Abstract: An electrocoagulation apparatus is disclosed integrated with a plate clarifier and sludge chamber for effluent treatment. The clarifier includes first and second tanks, an electrocoagulation reactor positioned in the first tank. The sludge chamber is defined below and integrated with the primary reaction chamber and has a selectively openable outlet.

Abstract: A modular, portable, gravity fed clarification system includes internal surfaces which come in contact with the water to be clarified which are clad in a non-reactive plastic.

Abstract: A separator for separating oils from waste water and solids. Waste liquids are drained into a baffle tube of the separator so that the oils rise and the waste water and solids migrate to the bottom of the separator. A collection head having a restriction is located at the bottom of the separator and is adapted for suctioning the waste water and the solids therein and carrying the same to a discharge outlet of the separator. Waste liquids drained into the separator provide the hydraulic force to accelerate the waste water and solids into the collection head. Liquids drained into the separator also provide the hydraulic force that allows the oils to be drained from the top of the separator.

Abstract: A feedwell assembly for a thickener/clarifier includes a feedwell body, at least one infeed conduit connected at a downstream end to the body, and at least one spin or rotation inducement element disposed as part of the infeed conduit for imparting rotation or spin to a slurry stream fed to the feedwell body via the infeed conduit. The spin or rotation inducement element may be a fixed and rigid structural member such as a vane or baffle, or include actively operated elements. Multiple such spin or rotation inducement elements may be provided in various locations in or adjacent the infeed conduit.

Abstract: Coalescers for coalescing and methods for separating a discontinuous phase liquid, e.g., water, in an immiscible mixture of the discontinuous phase liquid and a continuous phase liquid, e.g., oil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the treatment of liquid effluents laden with hydrocarbons, which comprises: feeding the effluents into a treatment tank; supplying the treatment tank with a reversible sorbent having a defined particle size; mixing the effluents with the reversible sorbent in the treatment tank in order to load said reversible sorbent with the hydrocarbons in the effluents; removing the hydrocarbon-laden reversible sorbent from the top of the treatment tank; extracting the treated effluents from the bottom of the treatment tank; and separating the hydrocarbons from the laden reversible sorbent from the treatment tank.

Abstract: Electrocoagulation and sludge control apparatus and feed controller assembly for effluent treatment are disclosed, the apparatus including a primary reaction chamber having electrodes mounted therein and a treated effluent output. A sludge chamber is defined below and integrated with the primary reaction chamber and has a selectively openable outlet. The feed controller assembly is intermediate the primary reaction chamber and the sludge chamber and has a length selected for distribution of all effluent feed water across substantially an entire length of the primary reaction chamber.

Abstract: Electrocoagulation effluent treatment apparatus and methods are disclosed, the apparatus including a primary electrocoagulation reactor chamber having treatment electrodes maintained therein and an effluent inlet and treated effluent outlet. An integrated flotation chamber is located above the reaction chamber, a vacuum device connectable with a vacuum source being received in the flotation chamber and including a foam intake and an output. A sludge chamber is defined below and integrated with the primary reaction chamber and has a settled sludge output.

Abstract: Apparatus 10 for separating a mixture of oil and water. The apparatus 10 comprises a cylindrical vessel 12, with a cylindrical divider 18 separating the vessel 12 into a central zone 24 and outer annular zone 22. An upper part of the divider 18 provides a weir to enable fluid in the central zone 24 to pass into the outer zone 22. A tangential inlet extends into the central zone 24 at a lower part of the vessel 12, with an outlet 36 at the upper end of the vessel 12 for oil and/or gas, and a water outlet 42 on the side of the vessel 12 a small distance above the bottom of the outer zone 22.

Abstract: An extraction system and process for extracting bitumen from a slurry containing bitumen, solids and water. The system comprises a cyclone separation facility for separating the slurry into a solids component stream and a bitumen froth stream with the bitumen froth stream including water and fine solids. The bitumen froth stream is then delivered to a froth concentration facility for separating the bitumen froth stream into a final bitumen enriched froth stream, and a water and fine solids stream. The final bitumen enriched froth stream is suitable for further processing. The system of the present invention is preferably mobile so that the cyclone extraction facility and the froth concentration facility can move with the mine face at an oil sands mining site, however, it is also contemplated that the system can be retrofitted to existing fixed treatment facilities to improve the operational efficiency of such fixed facilities.

Abstract: The invention provides several improvements in feedwells, one of which being a feedwell comprising a mixing zone for dissipating the kinetic energy of a fluid comprising pulp, a settling zone for promoting flocculation of the pulp and at least one inclined deflecting element for at least partially separating the mixing zone from the settling zone. Other improvements include a shelf at least partially defining an inclined path for removing material from the shelf into a feedwell chamber; at least two outlets arranged in a substantially concentric relationship with respect to each other; a portion of a second conduit varies in its cross-sectional size and/or shape so as to connect a feed inlet to a first conduit; and a partition for partially separating an outer mixing zone and an inner settling zone.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preparing a solid-fibrin web are provided. One method may include drawing blood from a patient, separating plasma from the blood, contacting the plasma with a calcium-coagulation activator and concurrently coagulating and axially centrifuging the plasma to form the solid-fibrin web. The solid-fibrin web may be suitable for regenerating body tissue in a living organism. Devices used in the methods may also be provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an efficient method to purify an aqueous solution, typically mine drainage water, especially of anions and cations present in the aqueous solution as dissolved solids, the anions and cations are removed by treatment with a positively charged extractant having at least eight carbon atoms, whereby an unstable emulsion is formed; the unstable emulsion is allowed to break into an extract phase loaded with the anions and cations, and a water phase depleted in anions and cations; a floc inherently forms in the loaded extractant phase and then the loaded extractant phase and floc are separated from the purified water and treated to remove the anions and cations as concentrated useful products; the treated aqueous phase now reduced in anion and/or cation content is also separated from the emulsion as a purified aqueous solution. The extractant phase is preferably recycled. A continuous water purification process is provided.

Abstract: A multi-phase flow separation apparatus has a tank with at least one inlet and at least one outlet, and an enclosure within the tank. The at least one inlet communicates an input flow into the enclosure. The enclosure has a sidewall defining an open bottom and at least one flow opening below the height of the inlet of the tank. The at least one outlet of the tank is outside the enclosure and above the at least one flow opening of the enclosure.

Abstract: A system for separating liquids from solids comprising an immobilization unit comprising an immobilization vessel containing a bed of magnetizable material and a magnet configured to produce a magnetic field within the immobilization vessel, wherein the immobilization vessel further comprises an immobilization vessel outlet and an immobilization vessel inlet for a fluid comprising liquid and metal-containing particles.

Abstract: A liquid separation system and related method for retaining floating and non-floating particulates within a storage chamber of a treatment tank. The tank may or may not include a bypass to allow a portion of liquid coming into the tank to bypass the storage chamber. The storage chamber includes an inlet and an outlet. The outlet may be positioned within the storage chamber to cause minimal disruption of the primary and secondary liquid flow patterns within the storage chamber. A circular or rotational flow pattern may be created within the storage chamber and an outlet port of the storage chamber may be centered on an axis of the circular flow pattern.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating water has a generally rectangular container for containing the water, the container having a clarification zone and a settling zone. An entry conduit extends along the container and receives water from a water inlet. Water outlet ports are distributed along the length of the conduit for directing water from the conduit into the settling zone. A water exit trough spaced across the container from the entry conduit and extending along the container receives clarified water flowing from the settling zone through the clarification zone. The top of the settling zone is open to allow access down through the settling zone to a sludge collection zone in the bottom of the container.

Abstract: A gravitational settling tank including a pressure vessel which precipitates solid content contained in slurry in which coal and solvent are blended, and separates the solid-content concentrated liquid from the supernatant liquid, and a supply pipe which supplies the pressure vessel with the slurry. A main body part and a nozzle part which is connected on the downstream side of the main body part and extends horizontally are provided in the supply pipe. A plurality of holes are provided in the nozzle part. By virtue of this, agitation of the solid-content concentrated liquid which has settled in the bottom is inhibited.

Abstract: Solids are separated from a liquid in a separator including a cylindrical vessel, a tube extending downwardly from the top of the vessel with a plurality of horizontal rows of alternating large and small holes extending around the tube. Liquid containing solid particles is introduced into the top of the tube and discharged radially through the holes creating a laminar flow. The liquid strikes the side of the vessel where heavier solids are separated and fall to the bottom of the vessel. Light solids and the liquid are discharged through a filter and an outlet at the top of the vessel.

Abstract: A feedwell for a thickener/clarifier includes a feedwell body (40), a feedwell inlet (41), a sidewall (42), and a discharge opening (48). At least one infeed conduit (21) is connected at an upstream end of the feedwell inlet (41). The sidewall (42) has a non-cylindrical curved peripheral surface defining a radially-outermost fluid boundary surface for an influent stream (60). The non-cylindrical curved peripheral surface may include portions of a volute surface, coil surface, helical surface, compound curve surface, spline curve surface, or spiral surface. Feedwells according to the invention provide a uniform settling tank feeding flux around exiting portions of the feedwell, control velocity gradients and shear rates, protect flocculated aggregates, normalize sedimentation conditions in the settling tank, and prevent large local accelerations and flow non-uniformities.

Abstract: Certain examples relate to a new feedwell design for use in a clarifier that may better dissipate the entrance energy of the slurry-liquid combination exiting the feedwell and entering the clarifier. Plates of various shapes may be provided proximate to the bottom of the feedwell. The plates may cause a change in the flow direction of the feed, from mostly horizontal to mostly vertical, to slow the slurry. The provision of plates at the bottom of a feedwell in a clarifier may advantageously reduce the velocity of the materials entering the clarifier, or may increase the uniformity of the flow rate of the materials; while reducing or maintaining the amount of shear force, turbulence, or other forces that may have a detrimental effect on clarification. This may, in turn, permit solids to better “settle out” of the slurry-liquid combination, and thus improve the clarity of the removed liquid.

Abstract: A distribution array (10) for use in a settler area (12) of a mixer-settler, the distribution array (10) characterised by: at least one panel (26, 28) of linearly-spaced barrier elements (30), wherein the depth of the barrier elements (30), relative to a length of the settler area (12) in which it is to be positioned, is greater than the spacing between the barrier elements (30), thereby defining a fluid flow channel between adjacent barrier elements (30) that is longer than it is wide.

Abstract: A feedwell system for delivering a slurry (for example a bituminous slurry) to a separation vessel (for example a primary separation vessel) includes a feedwell barrel with an inlet for receiving the slurry, internal baffles, and a bottom outlet. A downpipe extends from the bottom of the barrel directing the existing slurry onto a deflector plate deflecting the slurry radially and outwardly. A protector plate located between the downpipe and the deflector plate improves the underwash layer stability. Ventilation openings in the protector plate induce inflow which reduces the discharge velocity, limits the formation of an adverse pressure gradient and encourages circumferential distribution.

Abstract: A sand separator for capturing sand and rock debris from recovered natural gas fracturing fluid includes a cylindrical, high-pressure-rated vessel disposed vertically and immediately downstream of the gas wellhead. High pressure fracturing fluid enters the top of the separator into an inner flue extending coaxially downward to terminate a spaced distance above the bottom of the vessel. Transverse baffles spaced apart along the length of the flue extend through the flue to the inner walls of the vessel to keep the flue centered within the separator. As the fluid enters the separator, openings through the flue near the vessel inlet permit lighter weight and gaseous constituents to escape the fluid and bypass the flue, thereby reducing the velocity of the fluid remaining inside the flue. As the remaining fluid falls to the bottom of the vessel, it further slows as it reverses direction to rise between the flue and the vessel walls.

Abstract: The device described in the present invention can separate fine solid particles in suspension in a viscous liquid, withdrawing a clear liquid from the top of the device, and a dense liquid charged with solid particles is withdrawn from the bottom. The invention also concerns the application of this device to the separation of catalyst particles in a liquid phase Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process.

Abstract: A separator is indicated, which is arranged in a container having a circular or ellipsoidal cross section and having a container wall, for separating a light liquid-water mixture, for example oil-polluted water, comprising: a feed arranged on a first side of the container having a feed chicane, which directs the supplied mixture downward and divides it into two first flow parts that are substantially of equal size, an outlet having an outlet tube, a circular or ellipsoidal flow wall having an internal wall side and an external wall side, wherein the flow wall passes through at least half of a full circle, preferably at least three quarters of a full circle, and has an opening, which is facing a second side of the container opposite the feed, wherein the flow wall between the external wall side of the flow wall and the container wall forms two flow channels at two opposite sides of the container wall in each case from the feed to the second side of the container, wherein in the flow channels in each case one o

Abstract: A system for processing drilling mud, the system including a primary separation tank having an inlet for receiving drilling waste and an outlet in fluid communication with a feed line, and an injection pump in fluid communication with a polymer tank and the feed line. The system also includes a clarifying tank in fluid communication with the feed line and a first collection tank, wherein effluent from the clarifying tank is discharged into the first collection tank, and a centrifuge in fluid communication with the clarifying tank and a second collection tank, wherein effluent from the centrifuge is discharged into the second collection tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for separating phases of a liquid mixture or dispersion from each other. The system includes a settler system, which includes a coalescing-enhancing plate comprising a front face and rear face and a plurality of openings. The openings are configured to selectively manipulate the flux of portions of the mixture to thereby increase phase separation of the mixture.

Abstract: A feedwell for a gravity separation vessel for introducing a feed stream such as oil sand slurry to the gravity separation vessel is provided comprising a walled member having an upper perimeter edge, a lower perimeter edge and a substantially continuous wall extending from the upper perimeter edge to the lower perimeter edge; an inlet for introducing the feed stream into the walled member positioned adjacent the substantially continuous wall; and a bottom floor having an opening and extending generally beneath the lower perimeter edge; whereby a perimeter of the opening is less than a perimeter of the walled member.

Abstract: The invention provides several improvements in feedwells, one of which being a feedwell (100) comprising a mixing zone (49) for dissipating the kinetic energy of a fluid comprising pulp, a settling zone (50) for promoting flocculation of the pulp and at least one inclined deflecting element (101) for at least partially separating the mixing zone from the settling zone. Other improvements include a shelf (3) at least partially defining an inclined path (4) for removing material from the shelf into a feedwell chamber; at least two outlets (111, 112) arranged in a substantially concentric relationship with respect to each other; a portion (123) of a second conduit (121) varies in its cross-sectional size and/or shape so as to connect a feed inlet (110) to a first conduit (120); and a partition (133) for partially separating an outer mixing zone (131) and an inner settling zone (132).

Abstract: A quiescent zone fluid filter. A reservoir communicates via upstream and downstream communication ports with a fluid flow tube. At the upstream communication port, liquid flowing in the fluid flow tube enters a quiescent zone of the reservoir, whereupon particles therein descend. The liquid then rejoins the fluid flow tube at the downstream communication port free of particles therein. The quiescent zone fluid filter is advantageously implemented within a fluid flow control valve, as for example at the valve barrel of a barrel valve.

Abstract: The invention provides several improvements in feedwells, one of which being a feedwell comprising a mixing zone for dissipating the kinetic energy of a fluid comprising pulp, a settling zone for promoting flocculation of the pulp and at least one inclined deflecting element for at least partially separating the mixing zone from the settling zone. Other improvements include a shelf at least partially defining an inclined path for removing material from the shelf into a feedwell chamber; at least two outlets arranged in a substantially concentric relationship with respect to each other; a portion of a second conduit varies in its cross-sectional size and/or shape so as to connect a feed inlet to a first conduit; and a partition for partially separating an outer mixing zone and an inner settling zone.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for separating low density particles from feed slurries, a bubbly mixture is formed in a downcomer and issues into a mid region in a chamber. An inverted reflux classifier is formed by parallel inclined plates below the mid region allowing for efficient separation of low density particles which rise up to form a densely packed foam in the top of the chamber, and denser particles which fall downwardly to an outlet.

Abstract: A system designed to control and filter runoff water in storm drains is presented. Drain water frequently carries trash, organic matter, suspended solids, hydrocarbons, metals, nutrients and bacteria collected from streets and parking lots into a storm drain inlet, which enters storm water drain pipe systems. The present invention supplies a series of baffle boxes inserted in the drain water stream with a final box possessing an upflow filter and a hydrocarbon absorbing boom. The system can also support a storm flow bypass that directs high-flow storm runoff water directly to the outlet to protect the filter system.

Abstract: A test tube insert includes a flange having a width greater than a width of a mouth of a larger test tube into which the insert is to be inserted. The flange defines a first central opening. An annulus extends integrally downward from the flange. The annulus includes a fenestrated wall and a floor defining a second central opening. A small test tube body, smaller than the larger test tube, extends integrally downward from the floor of the annulus with the second central opening forming a mouth of the small test tube body. The test tube insert is disposed in the mouth of the larger test tube. Fluid is transferred through the central opening and the fluid fills the small test tube body of the test tube insert and flows through the fenestrated wall once the small test tube body is full into the larger test tube.

Abstract: An arrangement in a liquid treatment space clarifying liquid by gravity. A feed assembly leads the liquid to be treated into the treatment space by a fixed distribution channel. The feed assembly includes at least two elongated and in a longitudinal direction thereof straight feed channels being fixed stationary in the distribution channel and extending therefrom sidewards, in order to achieve in the treatment space a radially widened feed zone in respect with the distribution channel by an efflux assembly provided with the feed channels the efflux assembly discharging the liquid to be treated into the treatment space through full length thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus, process and system for treating a hydrocarbon feedstock having a specific gravity differential between components of the feedstock is disclosed and includes a treatment vessel having an inlet for receiving the feedstock. A primary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to accumulate feedstock to cause a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated feedstock. A secondary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to receive the collected low specific gravity portion from the primary separation container, to accumulate the collected low specific gravity portion to cause hydrocarbon products to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated low specific gravity portion of the feedstock, producing a hydrocarbon product stream at a product outlet. The operating pressure of the treatment vessel may be regulated to remain within a desired range.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mixer-settler extraction circuit for separating liquids from each other. The mixer-settler extraction circuit includes a flow distributor. The flow distributor comprises a slat assembly which directs the incoming liquid into the settling portion of the mixer-settler extraction circuit. The slats of the slat assembly may be spaced apart from each other at varying distances.

Abstract: An input channel (and method of making an input channel) for the flow of waste water into a grit removal unit. The input channel has a depth D extending from the bottom to the top of the channel. One side wall of the channel is configured to vary the channel width over the depth of the channel, whereby (a) the width at the bottom of the channel is WB, (b) the width at the top of the channel is WT, and (c) the width at channel depth “d” above the bottom of the channel is Wd, wherein (i) 0?d?D, (ii) WB<WT, and (iii) Wd is greater than or equal to the channel widths at substantially every channel depth less than “d”. The channel profile may be integral to the channel, or defined by a separately added component, and selectively be stepped, tapered and/or curved.

Abstract: A separation process for separating two or more immiscible liquids using contactors utilizing high surface area vertical hanging fibers is disclosed. This separation process is especially useful in the separation of disulfide oil formed during the oxidation of spent caustic solution that was used to remove sulfur contaminates from light hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for separating a first substance from a mixture of the first substance and a liquid. The apparatus comprises inlet means adapted to receive a portion of the mixture into a separator tank; a separator tank for holding a collected portion of the mixture and allowing the first substance to separate from the liquid due to the first substance having a different specific gravity to the liquid; and outlet means adapted to discharge the separated liquid and/or the first substance from the separator tank.

Abstract: A thickening tank has a peripheral overflow launder and a centrally disposed feed well. Feedstock slurry is fed to a mixing box which also receives supernatant liquid and is supplemented by flocculated material flowing into the interior of the feed well onto a distributor baffle plate. The supernatant liquid is delivered at a controlled rate from a receiving vessel formed by an upright cylinder provided at its lower end with an impeller of a lift pump which is operated by a controller positioned at the upper end of a vertical drive shaft extending axially through the receiving vessel. The feed well is surrounded by a second launder which is closed at its base and formed with a cup. The lower end of the receiving vessel is spaced from the floor of the cup to draw supernatant liquid exclusively from the second launder rather than from the thickener tank.

Abstract: A separator 2 for separating solids, such as grit, from an influent, such as water, the tray assembly 4 comprising a plurality of nested tray units 14 which are spaced apart from one another along a vertical separator axis 16. Each tray unit 14 comprises a substantially conical tray 18, an aperture 20 in the apex of the tray 18, and a means for restricting flow through the respective aperture 20, such as a baffle 22 disposed at or adjacent the aperture 20. In use, grit is separated from water circulating among the trays 18 and falls through successive apertures 20 in each of the trays to exit through the bottom of the tray assembly 4. The baffles 22 restrict upward flow through the apertures 20 in the trays 18 thereby reducing agitation of the grit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, for dewatering dredged material with a dry substance rate below 15%, comprising a tank (2) which is arranged with at least one inlet (5) for dredged material, a first outlet (8) for cleaned water and a second outlet (9) for sludge; the tank further comprises a mixing chamber (3), to which the inlet (5) for dredged masses leads, and a sedimentation chamber (4) in which the first (8) and the second outlet (9) are arranged. The mixing chamber (3) and the sedimentation chamber (4) are in fluid communication.

Abstract: A pond receives a flow of contaminated water into the pond substantially tangential to a volume of clarified water which is stored in the pond and which is largely quiescent. The tangential inflow overcomes a large rotational inertia in the stored volume of clarified water and establishes a slow spiral flow path about the periphery of the pond and inwards to a central outlet. The clarified stored water is discharged ahead of the inflowing contaminated water increasing the residence time of the contaminated water in the pond and permitting contaminants to receive at least partial treatment, such as settling of sediment, in the pond.

Abstract: A material separator removes material such as sand from a fluid utilizing an inclined housing having a fluid flow inlet in a lower portion of the housing. Higher density material descends by gravity to a lower wall of the inclined housing and continues to travel down the lower wall portion to a lower section of the housing where it is removed. The remaining fluid which may contain a liquid and a gas is removed from the housing via an outlet at the upper portion of the housing.

Abstract: An economical fat, oil and grease removal assembly and method includes a container having a bottom, a top, a sidewall, an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is spaced above the bottom and below the top to define a static water level for liquid in the container. The container includes at least one baffle extending downwardly to a level below the static water level. The container further includes a port at an elevation such that F.O.G. floating on water in the container can flow from the container out through the port when the liquid level in the container is raised above the static water level. The assembly further includes an inlet bridge, an outlet bridge and a storage tank arranged to accept F.O.G. that is flowed out of the container. A hub on the storage tank interfaces the container with the storage tank.

Abstract: Separating apparatus, for separating a substance from a liquid on which the substance can float, comprises: a separation chamber; an inlet adapted to convey a supply comprising the substance and the liquid into the separation chamber; and an outlet adapted to convey liquid collected in the separation chamber out of the separation chamber. The inlet is arranged such that, in use, the supply emerging from the inlet into the chamber is directed upwardly into the chamber, and the apparatus further comprises venting means arranged to convey gas out of the chamber. The apparatus may further comprise a floating pick up connected to a pump for pumping the supply to the separation chamber. In certain examples a non-floating pick up is used, comprising an elongate hollow body with a pick up inlet mouth in the form of a vertical slot extending along a length of the body.

Abstract: A microfluidic separation device suitable for high throughput applications such as medical treatments, and associated methods and systems, are described. Embodiments are suitable for treatment of end stage renal disease.

Abstract: An influent feed system for directing the influent liquid via hydraulic energy to scour the surface of primary treatment tank walls and base to move the scoured solids to a sludge trough. Scouring action takes place during periods of low liquid levels in the tank. The system comprises two identical, adjacent tanks sharing a common distribution box. Either or both of the tanks are in use at any given time. The tank in use will be empty occasionally each day. Influent feed troughs disposed transversely in each tank directs solids towards a sludge hopper in the tank bottom. The IFTs extend over the width of the tank to provide scouring of the entire end wall and floor surface. Each IFT has a sump with a valved discharge piped directly to the sludge trough, and the floor of each IFT is sloped towards the sump to facilitates draining of solids.