Abstract: A vaporizable solute transfer system for transferring a vaporizable solute from an aqueous feed solution to an extractant liquid comprises a fluid tight housing, a porous membrane which divides the housing into a feed solution chamber and an extractant chamber, and a vacuum atmosphere chamber formed of a nonporous material. The housing has feed solution inlet and outlet ports which communicate with the feed solution chamber, an extraction inlet port which communicates with the extractant chamber, and a vacuum outlet port which communicates with the vacuum atmosphere chamber. The vaporizable solute transfer system also includes a pressure difference control means for maintaining a difference between a liquid pressure of a feed solution chamber and a liquid pressure of an extractant liquid in the extractant chamber substantially within a predetermined pressure range so that an interface between the feed solution and the extractant is substantially immobilized at the membrane.

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permanent filter media belt extending across the bottom of a tank over a perforate section through which liquid is withdrawn to be filtered.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: An automated biological cell harvesting apparatus including a fluid dispensing head adapted to move to a lowered position and dispense fluid from a plurality of spray ports, a fixed upper tray positioned beneath the fluid dispensing head for supporting a biological filter plate of the type defining a plurality of fluid permeable wells therein, a vertically movable lower tray adapted to move from a lowermost position to a raised position in engagement with the upper tray. A controller is provided for dispensing fluid from the fluid dispensing head into the wells of the filter plate, and raising the lower tray into its raised position in engagement with the upper tray and then creating a vacuum between the lower tray and the upper tray to draw the fluid from the filter plate supported on the upper tray into the lower tray for collection in a microplate with a corresponding number of wells or, in the absence of a microplate, for removal of the fluid from the lower tray to a remote common waste collection vessel.

Abstract: A rotary drum type device for separating solid particles from a liquid includes a rotary screen drum having support rods extending in the axial direction and arranged cylindrically and having a projecting portion in a radially outward end portion, and a wedge wire wound spirally on the outer periphery of the support rods in substantially crossing direction to the support rods. The wedge wire is arranged with its one side facing outward and two other sides forming a slit which widens radially inwardly between adjacent wedge wire portions and with an inward apex of said wedge wire being welded to the projecting portion of the support rods at crossing points. The rotary drum type device further includes a container containing a liquid to be treated disposed outside of the rotary screen drum, a suction device connected to the rotary screen drum for reducing pressure in the rotary screen drum, and a scraper for stripping off cake produced on the outer periphery of the rotary screen drum.

Abstract: Novel membranes comprise crystals of a zeo-type material carried by a porous support. The crystal growth of the zeo-type material is essentially continuous over the pores of the support and the zeo-type material is crystallized directly from and bonds directly to the support. Membranes may be prepared by immersing the support in a synthesis gel, crystallizing the gel, removing the support, and repeating these steps at least once.

Abstract: A vacuum filter device is disclosed which includes a filter body which is adapted to receive in fluid-fight, sealed relationship a pair of closed containers for solutions to be filtered by a membrane filter positioned within the filter body. A vacuum port in the filter body communicates with the downstream side of the membrane and a venting passageway also located in the filter body communicates with the closed sample container to serve as a vent to atmospheric pressure. The venting passageway is made of an air permeable hydrophobic filter or preferably a small enough opening to prevent the sample solutions from leaking out of the device during normal use.

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 fluid filter assembly having a body with a chamber for receiving a filter element supported by the body. At least one cleaning device is positioned adjacent the inlet side of the filter element. The cleaning device includes a hollow duct for collecting dislodged particulate matter, an adjustable scraper or brush and a deflector substantially equal in length to the scraper or brush. Nozzles may be provided for directing pressurized cleaning fluid toward the cleaning device.

Abstract: A sludge filtration system for separating the sludge liquids from the sludge solids. A container provides a basin for receiving and holding the sludge. Within the container, a first filter assembly, positioned proximal the container bottom, defines a first filtrate cavity. The first filter assembly is maintained below the sludge level so that a pump, in flow communication with the first filtrate cavity, provides for vacuum evacuation of the first filtrate cavity. Placing a valve in the first filtrate discharge conduit facilitates selective vacuum evacuation or gravitational evacuation of the first filtrate cavity. A second filter assembly extends about the inside perimeter of the container cavity proximal the container side walls. In addition, the second filter assembly extends from proximal the container bottom to the container top end. The second filter assembly defines a second filtrate cavity. A second filtrate discharge conduit provides for gravitational evacuation of the second filtrate cavity.

Abstract: An assembly for recovering crystals from a slurry comprises a filtration unit including a rotatably mounted cylindrical filter, a slurry input for receiving slurry pressurized by a pump. The filtration unit has an outlet for discharging crystalline material separated from the slurry by the filtration unit. A first hopper connected to the filtration unit at the discharge outlet thereof is provided at a downstream side with a first valve unit which is in turn connected to a second hopper on a downstream side. A second valve unit is coupled to the second hopper at a downstream side thereof. Each of the valve units includes a rotatably mounted dome shaped valve member. The second hopper is provided with a vent extending to a gas storage tank. A conduit links the hoppers to one another for substantially equalizing pressure in the hoppers prior to an opening of the upstream valve during a discharge procedure.

Abstract: In prior pressure washer drums, the filter deck was supported on the central shaft by spokes welded to the central hub which was in turn welded to the shaft. The extreme forces caused premature failure of the welded joints. The present invention provides a pressure washer drum in which sandwiched parallel plates having an array of apertures replace the spokes and central pipe and journals are supported on the hub by a bolting system rather than by welding.

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 method and apparatus for improving the operation of a vacuum drum filter. A hollow and perforated shower roll is located at the top of a vacuum drum apparatus for drying and cleaning paper pulp. The interior of the shower roll is provided with a liquid distribution pipe having a plurality of spaced openings therealong, the pipe also having a substantially vertically extending dam which extends radially to adjacent the lower interior surface of the shower roll. In operation, rotation of the vacuum drum in a vat of paper pulp to be dewatered results in the continuous formation of layer of pulp on its exterior surface, the layer being compressed by the shower roll at the nip between the vacuum roll and the shower roll. Concurrently, the shower roll discharges or exudes water onto and into the pulp layer at the nip.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for filtering slurries of minerals or other fine particles. The apparatus includes a filter plate having an interior porous support layer and a microporous metal filtration layer overlying the support layer, the pore sizes in the filtration layer preferably being in the range of from about 0.2 to 3 microns. The side of the filtration layer non-adjacent the support layer constitutes a filter surface for the mineral.

Abstract: A circumferential seal for a disc filter valve to rotary collection pipe is formed by a radially compliant circumferentially restrained and tensioned seal disposed in a split "V" notch formed in a non-flooded zone between the stationary valve plate and the rotating collection pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for hyperbaric filtration includes a sealable filtering vessel including an internal filtering cavity. A porous filtering plate is mounted in the vessel. The filtering plate divides the cavity into a first chamber wherein the filter cake is held by the filtering plate and a second chamber. A pressurized fluid source is connected by a delivery conduit to the filtering vessel so as to allow the delivery of pressurized fluid to the first chamber. An exhaust conduit is connected to the filtering vessel in communication with the second chamber. A rotary flow control valve in the exhaust conduit is connected to a drive motor so that fluid pressure may be released in a pulsating manner. This serves to vibrate the filter cake and filtering plate freeing moisture for removal with the passage of the pulsating pressurized fluid from the vessel. A circuit is also provided for supplying an electric current to the filter cake during filtering so as to further improve filtering efficiency.

Abstract: A device for collecting particles, such as human cells, from a fluid sample, and for transferring the collected particles to a receiver, such as a glass microscope slide, provides substantially exact replication of the spatial distribution of the cells on the collection device. The device supports a surface-collecting filter on a tubular rim, with a precise degree of flatness, and fastens the filter in place at a mounting shoulder recessed below the rim. Distortions of the mounting shoulder or of the filter at the mounting shoulder, caused by securing the filter to the shoulder, are confined to the shoulder structure, and do not detract from the desired precision flatness of the filter and rim structure.

Abstract: A rotary filter valve is provided with a variable restriction of the timing plate which minimizes bypass gas entering the vacuum system during emergence of the filter elements from the submerged condition.

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: An assembly for recovering crystals from a slurry comprises a filtration unit including a rotatably mounted cylindrical filter, a slurry input for receiving slurry pressurized by a pump. The filtration unit has an outlet for discharging crystalline material separated from the slurry by the filtration unit. A first hopper connected to the filtration unit at the discharge outlet thereof is provided at a downstream side with a first valve unit which is in turn connected to a second hopper on a downstream side. A second valve unit is coupled to the second hopper at a downstream side thereof. Each of the valve units includes a rotatably mounted dome shaped valve member. The second hopper is provided with a vent extending to a gas storage tank. A conduit links the hoppers to one another for substantially equalizing pressure in the hoppers prior to an opening of the upstream valve during a discharge procedure.

Abstract: A rotating drum filter assembly for thickening lime sludge includes a liquid jet distributor for directing liquid jets against a strip of lime sludge filter cake on the ascending side of the drum. The distributor is positioned on the ascending side of the drum and within 45.degree. of a vertical plane tangential to the drum peripheral surface. The liquid jets are directed so as to disperse the strip in a manner such that substantially all of the lime sludge comprising the strip remains on the drum. Cake wash water formed by water distributed from shower heads immediately refills the cleaned strip thereby minimizing loss of vacuum within the hollow drum interior.

Abstract: An anti rewet deck is provided for press rolls used to increase consistency of fibrous pulp slurry from approximately 4 percent up to about 30 to 50 percent. This is accomplished by biasing the location of the drainage holes in the roll shell to the forward edge of the drainage compartments within the roll shell. To avoid the necessity for handing of the rolls, a mechanism is provided for accomplishing the purposes of minimizing rewet at practical production rates by providing baffle plates which effectively orient the draining pattern in the desired direction. Such baffles can be permanently or removably installed once the desired handing of the rolls is determined.

Abstract: A device (10) for separating liquid samples has a sample container (12), bottom wall (20) of which has an outlet opening (22) provided therein. The outlet opening (22) is joined by an outlet spout (24) extending in the axial direction of the sample container (12). On bottom wall (20) there is a separation layer (28). Below sample container (12), a collecting container (32) is arranged abutting sample container (12) such that an exchange of air between the interior of the collecting chamber (32) and the environment is possible, yet an escape of liquid is largely inhibited. The contact surface between collecting chamber (32) and sample container (12) and end (26) of the outlet spout (24) through which the liquid is discharged, are axially spaced apart.

Abstract: A method for filtering and backwashing solid particles out of liquids is illustrated, with a filter drum (5) positioned completely below the liquid level (6) having a cylindrical surface (7) coated with a filter medium (8), the liquid flown through the outside of the filter drum to the inside. A backwashing device for removal of the filter cake from the filter medium is provided. At the beginning of each cycle of backwashing an air cushion (15) is introduced in the filter drum (5) and liquid in the filter drum (5) is displaced in such a manner so that liquid jets from an ejetion apparatus (19) containing a spraying head (17) and being arranged in the interior of the filter drum without being sealed on the filter drum penetrate through the air cushion (15) to the backside of the cylindrical surface (7) of the filter drum (5). The filter cake so removed from the filter drum is withrawn at the outside of filter drum (5) in a stream of liquid.

Abstract: An improved strainer device has a screen which receives a solid/mixture from a feed container for separation. To insure that an uneven flow of the mixture over the screen does not occur due to, for example, a non-level mounting, inlet rushing or turbulence, a weir structure is provided which raises the water mixture level above the screen by a predetermined height.

Abstract: A solid-liquid separator for sludge or the like comprising: a treating tank; means disposed in the treating tank for establishing a horizontal flow therein; and a plurality of stages of submerged filter systems arranged in the treating tank sequentially in the direction of the horizontal flow. This horizontal flow is used sequentially in the submerged filter systems so that the power to be consumed for establishing a scavenging flow can be reduced.

Abstract: Continuously operating filtering devices are voluminous when accommodated in a casing. The casing serves to maintain a determined pressure around the filter, for instance by use of released gases. It is the ojective of the present invention to keep the volume as small as possible. This is achieved by using plastic material for the carrier belt. Up to the present, rubber carrier belts have been used. These however impose limitations on the diameter of the guide rollers. A limitation of the roller diameter to 25% in comparison to rubber carrier belts is possible with the use of plastic. In addition, plastic has a better resistance to aggressive substances.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing sludge, which utilizes filter plates and flow regulating means to form condensed sludge of higher concentration, have been developed. The filter plates are disposed within a sludge tank and noncondensed sludge is added to the sludge tank to completely cover the filter plates. Filtrate is then removed from the sludge tank by the filtrate extraction means via the permeable walls of the filter plates. As the filtrate passes through the permeable walls a first condensed sludge forms on the filter plates. After first condensed sludge is formed on the filter plates, a flow regulating means is operated to form second condensed sludge, an even higher concentrations of condensed sludge.

Abstract: A burette top vent which resists air blockage includes a peripherally skirted cap having a generally planar circular base transfixed by a short integral tube having an upper portion to which tubing from a source of fluid may be attached and a lower portion from which fluid can drip into the burette. The base is perforated by an array of arcuate slots that permit air to enter the burette, and the bottom surface of the base has a shallow annular relief intersecting the slots. A ring-shaped hydrophobic filter disk hermetically affixed beneath the relief. The relief prevents the filter disk from lying flush against the bottom surface of the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for removing dirt particles (with and without oil deposition) from water or from waste water without free oil, in particular waste water which occurs in commercial laundries after the washing of garments, work clothes and the like. It includes a closeable tank (10) which has an inflow opening (11) and at the bottom a sieve drain (12, 13), and in the interior above the drain a layer of textiles is provided which contains in particular used garments as filter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dewatering an aqueous coal slurry includes imparting high shear forces to the aqueous coal slurry in the presence of a peptizing agent to render coal particles hydrophobic by stripping clay from the coal particles and peptizing the clay in the aqueous medium of the slurry. The slurry is separating to recover coal particles and the aqueous medium is draining medium from the hydrophobic surface of the coal particles.

Abstract: The solids collector collects solids that may be ejected by an HVE. The collector includes a deflector for efficiently filling the collector.

Abstract: A diagnostic device for conducting enzymatic and chromogenic assays, the device having a plurality of test conduits therein, individual assay membrane assemblies disposed in each of the conduits, barrier walls extending between adjoining conduits to proximate a bottom wall of the device, to discourage liquid passing from one of the conduits to an adjoining conduit.

Abstract: A process for continuously separating relatively coarse particles from a suspension of a mixture of particles in a liquid wherein the suspension is caused to pass through a screening medium which is rotating in its own plane so that the coarse particles are retained on the surface of the screening medium; characterized in that atmospheric pressure above the screening medium is caused to be in excess of the pressure below that medium.

Abstract: A multifunctional filtration apparatus is provided for the automated transfer, separation and filtration which accommodates all types of filter papers or filter mediums including aerophobic filter mediums such as nitrocellulose, nylon, biological membranes as well as aerophyllic filter mediums. The automated multifunctional filtration apparatus includes a first manifold and one or more separation chambers disposed on one side of a filter medium and a second manifold disposed on the other side of the filter medium.

Abstract: A device to facilitate the use of extraction discs used in analysis of water impurities includes a cylindrical body with a top cavity to receive the extraction disc with a threaded ring holder to hold an open bottom container sealed on the extraction disc with a valve to selectively channel flow from the extraction disc into three downward passages, two of which open through the bottom into wash and elute sample containers and a third to a tube that opens into a large collection container sealably attached to the bottom of the body around the smaller containers with a vacuum passage through the bottom of the body into the large container controlled by a valve. The body has two parallel slots on opposite sides of the body to engage into cut outs of a rack panel supported above a housing with a slanted top wall with elliptical holes cut to receive the collection container and support it sticking out of the housing.

Abstract: The grit conveyance system of a classifier having a wash region above the liquid layer is provided with a vacuum means in the wash region for positive removal of liquids through a metal screen for disposal.

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: A device for collecting particles, such as human cells, from a fluid sample, and for transferring the collected particles to a receiver, such as a glass microscope slide, provides substantially exact replication of the spatial distribution of the cells on the collection device. The device supports a surface-collecting filter on a tubular rim, with a precise degree of flatness, and fastens the filter in place at a mounting shoulder recessed below the rim. Distortions of the mounting shoulder or of the filter at the mounting shoulder, caused by securing the filter to the shoulder, are confined to the shoulder structure, and do not detract from the desired precision flatness of the filter and rim structure.

Abstract: An in-line filter assembly is provided of a type having a housing divided into inlet and outlet chambers by a filter membrane having its periphery fluid-flow-sealed within the housing, the filter being readily disassemblable so that the filter membrane can be removed for identification or analysis of the material filtered from the fluid during use of the filter.

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: An improved drum structure for a corrugated deck type rotary drum filter is provided that increases filter efficiency by eliminating transverse filtrate flow in the drain channels of the drum. Each drain channel is divided into sub-channels using at least one solid grid. The sub-channels drain into a single bucket associated with the drain channel. A drain slit is provided above each sub-channel in the corrugated material that covers the outer surface of the drum.

Abstract: A distribution system for use with a filtering cell comprising an inlet manifold rotatably mounted concentrically above a stationary separator, at least one separation chamber inside the separator connected to a vacuum source, a downwardly extending first baffle located in the separation chamber and a second baffle located outwardly from the first baffle and extending upwardly to a point above the lowest portion of the first baffle.

Abstract: A sugar centrifugal operates at decreased speed to reduce crystal damage but suffers no loss of sugar crystal/molasses separation rate. This is accomplished by superposing a partial vacuum on the molasses chamber of the centrifugal which promotes removal of syrup and water from the sugar crystals through the centrifugal basket wall. Additional drying of the separated crystals is provided by injection of air above the sugar chamber to replace that which is extracted through the centrifugal basket wall.

Abstract: A filtration system for use in a settling tank includes a star shaped filter having equally spaced radial panels with the filter septums forming the downwardly extending sidewalls of each panel or compartment. The framework of the filter allows radial removal of the filter septums for cleaning and maintenance. A unique pressurized wet seal seals the filter to a clean liquid vacuum delivery duct and can also seal the system pump in the settling tank to the vacuum duct.

Abstract: An improved method for separating a particular liquid component from a solution containing two or more liquid components. The method employs a vessel divided into a solution chamber and a vacuum chamber by a permeable membrane which is a porous membrane exhibiting a superior affinity to the particular component intended to be separated than to the other components. The solution is placed in the solution chamber out of direct contact with the permeable membrane at which condition a vacuum is applied to the vacuum chamber to evaporate the solution in the chamber and draw the resulting vapors through the permeable membrane into the vacuum chamber, thereby collecting the particular component from the solution in a vapor-to-vapor permeation through the permeable membrane.

Abstract: A self-cleaning filter including a filter housing having at least a raw-liquid inlet and a clean-liquid outlet, a filter medium interposed between the raw-liquid inlet and the clean-liquid outlet At least one nozzle is located in proximity to the filter medium and is connectable to at least two different sources of pressure, one of which pressures is higher than the pressure prevailing in the filter, the other one being lower than the pressure prevailing in the filter There is also provided an arrangement to produce a relative movement between the filter medium and the at least one nozzle to the effect of having a substantial part of the surface area of the filter medium covered by the nozzle.