shell. A tail assembly closes the opposite end of the shell to form the drum. Circumferentially spaced interior plastic bucket sections are positioned midway between the head and tail assemblies. Upon the periodic application of a vacuum to the valve chambers, filtrate is delivered from the exterior of the drum through an associated bucket and plastic drainage conduit to an associated valve chamber. Plastic reinforcing rings strengthen the drum along its length and in the region of the bucket section.

Abstract: A substantially entirely plastic rotary drum filter is made by applying a layer of plastic to the interior surface of a cylindrical mold, removing the mold, and applying at least one additional layer of plastic to the exposed exterior surface of the shell formed by the first layer. A plastic annular axial valve housing with plural valve chambers and a central valve receiving space is mounted to a head assembly at the head end of the shell. A tail assembly closes the opposite end of the shell to form the drum. Circumferentially spaced interior plastic bucket sections are positioned midway between the head and tail assemblies. Upon the periodic application of a vacuum to the valve chambers, filtrate is delivered from the exterior of the drum through an associated bucket and plastic drainage conduit to an associated valve chamber. Plastic reinforcing rings strengthen the drum along its length and in the region of the bucket section.

Abstract: A strainer drum for straining pulp and the like comprises a substantially circular cylindrical mantle formed by a number of strainer elements provided with strainer openings, which strainer elements are held together between at least two gables to form the mantle.

Abstract: A filter apparatus having an inlet duct (30) with a plurality of vanes (10) therein. Each vane (10) is positioned in the fluid duct (30) and adapted for deflecting fluid as it moves through the duct (30) and further for preventing the accumulation on the vane (10) of particulate matter entrained in the fluid. Vane (10) comprises a vane body (11) defining a forward edge portion (12) which faces upstream into the moving fluid. Forward edge portion (12) has a pre-determined angle of incidence to the direction of travel of the moving fluid sufficient to overcome frictional adherence of the particulate matter. Vane body (11) also has a free end (16) spaced apart from the inner walls of duct (30). The vane body (11) also defines a rearward edge portion (13) downstream of forward edge portion (12) and defines an angle within duct (30) corresponding to the extent of deflection to be applied to the moving fluid. One of the embodiments includes alternating vane bodies (11) positioned on opposite walls of the duct (30).

Abstract: A dust removing fluid filter has a continuous filter material web wound about a rotatable drum. The free end of the web is attached to a collector shaft which winds up the filter material web as it becomes contaminated.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the inside faces of pipes or tubes from foreign particles sticking thereto, by means of flexible cleaning elements which are oversized relative to the pipe/tube inside diameter to be cleaned, and which are forced through the pipes or tubes under hydraulic pressure is provided, wherein a bar screen disposed on the downstream side of the pipe/tube outlet separates the cleaning elements from the liquid. The apparatus includes a drum-shaped rotatable body having its axis of rotation disposed in a plane normal to the liquid stream direction of flow, on the inside of which there is a screen body or element arranged under such an angle relative to the direction of flow that a lower screen face extremity opens out into an outlet opening.

Abstract: A method and equipment for thickening various suspensions, such as, e.g., pulp slurry, waste waters, or mineral sediments. The sludge or slurry is passed into a basin in which a filter unit rotates as partly submerged in the sludge or slurry. The thickened sludge or pulp web is gathered onto the surface of the filter unit from the sludge or the slurry in the basin. The sludge or slurry is passed from the basin to above the sludge or slurry level. In order to pre-thicken the sludge or slurry, part of the liquid contained therein is removed through a wall located between the feeding-in point of the sludge or slurry and the surface level of the sludge or slurry.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the inside faces of pipes or tubes from foreign particles adhering thereto by means of flexible cleaning elements which are oversized relative to the pipe inside diameter to be cleaned, and which are forced through the pipes under hydraulic pressure. The invention is characterized by the fact that a screen is disposed in a casing in such a way that the sieve element is inclined in two different degrees of freedom relative to the centerline of the incoming liquid stream.

Abstract: A rotary drum filter apparatus comprising a rotary drum, a plurality of axial, parallel slots spaced circumferentially around the drum, a filter cloth positioned peripherally around the drum and portions thereof extending into each of the axial slots, flexible metal means inserted into each of the slots over the portion of the filter cloth extending into the slots and caulking means for holding each of the metal means and each of said portions of said filter cloth in a locked position in their respective axial slots. The metal means may comprise a stranded metal cable wherein caulking means are unnecessary.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for separating liquids and particularly separating oil from the surface of water contained in a tank. The apparatus includes a partially submerged drum mounted to rotate in the water tank and a film of oil and water is picked up on the surface of the rotating drum and removed by a doctor blade. The removed oil and water mixture flows through a trough and is discharged into the upper end portion of a vertical tube. The lower open end of the tube is located beneath the level of the water and the tube has an overflow outlet located at a higher level than the level of the water. The oil, having a lesser density than the water, will collect in the upper end in the tube and the level of oil will rise and is discharged through the overflow outlet, thereby providing a full separation of the oil from the water.

Abstract: An apparatus for reforming fuel oil wherein ultrasonic waves are utilized. The apparatus comprises a closed vessel, a rotary collector formed in a cylindrical shape, an inlet conduit for supplying fuel oil to be reformed into the vessel, an outlet conduit for delivering reformed oil from the vessel, and a ultrasonic irradiating device. The rotary collector has a layered mesh structure of a fine mesh, preferably of mesh size between 2 .mu.m and 20 .mu.m, mounted thereon so that sludge contained in the fuel oil to be reformed is collected on the layered mesh structure. One end of a horn connected to the ultrasonic wave irradiating device faces the layered mesh structure forming a small gap therebetween so that the sludge collected on the layered mesh structure is dissociated by the ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a closed-type vessel comprising a filtering chamber, at least one perforated filter cylinder a portion of which is positioned within the filtering chamber, said filter cylinder being rotatable at any desired speed and having a filtering surface covered with a filter cloth, and a squeezing roll and sealing roll which engage with said filter cylinder through the filter cloth at all times to define a sealing and operating wall. Any sewage to be treated is supplied under pressure to the filtering chamber and filtered through the filter cloth at the filtering surface of the filter cylinder. Filter cake deposited on the filter cloth is continuously transferred to the outer periphery of the squeeze roll and then separated therefrom outside the filtering chamber by any suitable means such as a scraper.

Abstract: Doctor blade cleaning apparatus for the removal of solids accumulating thereon which includes a cleaning blade movable through an arcuate path and activating devices for moving the cleaning blade at least over the surface of the doctor blade and to a position away from the doctor blade for the discharge of solids removed therefrom.

Abstract: A rotary drum filter used to form and wash a pulp mat in the paper making process has a cylindrical filter drum with trunnions at its opposite ends mounting the drum for rotation about a central axis. One of the trunnions is hollow and is rotatably connected to an open end of a stationary vacuum pipe for draining filtrate from the drum during its rotation. Packing material provides a fluid seal at the rotatable connection between the vacuum pipe and the hollow trunnion. The hollow trunnion has an inner wall lined with a fiberglass-reinforced plastic material. An outer end portion of the inner wall is recessed to provide a seat for a packing sleeve insert made of an abrasion-resistant material. The inner surface of the packing sleeve insert provides a continuation of the lined inner surface of the hollow trunnion. An outer flange collar of the insert is threadedly fastened to an outer end surface of the hollow trunnion to hold the insert in place.

Abstract: A rotary filter (10) is disclosed which has a rotating drum (24) disposed within a pressure housing (12). The drum (24) is perforated to form a mesh surface over which a support layer (27) is affixed. Filter material is deposited on the support layer (27) to form a filter layer (30). The particulate matter within a fluid stream is removed by the filter layer (30) to form a filter cake (43 ) on the surface of the filter layer (30). A blade (42) scrapes the filter cake (43) from the surface of filter layer (30) and deposits the scraped filter cake (43) within a chamber (38). The rotary filter (10) thus operates continuously to filter the process fluid to prevent increasing the fluid pressure across the filter layer (30) due to blocking of the filter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating entrained particulate matter from a fluid wherein particulate matter is collected in an overlying porous layer on an upstream side of a rotatable, fluid-permeable filter in a first chamber, and rotatably conveyed into a second chamber and used as an additional filtering medium. The filter comprises a cylindrical drum having a filter surface thereon and is rotatably mounted in an enclosed housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. Fluid pumping means operatively communicate with the housing for inducing a flow of fluid into the housing through the inlet and out of the housing through the outlet. Chamber means are disposed within the housing and sealingly cooperate therewith and with the cylindrical drum and define a first chamber fluidly communicating with the inlet and a predetermined portion of the cylindrical drum on the upstream and downstream sides thereof.

Abstract: A filter for removing solids from a liquid of the type wherein a rotatable basket or drum has media inside straining from inside out. A power operated conveyor is mounted in the drum above the axis of rotation for receiving and positively removing solids. Thus, a liquid level is possible above the axis of rotation but below the conveyor so that a large filter area is in contact with the liquid while not interfering with the operation of the conveyor. A retractable scoop is provided for positively delivering the solids to the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering raw water comprising a drum composed of disc-shaped end plates, horizontal member or members extended between the peripheries of the end plates, and a water-permeable filter cloth with a long pile stretched round the member or members to form a drum-shaped filter body. A rotating shaft supports the drum and the drum is submerged in a raw water conduit. A discharge pipe communicates with the inside of the drum. A hopper is located immediately below the filter body in the conduit and carries a pair of rolls on its upper edges for contact with the filter body. A drain pipe is connected to the hopper. The arrangement permits efficient removal of minute floating and drifting matter, such as plankton, from raw water, making possible a high rate of filtration with a very small space requirement.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing suspended matter from suspensions by filtering through foams, in which the suspended matter retained in the foam (polyurethane foam produced by foaming with water vapor being preferred) is substantially flushed out by expressing the liquid held in the foam, and is removed as a concentrate. This for the the first time permits the removal of suspended matter from continuously flowing suspensions without the flow of the suspensions having to be interrupted in order to clean the filtering means.

Abstract: A water screen for submergence within a body of water with the screen being supported by a pump intake conduit. A support structure of the screen in place on the intake conduit supports a rotatable screen. A backwash system includes conduits with spray orifices discharging a pressurized flow of water against the screen interior to backwash the screen as well as impart rotation thereto. A modified screen structure is powered by a motor.

Abstract: An arrangement for treating wastewater containing soluble organic matter through the proliferation of aerobic microorgnisms to purify the wastewater. In an apparatus having a wastewater tank, a water pervious drum rotatably mounted in the tank and partially submerged in wastewater therein, and a multiplicity of biological contactors packed in the drum, the improvement comprising the biological contactors being of hollow structure, each having at least two small openings, a subsidiary biological contactor being provided in the interior of each biological contactor where required, the contactors being compactly packed in the drum so as to be prevented from movement therein.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for separating loose paper pieces from a bath of caustic soda, such as is ejected from a bottle washing machine including a housing having a reservoir in its upper portion, the reservoir having finely perforated bottom walls sloping toward the center where there is an elongated opening. An elongated helical screw conveyor is provided in the housing spaced below and parallel to the elongated opening with a perforated conveyor sleeve closely surrounding the conveyor on the bottom and sides leaving an open top which communicates with the paper coming down from the upper reservoir. Two cylindrical perforated drums are mounted in the housing on axes parallel to the screw conveyor and on opposite sides of the center of the housing. These drums may be rotated from time to time as set forth. A paper-chopping apparatus is provided at the end of the conveyor which discharges paper outside of the housing.

Abstract: An improved bar screen is disclosed which has a plurality of ring bars and a plurality of scrapers mounted therebetween which are rockable away from the ring bars. Since base portion of the scrapers is always engaged between the ring bars, the scrapers may be easily reset into their operative position after they have been rotated to their cleaning position away from the ring bars.

Abstract: A doctor blade assembly for use with a rotating cylinder includes a doctor blade extending axially adjacent the cylinder outer surface and a blade cleaner extending parallel to and adjacent the doctor blade. The blade cleaner is pivotally supported on the doctor blade assembly and there are cooperating means on the cylinder and blade cleaner support for causing intermittent movement of the blade cleaner in a path along the doctor blade upper surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for the recovery of liquid from a liquid medium containing solids includes a rotatable outer drum having a liquid-permeable drum wall and containing liquid-absorbing material, a rotatable inner wall having a liquid impervious drum wall and being mounted for rotation within and eccentrically relative to the outer drum, the drums being rotatable in the same direction into the liquid medium so as to transport the material through a compression zone in which the material is compressed so as to remove absorbed liquid therefrom and subsequently through a pressure-relief zone in which the liquid-absorbing material is allowed to expand and to absorb liquid from the liquid medium, a device or devices contacting the exterior surface of the outer drum to remove solids deposited thereon, such devices being located between the zones, and a device for collecting liquid removed from the liquid-absorbing material in the compression zone.

Abstract: A filtration system having an intermittently moving belt on which is deposited a suspension to form a filter cake. A press is provided above the belt comprising one or more pressure cushions, and suction chambers are disposed below the belt. A control system coupled to the cushions and the chambers controls application of pressure to the former and suction to the latter to press the cushions down on the filter cake formed on the belt and to draw off moisture from the compressed cake, the action of applying pressure and suction halting movement of the belt. After filtering the cake the pressure and suction are removed allowing the belt to move forward and another filtration cycle to start on the next section of the filter cake formed on the belt.

Abstract: The specification discloses an improvement in rotary screening apparatus for the filtration of liquids and especially water. Such apparatus comprises (a) a stationary structure including a delivery channel for the feed water and a screened water holding tank wherein a lower elevation of screened water is maintained and (b) a screen drum disposed to receive feed water from the channel and to rotate within the tank on a horizontal axis with the uppermost section of its cylindrical surface above the feed for cleaning purposes. The improvement resides in a seal between the holding tank and the drum which provides improved protection against leakage and utilizes a flow of screened water which drives the feed water away from the seal if and wherever there may be a leak.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving the dewatering capability of a rotary drum vacuum filter or washer is described in which a suction box, independently supported above the filter drum, having an apertured outermost surface, and a vacuum means operating upon the box, is combined with a foraminous belt, tensioned to contact the suction box apertured surface and that portion of the drum surface not adjacent the box such that rotation of the drum causes the belt to rotate with the drum, sliding over the suction box. In operation, a cake or fibrous web that is formed upon the belt while it is in contact with the filter drum surface, partially submerged in a slurry of the material to be recovered, is subsequently subjected to the suction box vacuum means as the belt-supported web passes over the apertured surface. A discharge box at the trailing edge of the suction box is supplied with pressurized air to blow the cake or fibrous web from the foraminous belt surface at the product discharge point.

Abstract: A structure for dewatering solids utilizing a rotating cylindrical screen wherein the solids and water are directed to a portion of the rotating screen with the water passing into the interior of the screen and the solids adhering to the external surface of the screen. Doctor means remove substantially all of the solids from the external surface of the screen, after which the screen is washed by the water which has entered into the screen, the water being directed by a baffle into a flowing stream which strikes the screen and passes therethrough in a concentrated mass. The baffle is fixedly carried by a fixed shaft on which the screen is mounted for rotation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dehydrating suspensions by means of a vacuum filter and consisting of applying the suspension to the surface of the vacuum filter, directing steam along the path parallel to the surface and thereafter passing the steam into contact with the filter cake on the surface.

Abstract: A thickener apparatus includes a shaftless cylinder mold having a perforated cylindrical shell supported by two end members one of which is an open frame structure having radially extending support beams interconnecting a short rotational shaft aligned with the axial center of rotation of the cylinder, and a peripheral ring member which supports the shell of the cylinder mold. The shell is sufficiently rigid to be self supporting and has a backing cloth overly covering the perforated portion of the cylinder, and a face cloth covering the backing cloth, both of which act as a screen to permit the white water to collect in the central hollow portion of the cylinder mold to be subsequently discharged therefrom.