Abstract: An automatic washer comprises a remote sump fluidly connected to a drain pump and a recirculation pump, and a separator comprising an array of regularly-spaced fins oriented upstream of the recirculation pump for intercepting foreign objects in wash liquid. The remote sump also comprises a wash liquid heater. The separator is automatically purged when the drain pump is operated.

Abstract: A desalination system in the form of a submerged gas evaporator that includes a vessel, a gas delivery tube partially disposed within the vessel to deliver a gas into the vessel and a fluid inlet that provides a fluid to the vessel at a rate sufficient to maintain a controlled constant level of fluid within the vessel. A weir is disposed within the vessel adjacent the gas delivery tube to form a first fluid circulation path between a first weir end and a wall of the vessel and a second fluid circulation path between a second weir end and an upper end of the vessel. During operation, gas introduced through the tube mixes with the fluid and the combined gas and fluid flow at a high rate with a high degree of turbulence along the first and second circulation paths defined around the weir, thereby promoting vigorous mixing and intimate contact between the gas and the fluid.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a trapezoid settler having a longitudinal axis, a base, a first side wall oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis, a second side wall opposing the first side wall and oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis, and a coalescence fence connected to the first side wall and the second side wall. The coalescence fence has a first screen, a second screen oriented generally parallel to the first screen, and a media disposed between the first screen and the second screen.

Abstract: A desanding vessel is inserted in a high velocity fluid stream containing entrained particulates. The vessel comprises an upper freeboard portion having a large cross-sectional wherein the fluid stream velocity drops and particulates fall from suspension. Preferably the fluid stream is introduced offset upwardly from an axis of a horizontally oriented cylindrical vessel, released particulates falling to accumulate in a lower belly portion. The freeboard portion is maintained using a depending flow barrier adjacent the vessel's outlet which sets the depth of accumulation in the belly portion. A cleanout enables periodic removal of accumulations.

Abstract: The Multilayer Energy Dissipating Inlet Column (MEDIC) in a center-feed clarifier consists of a plurality of perforated and concentric columns and a circular cover, which closes the bottom of the multilayer column. In the wall of each perforated column many flow inlet ports are mounted. The layout of the flow inlet ports between any two adjacent perforated columns is staggered to create a puzzled flow path and flow impingement among the layers of MEDIC. The strong influent jet due to the small inifluent area in a center-feed clarifier continuously impinges with the multilayer perforated columns one after another one. The resistance created by the multiple perforated columns slows down the influent jet and evenly distributes it among all of the inlet ports in the wall of the most outside column. The ability of MEDIC to confine the turbulence entering into clarifiers effectively lowers the dispersed sludge blanket in clarifiers and increases their capacity.

Abstract: The present processing apparatus blocks off such a portion of a flow of a plating solution (17) that is other than a vicinity of a liquid surface, by using a first partition plate (15) whose lower end is in close contact with a bottom of a plating tank (11) and whose upper end is at a position lower than a liquid surface. Therefore, the plating solution (17) flowing at the bottom of the plating tank (11) flows upwards along the first partition plate (15). At this time, heavy foreign substances do not tend to follow such an upward movement of the plating solution (17), and therefore sink and accumulate in a vicinity of the lower end of the first partition plate (15), so as not to flow into a downstream side of the plate. With this arrangement, the present processing apparatus can remove the heavy foreign substances from the plating solution (17) without relying solely on a filter of a circulation pipe (10).

Abstract: A fluid separation system includes a tank with a storage chamber for retaining floating and non-floating particulates. The tank includes a baffle for retaining floating particulates within the storage chamber and for directing flow out of the storage chamber. The tank also includes a bypass with an inlet flow control zone and an outlet flow control zone. The flow control zones are separated by a weir sized and positioned to regulate the fluid flow through a baffle port into the storage chamber. The weir also provides control of the flow rate at which incoming fluid is diverted directly through the bypass to the tank outlet rather than into the storage chamber. The baffle and/or the weir may be curved, and the baffle may include a complex curve, to aid in the smoothing of the fluid flow within the storage chamber to improve particulate separation.

Abstract: A screen apparatus for improved separation of particulates from a fluid stream. The screen is configured and arranged to filter relatively large particulates from the fluid stream as the fluid stream passes from a storage chamber of the tank to a tank outlet. The screen is removably affixed to a diverter, such as a baffle, used to divert a portion or all of the fluid into the storage chamber. The screen is preferably shaped to substantially conform to the shape of the diverter to aid in the smoothing of the fluid flow within the retention section of the tank. The screen may be entirely porous, or it may be non-porous at its leading edge to minimize particulate build-up at the transition from the tank interior wall to the screen. The apparatus may optionally include a second screen to provide additional filtering of floating particulates as the fluid level in the tank exceeds the crown elevation of the inlet.

Abstract: A fuel-water separator for diesel engines has a coalescing media and baffle plates through which diesel fuel and water pass upwardly, separation thereof being effected by reducing emulsification of water with fuel, and by passing of heavy particulates to the bottom of the separator.

Abstract: A device in connection with a separator for separation of a multiphase fluid, including a preferably cylindrical container (1) with an inlet (2), a first outlet (3) for liquid with a higher gravity (for example water), a second outlet (4) for liquid with a lower gravity (for example oil) and a third outlet (5) for gas. A pipe separator (6) is connected to the inlet (2) of the container (1). The pipe separator (6) constitutes a continuation of a supply pipe (7) for supplying the fluid to be separated and extends partially into the container (1).

Abstract: A fluid filter, which is adapted for separating a less dense fluid floating on a high dense fluid, includes at least a fluid filtering arrangement including a floating wing adapted for floating on the less dense fluid and at least a fluid outlet formed on the floating wing, and a container body, which is extended from the floating wing, having a fluid collecting cavity communicating with the fluid outlet, wherein the fluid outlet is formed at a position above the fluid collecting cavity. Therefore, when a downward force is applied on the floating wing until the fluid outlet is slightly positioned below a surface level of the less dense fluid, the less dense fluid is allowed to flow into the fluid collecting cavity through the fluid outlet by gravity.

Abstract: This application relates to a circular clarifier for separating and removing separable matter, such as suspended solids, from a liquid. The invention may be used, for example, for separating return activated sludge from clarified liquor using a gas flotation process. The clarifier includes a plurality of fluid feed ports for introducing influent into selected treatment cells of the clarifier in a timed sequence, thereby achieving batch flotation of solids or other separable matter in a continuous infeed process. A plurality of spaced-apart, rotating flocculent handling assemblies traverse the treatment cells for sequentially conveying flocculent into spaced-apart, radially extending collection troughs. All of the flocculent handling assemblies may be driven by a single drive means. Each flocculent handling assembly includes a submerged beach and a scraper assembly including a scraper blade which extends upwardly from the beach. The beaches provide a shear plane underneath the surface layer of flocculent.

Abstract: A clarifier is provided with an improved inlet structure which receives influent from influent column ports and discharges the influent uniformly around the entire circumference of the inlet structure. The influent column ports may be baffled. Angled guide vanes on the inlet structure reduce the flow energy and effect a tangential flow into a feedwell in the basin. The feedwell may be conical to further reduce the velocities and create an outward flow to counteract inward flows in the basin.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic device for removing sediment and other materials from storm water runoff is provided. An exemplary embodiment of this device includes: a first substantially cylindrical chamber a second substantially cylindrical chamber concentrically disposed within the upper portion of the first chamber, a first baffle concentrically disposed within the second chamber, and a second baffle disposed within the lower portion of the first chamber. A water inlet is attached to or formed integrally with the second chamber; a water outlet is attached to or formed integrally with the first chamber; and an optional bypass outlet is attached to or formed integrally with the first chamber.

Abstract: A system for settling solids or other impurities from water or wastewater. The system includes a containment vessel for containing fluid. The containment vessel has an inlet for receiving an influent and an outlet through which an effluent is discharged. At least a first group of tube settlers is disposed in the containment vessel. The first group of tube settlers has a top, a bottom and a plurality of tubes for receiving influent and discharging effluent. A distribution channel is provided for distributing influent evenly through the first group of tube settlers to enhance the settling of solids and other impurities from water or wastewater.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method and apparatus for recycling drilling fluids used in the drilling of wells. The apparatus comprises a tank with a plurality of compartments. Used drilling fluid containing well cuttings or “solids” is pumped into a receiving compartment of the tank and directed towards a flow-reversing barrier. Reversal of the flow causes heavier solids to settle to the bottom of the tank. As fluid fills the receiving compartment, it flows downstream into an adjacent compartment by passing through a flow-restricting baffle that causes more solids to settle to the bottom of the tank. As fluid overflows from compartment to compartment in the tank, it passes through successive flow-restricting baffles causing further solids to settle to the bottom of the tank. When the fluid reaches the collecting compartment of the tank, it is removed to be used again in drilling operations.

Abstract: A composite fluid separator for isolting a first liquid from a second liquid having a different specific gravity. A housing (52) encloses a separation chamber (53). An inlet port (60) delivers the composite fluid into the sump (65) of the chamber. A plurality of stacked baffles (30) is positioned between the inlet and outlet ports, composed of individual inclined separation flow plates (25). The baffles create a flow path in which the fluid flows over each of the plates as it travels upward in the separation chamber toward the outlet port (50).

Abstract: A hindered-settling fluid classifier is adapted for processing aggregate entrained in a flowing slurry. The classifier includes a classifier tank defined by walls, and having an inlet at its upstream end and an outlet at its downstream end. A slurry feed pipe is connected to the tank inlet for introducing the aggregate slurry into the classifier tank for processing. A plurality of laterally-extending flow control doors are spaced apart along a length of the classifier tank, and are adapted for interrupting flow of the aggregate slurry downstream from the tank inlet to the tank outlet. The doors define respective material settling zones each located a progressively greater distance downstream from the tank inlet. At least one water line is provided for generating an upwardly rising current in each of the material settling zones to control the settling velocity of aggregate floating downwardly towards a base of the classifier tank.

Abstract: An apparatus to separate solids from drilling slurry, having an inlet positioned over an outlet of a concentration tank to displace water that would otherwise enter the down-stream centrifuges. Baffles are provided to direct solids to the outlet and minimize the time that solids spend in the concentration tank. Fluids having solids removed therefrom are removed from the apparatus at a location remote from the outlet.

Abstract: A treatment vessel for separating contaminants from a base liquid is provided. The vessel comprises a first cylindrical portion, a frusto-conical portion, a second cylindrical portion and a conical portion, the conical portion having a bottom outlet arranged to discharge heavy contaminants from the vessel. Over time, the heavy contaminants settle on the sides of the conical and frusto-conical portions. In order to remove the settled contaminants, the vessel is provided with at least one clarified liquid inlet disposed at or proximate to the frusto-conical portion. The clarified liquid is sourced from either the treatment vessel itself, or another treatment vessel in the same system. The clarified liquid is reintroduced into the vessel in a manner so as to cause a downward circular flow to scour out the frusto-conical portion and the conical portion so as to assist in removal of heavy contaminants that settle on the sides thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for removing and trapping large and/or dense abrasive particles from a polishing slurry. The polishing slurry is introduced into a container and allowed to stagnate, thereby causing large and/or dense particles to separate from the slurry under the influence of gravity. The container includes a cavity or plurality of cavities defined by an inner surface of the container into which the separated particles sink. To prevent the large and/or dense particles from becoming re-suspended into the slurry, the size and shape of the cavity is relatively deep and narrow with respect to the large and/or dense particles, thus providing a trapping effect. The cavities do not effectively trap the smaller particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of clarifying and/or thickening a solution containing solids i.e. a slurry, and the apparatus for accomplishing this. Using the method and apparatus of the present invention, the flocculant to be fed into the clarification and thickening equipment is mixed evenly and with a small shear force into the slurry in the feedwell of the apparatus. The feedwell is equipped with a mixing device. The slurry is taken onwards from the feedwell evenly into the clarification tank inside the underflow layer, which enables the separation of a clear overflow solution.

Abstract: An oil-water separator system diffusing chamber having a diffuser and a baffle with uptake control means. The diffuser includes an attachment portion and a lower portion, with the attachment portion being secured to inlet conduit of the separator system, and with the lower portion being connected to the attachment portion and having flow channeling means. The diffuser has a first side and a second side, with the first side of the diffuser having formed therein a plurality of apertures. The baffle has a first side, a second side and a top edge. The uptake control means includes a plurality of pipes and a pipe restraining means, with each of the pipes having a first end, a second end and a sidewall, with at least one of the pipes having a sidewall with apertures formed therein. The pipes first ends are retained by the pipe restraining means adjacent the baffle first side and the pipes second ends are retained adjacent to the top edge.

Abstract: An integrated three phase separator for separation of natural gas, hydrocarbon liquids, and water or brine. The separator includes a cylindrical vertical separation unit having a closed top and an opposed, open bottom. A cylindrical horizontal separation unit has a pair of opposed ends, a first, closed end and a second, open end. A tubular elbow connection includes a pair of ends, one end connected to the open bottom of the vertical separation unit and another end connected to the open end of the horizontal separation unit so that the vertical separation unit and horizontal separation unit are in fluid connection with each other. A metering plate within the tubular elbow connection retains natural gas in the horizontal unit while permitting gentle release of liquid into the horizontal unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a mixture of a less dense fluid, a more dense fluid, and fines. The less and more dense fluids are immiscible with each other. The apparatus comprises a housing having an inlet at an upstream end thereof and an outlet at a downstream end thereof. A separation chamber is located within the housing between the inlet and the outlet. The separation chamber comprises a generally horizontal enclosure and a screw defining a helical passage through the enclosure. The separation chamber has at least one upper aperture located in an upper portion of the helical passage and at least one lower aperture located in a lower portion of the helical passage. A baffle is attached between the housing and the separation chamber for directing at least a portion of the mixture into the separation chamber.

Abstract: A wastewater separator to separate waste from a mixed wastewater stream including one or more of heavy waste, light waste and water. The wastewater separator comprises a separation container, a inlet and an outlet. The separation container comprises (1) a wastewater stream director within the separation container, the wastewater stream director being sized, shaped and positioned relative to the wastewater inlet to direct the wastewater stream along a preferred flow path to permit the light waste to separate from the wastewater stream in a first direction to a collection area and to permit the heavy waste to separate from the wastewater stream in a second direction towards a heavy waste removal area; and (2) a flow-directing outlet baffle within the separation container for directing the wastewater stream to the wastewater outlet from the heavy waste removal area to remove the heavy waste from the separation container.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for dewatering and/or desalting a water-in-oil emulsion comprising introducing a plurality of streams of the emulsion into the electrostatic field under opposed flow whereby the water coalescence is enhanced. The invention also includes an improved electrostatic apparatus for dewatering and/or desalting a water-in-oil emulsion comprising a plurality of horizontally directed nozzles positioned to introduce a plurality of streams of the emulsion into the electrostatic field under opposed flow conditions.

Abstract: An assembly for removing grit from a fluid comprising a tank with a fluid inlet into the tank and a discharge from the tank. A flow directing assembly is positioned in the tank adjacent the fluid inlet and includes a substantially U-shaped surface opposite the fluid inlet such that fluid entering the tank through the inlet is caused to have a reversed flow in a direction more than 90 degrees from an inlet flow direction. At least one embodiment of the assembly further comprises a baffle positioned proximate the tank discharge to control flow adjacent the discharge. Yet a further embodiment of the assembly includes a screw conveyor positioned in a trough of the tank and a baffle is positioned proximate the trough to minimize fluid flow velocity adjacent to the screw conveyor.

Abstract: A fluid separation system includes a tank with a storage chamber for retaining floating and non-floating particulates. The tank includes a baffle for retaining floating particulates within the storage chamber and for directing flow out of the storage chamber. The tank also includes a bypass with an inlet flow control zone and an outlet flow control zone. The flow control zones are separated by a weir sized and positioned to regulate the fluid flow through a baffle port into the storage chamber. The weir also provides control of the flow rate at which incoming fluid is diverted directly through the bypass to the tank outlet rather than into the storage chamber. The baffle and/or the weir may be curved, and the baffle may include a complex curve, to aid in the smoothing of the fluid flow within the storage chamber to improve particulate separation.

Abstract: A desanding vessel is inserted in a high velocity fluid stream containing entrained particulates. The vessel comprises an upper freeboard portion having a large cross-sectional wherein the fluid stream velocity drops and particulates fall from suspension. Preferably the fluid stream is introduced offset upwardly from an axis of a horizontally oriented cylindrical vessel, released particulates falling to accumulate in a lower belly portion. The freeboard portion is maintained using a depending flow barrier adjacent the vessel's outlet which sets the depth of accumulation in the belly portion. A cleanout enables periodic removal of accumulations.

Abstract: A water treatment device for purifying process water by filtration comprising a housing containing a filter media, having a bottom gravel bed and an upper silica bed, and a fluidizer for backwashing the filter media. Process water is tangentially introduced and caused to swirl in the housing above a filter media, before passing downwards through silica and gravel beds. The swirling increases the through capacity of the treatment device and reduces the amount of particles that would otherwise become imbedded in the filter media. Backwashing is accomplished by forcing fluid, through first and second components of the fluidizer, into the filter media. The first component is a channel formed in the manifold which provides backwash fluid to the bottom of the gravel bed. The second component provides backwash fluid at the gravel bed—silica bed interface by a series of radially spaced fluidizer arms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of diluting a solid particle-containing slurry in conjunction with a sedimentation process. A slurry is introduced into the launder portion of a feedwell and flowed vertically downward through an eductor nozzle having its exit location placed below the liquid level of a volume of clarified liquor. The eductor nozzle is positioned adjacent a diluent inlet such that discharge of the slurry through the eductor nozzle creates a low pressure zone, drawing clarified liquor through the diluent inlet for mixing and dilution of the slurry. A flocculating reagent may additionally be introduced into the diluted slurry for producing a floc and expediting settling of the solid particles.

Abstract: A pre-separator feed well for use with hydrous slurry feed is provided in a hindered-bed separator that includes an elongate body defining an interior space with upper and lower portions. The feed well is elongate and includes a vertically adjustable conical plate adjacent the bottom thereof for control of downward flow of heavy material. The top of the feed well includes an overflow weir including an overflow ring having a plurality of vertical slots through which flows the lighter material onto an overflow weir adjacent an overflow launder and to an outlet pipe. Feed is introduced into the upper portion of the feed well in a tangential manner. A perforated barrier may be mounted below the feed well in some circumstances. Teeter flow is introduced in a lower portion of the separator and flows upwardly. Alternatively, the lower part of the separator can be perforated for heavy/coarse material discharge.

Abstract: A separation tank with an outer chamber and an inner chamber within the outer chamber. An inlet and outlet are formed in the outer chamber to receive and discharge water, respectively. An inlet opening is located in the inner chamber and is generally aligned with the inlet to receive water from the inlet. An outlet opening is formed in the inner chamber below the inlet opening but above the bottom of the inner chamber. The inner chamber has a cylindrical interior surface such that water from the inlet is directed at a tangent to the interior surface and forms a vortex as the water progresses through the inner chamber. A baffle plate having an opening forming upper and lower weirs is located within the outer chamber just upstream of the outlet to separate both floatable and non-floatable material from the water prior to its discharge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a settler for decanting mineral slurries and a method thereof. The settler comprises a tank for holding and decanting a body of slurry to form a thickened slurry as a lower layer and a clarified liquid as an upper layer, the tank having a side wall, a bottom and a top, an outlet for the thickened slurry at the bottom of the tank, an outlet for the clarified liquid layer near the top of the tank, a slurry inlet means near the top of the tank for introducing fresh slurry into the tank, the slurry inlet means having a slurry opening through which fresh slurry joins the body of slurry in the tank, and a stirrer having a generally vertical axis around which the stirrer rotates or reciprocates. The slurry opening is displaced laterally relative to the generally vertical axis of the stirrer and the slurry inlet means is configured to allow the fresh slurry to enter the slurry body without accumulating solids from the fresh slurry at the slurry opening.

Abstract: A stormwater treatment system designed to separate floating pollutants, liter, and contaminated settling solids from drainage discharge. The system uses a cylindrical tank, buried below the ground, which enables separation of the pollutants. The stormwater flows around the inside perimeter of the tank until it flows into an inner cylinder through a weir (or weirs). This causes a delayed flow due to the limited entry point through the vertical weir. The extended amount of resonance time allows for separation of pollutants, liter, and contaminated solids. The stormwater continues to separate itself as it flows around the inner cylinder, up through a vertical pipe and out an outlet pipe. The solid contaminants which are left behind are stored and able to be removed later.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removal of suspended solids from water, waste water and other effluents is disclosed. The raw fluid being extracted is placed in a pressurized equalization chamber by a pumping apparatus. The fluid might be ground in advance to reduce the size of solid particles suspended therein to a manageable size. Solids can settle from the fluid before pumping into a second chamber for further setting. Chemicals are injected between the first and second chambers. The sludge recovered from from the base of the chambers can be sterilized using conventional methods, and the separated fluid discharged from the clarification chamber is further cleaned, also using conventional methods. The method and apparatus of the present replaces or supplements conventional mainframe biological treatments.

Abstract: For increasing the capacity of a continuously operating sedimentation filtration device, the processing liquid to be cleaned is supplied before or adjacent to the filter body on opposed sides into the sedimentation container. Underneath the filter body, a comparatively high settling chamber is formed and between the filter body and the supply lines a separating plate is provided so that the processing liquid to be cleaned is guided mandatorily into the settling chamber. The cross-sections of the supply lines provided on opposed said are comparatively large so that only minimal flow velocities of the incoming medium will occur.

Abstract: A drainage tank for granular material/liquid mixture includes a low part and a high part provided with a lid. A device for separating the liquid and the granular material is arranged in the low part. A device for evacuating excess liquid is arranged in the high part and includes a number of overflow sleeves passing through the lid. The overflow sleeves have, above the lid, an overflow edge that is adjustable in height.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of clarifying and/or thickening a solution containing solids i.e. a slurry, and the apparatus for accomplishing this. Using the method and apparatus of the present invention, the slurry to be fed into the clarification or thickening apparatus is distributed evenly into the slurry already in the tank. It is characteristic of the clarification tank now developed that the displacement capacity of the raking system in the tank is the same from the edges of the tank up to the centre. The displacement capacity is measured as being the same as the underflow discharge capacity from the centre of the tank. The displacement capacity can be determined to be the same using rake displacement plates of different heights, according to the distance of the displacement plates from the rake shaft and the number of plates rotating on the same ring-like cross-section.

Abstract: A laundering apparatus for collecting fluid, such as clean liquor, from a tank. The laundering apparatus includes a central conduit which is configured to be located near, and at least partially circumscribe, the radial center of the tank. At least one substantially linear conduits is tangentially coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the central conduit. One or more openings defined within the at least one substantially linear conduits is configured to draw a volume of fluid therethrough into the laundering apparatus. The at least one substantially linear conduit may also be substantially radially extending out through the wall of the tank. An access port may be formed in the radially distal end of the at least one substantially linear conduit to facilitate cleaning of the laundering apparatus from a location outside of the tank.

Abstract: An oil-water separator system diffusing chamber having a diffuser and a baffle with uptake control means. The diffuser includes an attachment portion and a lower portion, with the attachment portion being secured to inlet conduit of the separator system, and with the lower portion being connected to the attachment portion and having flow channeling means. The diffuser has a first side and a second side, with the first side of the diffuser having formed therein a plurality of apertures. The baffle has a first side, a second side and a top edge. The uptake control means includes a plurality of pipes and a pipe restraining means, with each of the pipes having a first end, a second end and a sidewall, with at least one of the pipes having a sidewall with apertures formed therein. The pipes first ends are retained by the pipe restraining means adjacent the baffle first side and the pipes second ends are retained adjacent to the top edge.

Abstract: A radial flow septic tank includes: a main body having a wall and a floor defining a cavity; an inlet disposed at approximately a center of the cavity; an outlet having a collection device disposed around an inside perimeter of the wall of the main body; and a column disposed within the cavity at approximately the center of the main body, the column having openings to allow the flow to move from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A grit extractor includes inlet and outlet flumes arranged to inject and extract liquid tangentially into a round chamber. The velocity entering and leaving the chamber is controlled by the width of the outlet flume. The velocity is maintained within an optimal region over a ten to one flow range. An effective ten to one variation in flow is achieved with a velocity in the range of 1.5 feet per second to 3.5 feet per second.

Abstract: An inlet structure for dissipating the energy of the influent to a feedwell of a clarifier. The inlet structure has a cylindrical wall centered in the clarifier and closed at the bottom. Ports in the wall are each equipped with a baffle that includes a fixed center vane aligned with the port, a pair of hinged gates on the sides of the center vane, and a bottom baffle underlying the port and the center vane and gates. The gates can be adjusted to control the size and velocity of influent streams that are directed in opposite tangential directions from each port into impingement with streams from adjacent ports for dissipation of the influent energy in the feedwell.

Abstract: A flotation device for separating materials or mixtures of materials from suspensions includes a reaction and mixing space (18) with eccentric inlet (16) for the mixture of suspension particles with gas bubbles and for further transport into at least one centrally arranged vertical suspension distribution tube (26), wherein the suspension distribution tube (26) and the clarified fluid collecting tube (48) are arranged adjacently, the plates (30) surround the suspension distribution tube (26) and the clarified fluid collecting tube (48) in an annular manner; and every second annular plate space (31) between adjacent plates (30) is connected to the suspension distribution tube (26) and every other space (31) between plates is connected to the clarified fluid collecting tube (48), so that the flow takes place out of one space (31) between plates from the inside towards the outside to the separating space (32), and subsequently into an adjacent space (31) between plates from the outside towards the inside.

Abstract: A separating device (10) especially for use in a pneumatic flotation system comprises an annular channel (18), at least one nozzle (16) for introducing aerated pulp substantially horizontally and tangentially into the annular channel (18), froth extraction means (26) for the removal of separated froth from the annular channel (18), and pulp extraction means (24) for the removal of separated pulp from the annular channel (18), the at least one nozzle (16) being configured so that the aerated pulp introduced into the annular channel (18) rotates therein with centrifugal forces of between 5 and 20 ms−2.

Abstract: The clarifier of the present invention includes a tank, an influent pier, and a FEDWA. The tank that includes a bottom and a wall. The influent pier projects upwardly from the bottom of the tank along an axis. The influent pier includes ports that direct flow of the solution outwardly from the influent pier. The FEDWA separates the flow of the solution that is discharged by the ports and that flows into the tank. The separated flow of the solution includes a first flow portion that is directed in a first direction that is generally tangential with respect to the axis of the influent pier, a second flow portion that is directed in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction of the first flow portion, and a third flow portion that is directed in a third direction toward the axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid particles from the suction effluent of, for example, a dental office, preferably driven by a dental office vacuum pump, includes a surge tank for accommodating effluent overfill connected to a sedimentary deposit tank for sedimentation of effluent particles. A bypass conduit is connected to the surge tank inlet which is equipped with a vacuum break valve for allowing air into the system when the suction openings are closed. The sedimentary deposit tank has a series of baffle chambers through which effluent flows in sequence, and in each of which chambers sediment is deposited for later removal. The surge tank preferably has a liquid level sensor and warning device. Modular filters or adsorbants may be installed in the sedimentary deposit tank, or a modular auxiliary filter may be connected downstream of the tank. Chemical injection may be used to improve sedimentation.

Abstract: An inlet structure for dissipating the energy of the influent to a feedwell of a clarifier. The inlet structure has a cylindrical wall centered in the clarifier and closed at the bottom. Ports in the wall are each equipped with a baffle that includes a fixed center vane aligned with the port, a pair of hinged gates on the sides of the center vane, and a bottom baffle underlying the port and the center vane and gates. The gates can be adjusted to control the size and velocity of influent streams that are directed in opposite tangential directions from each port into impingement with streams from adjacent ports for dissipation of the influent energy in the feedwell.