Abstract: An interceptor tank for primary treatment of rainwater runoff which may contain a variety of pollutants. The tank is a multi-chambered device which provides a partial separation of the pollutants contained in the effluent rainwater. A bypass system prevents overload of the tank during periods of heavy inflow conditions. Under low inlet flow conditions, an orifice in the bypass system functions to allow the effluent to drop into the first chamber which serves as a trash and debris collector. The effluent passes from the first chamber to a second chamber where free petroleum based products are separated and held. The effluent from the second chamber passes into a third chamber where sediment is separated from the effluent. The effluent from the third chamber may be fed back into the bypass conduit to be fed into a sewer system or alternately through an aperture in one of the exterior walls of the last chamber to a sewer.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating contaminants from a fluid stream is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a vessel containing a gas blanket. The apparatus will have contained therein a water skimmer member adapted for allowing for retention of the fluid stream. The apparatus further includes a first gas flotation cell contained within the vessel and arranged in series with the water skimmer so as to receive the fluid stream. Also included is an oil bucket positioned within the vessel and adapted to receive a portion of the fluid stream from the water skimmer and the first gas flotation cell. In one embodiment, the first gas flotation cell comprises a first screen member having a porous structure, a plate baffle having a first passage therein, and an eductor device adapted for introducing a gas stream into the fluid stream.

Abstract: A separator tank for rain water and waste-water treatment includes a container divided by a divider into an upper by-pass compartment and a lower treatment compartment. The divider includes a drop pipe assembly having a tapered cross-section. The drop pipe assembly includes a drop pipe having a T-shaped connection. For assembly, the drop pipe is lowered down through an opening in the divider and forms a friction fit with the opening. The drop pipe assembly also optionally includes an appropriately sized flow restricting plate positioned over the opening in the divider.

Abstract: A storm water receptor having at least one inlet and an outlet positioned at a discharge level lower than the level of the intake provided with a novel, removable divider which divides the receptor into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, having a float-actuated trap door that permits water entering the upper chamber of the catch basin or field inlet to be diverted and flow into the lower chamber until the lower chamber is filled with liquid, at which point the entrance into the lower chamber closes, and water entering the upper chamber passes directly out of the upper chamber through the discharge pipe. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the float-activated trap door can be replaced with a stationary, removable plate or ramp.

Abstract: An installation for the simultaneous separation and removal of fats and oils in waste water, which includes a treatment container chamber for receiving a liquid medium. Out of the treatment container chamber, through a bottom outlet, is an overflow pipe running upwards and which opens outwardly outside of the treatment container chamber as a discharge pipe, so that its inside bottom edge, at the point where it opens outwardly, defines a level of a medium in the treatment container chamber. A support material in the form of a plurality of plastic tubes is wound with lengths of polyester cord colonized with a fat and oil-degrading yeast microorganism Yarrowia lipolytica W1 in the treatment container chamber. A nutrient solution container, with a metering pump for feeding NH.sub.4+ into the treatment container chamber, as required, is included as a source of nitrogen for the fat and oil-degrading microorganism, along with a device for supplying the microorganisms with air.

Abstract: A coalescer for separating a first liquid component from a multiple component liquid mixture wherein the first liquid component has a lower specific gravity than the liquid mixture. The coalescer comprises a generally rectangular housing defining an entry port and an exit port and a flow path therebetween. A grid contained within a removable cartridge is received within the housing and includes a plurality of parallel inclined plates residing along the flow path to separate the first liquid component from the liquid mixture. A second liquid port in communication with the flow path via an outlet causes the first liquid component to flow into a separate container. The liquid mixture continues to flow through the coalescer until all of the first liquid component is removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating water contaminants from a fuel which has a specific gravity which is lower than that of water. Contaminated fuel is drawn from a bottom of a tank and passed into a separator. The water stays at the bottom of the separator and is drained off. The fuel is forced upwardly from which any droplets of water flow along collector plates and fall to the bottom of the separator. The fuel is passed through a filter which removes any particles of matter then the fuel is directed back to the tanks. The process can be repeated for as many times as necessary to cleanse the fuel of water and contaminates.

Abstract: The method and apparatus mixes two immiscible liquids A and O to form a dispersion and then pre-separates the dispersion into two fractions (A+o) and (O+a) in a spout. These two fractions are fed separately into a decanter with two separate compartments which continue to maintain the two fractions as separate. Within the two separate compartments the two fractions are further separated into two flows, A, O, a, and o, such that four flows exit the decanter.

Abstract: A biological reactor including a settler assembly for reducing loss of biological material during high-turbulence treatment of liquid in the biological reactor. The settler assembly is comprised of plates, tubes, or other porous materials placed between a system of baffles and a collection trough. The settler assembly reduces turbulence near the overflow weir edge of the collection trough, thereby reducing biological material carry over with the treated liquid into the collection trough. The trough baffle settler assembly will allow higher treatment rates with the same or lower losses of biological material than experienced with previous trough-baffle designs, thereby reducing costs of construction and operation of biological reactor systems.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a granular media filter, for treating liquid, such as wastewater, including a settler assembly for reducing media loss during high-turbulence washing of media in the granular media filter. The settler assembly is comprised of plates, tubes, or other porous materials placed between a system of baffles and a backwash trough. The settler assembly reduces turbulence near the overflow weir edge of the backwash trough, thereby reducing media carry over with the backwash water into the backwash trough. The trough baffle settler assembly will allow higher backwash rates per backwash with the same or lower media losses than experienced with previous trough-baffle designs, thereby reducing costs of construction and operation of granular media filter systems. The settler assembly is particularly adapted for use with granular media filters employing simultaneous application of air and water to produce a high turbulence backwash.

Abstract: An apparatus providing process water used for making or processing a fiber suspension includes a multi-compartment tank with a top, a bottom wall, and a plurality of exterior sidewalls. Each compartment has an inlet positioned near the top, an outlet positioned near the bottom wall, and at least one intervening wall common with an adjacent compartment. Each intervening wall has a height defining an overflow weir whereby the compartments are arranged with sequentially decreasing maximum fluid levels. Each intervening wall also has a backflow device positioned near the bottom wall. The backflow device is selectively openable to allow flow from one compartment to an adjacent compartment in a direction opposite to a flow direction over the corresponding overflow weir.

Abstract: A grease trap having an inlet member, a discharge member, a plurality inner walls defining chambers within, and a relief member for flushing accumulated waste matter. In general order of fluid flow, the chambers include an inlet chamber, a preliminary chamber, an outlet chamber, a discharge chamber, and a reservoir chamber. A first orifice on one inner wall permits passage of fluid from the inlet chamber to the preliminary chamber, a second orifice on another inner wall permits passage of fluid from the preliminary chamber to the outlet chamber, and a third orifice on another inner wall permits passage of fluid from the outlet chamber to the discharge chamber. The relief member has a cap and is coupled to the reservoir chamber. The inner walls defining the chambers are of a height approximately between 70 Length % to 95 Length % of the height of the outer walls of the device to permit for a waste accumulation layer.

Abstract: A system for extracting free oil from industrial processing fluids comprises a coalescing cartridge having a plurality of vertically oriented polymeric elements therein past which fluid is free to flow without obstruction thereby supplying fluid to a tank having a plurality of settling chambers. Free oil is removed from the processing fluid through oleophilic attraction between the free oil and the surface of the polymeric elements. Remaining free oil is further separated from the processing fluid through gravitational attraction. A plurality of weirs and baffles interposed between the settling chambers provide continuous return of purified processing fluid to the system. A plurality of solenoid actuated valves provide periodic decanting of separated free oil.

Abstract: A positive pressure oil well production package, comprising a separator vessel connectable to an oil well head and a pressure tight storage vessel connected to receive fluid from the separator via a conduit. First and second vapour outlets connected to a gas disposal system are provided for the separator vessel and pressure tight storage vessel respectively. A weir in the pressure tight storage vessel separates the pressure tight storage vessel into first and second compartments. The weir has a lip over which oil may spill from the first compartment into the second compartment. An oil removal port is provided in the second compartment of the pressure tight storage vessel. The conduit has a discharge end and the conduit extends into the first compartment with the discharge end terminating at or above the lip of the weir.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which provide enhanced solids-contacting vessel performance in which untreated liquid is injected into a lower portion of the vessel so as to flow in substantially helical and upward directions, solids separating from the untreated liquid into a suspended and rotating sludge blanket. The apparatus includes devices for withdrawing effluent from the vessel from a variety of locations depending upon the flow characteristics of the liquid in the vessel. The apparatus may include a radial weir trough that can be moved vertically within the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for separating a hydrocarbon containing material such as crude oil from water. The system of the present invention includes a treatment tank, a layer of a fluid having a chemical affinity for the hydrocarbon contain material being separated within the tank for separating the hydrocarbon containing material from said water without any mixing and with a minimum level of turbulence, and a distribution system for introducing the water with the hydrocarbon containing material into the layer of chemical affinity fluid. The method of the present invention broadly comprises the steps of providing a treatment tank having a layer of a fluid having a chemical affinity for the hydrocarbon containing material and separating the hydrocarbon containing material from the water without any mixing and with a minimum of turbulence by introducing the water with the hydrocarbon containing material into the layer of chemical affinity fluid.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the purification and treatment of liquids which are used for cooling and/or lubricating and contain impurities of metal and other materials, particularly for separating scale from the process water of cooling cycles in the metallurgical industry, wherein the liquid to be purified flows through intermediate spaces between plates arranged parallel next to each other in a container, and wherein the plates are arranged horizontally and are moved upwardly and/or downwardly transversely of the flow direction of the liquid. The solid particles are removed from the process water by sedimentation on the plates and additionally by a magnetic force which emanates from the upper sides of the plates.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of industrial waste water using electrocoagulation to effect separation of contaminants, which may include heavy metals, dyes, oils, fats, solvents, and salts. The process comprises passing waste water containing contaminants susceptible to electrocoagulation between pairs of electrodes within a reactor cell, energizing the electrodes with direct current, thereby breaking down and chemically altering contaminants in the electrolyzed water to form a sedimentable flocculate therein; and separating the flocculate from cleaned water. The invention also anticipates an apparatus for treating waste water which comprises: an electrocoagulation reactor cell having spaced-apart electrodes energized by direct current, a pump for passing industrial waste water through the reactor and between the electrodes, a de-foam tank, a mechanical clarifier, and a recessed-plate filter press.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating immiscible liquids and solids from a influent stream employing a pre-coalescing unit to remove solids and larger liquid particles followed by a coalescing function which separates any remaining oil, grease and the like from the influent stream. The separator tank comprises three chambers, one of which comprises a series of debris plates made of perforated oleofilic material which traps solids and large particles in the first chamber and passes the partially separated liquid to a second chamber containing closely spaced coalescer plates which remove the remaining unwanted particles. In the third chamber, the effluent stream is prepared for reintroduction into the environment. The separator unit of this invention uses the combination of enhanced coalescing and gravitational separation to improve the separation process and reduce the frequency of maintenance and cleaning of the unit.

Abstract: An oil and water separation apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart vessels, the first vessel having an interior for holding liquid and a separator unit that is positioned in the interior of the first vessel. The separator unit receives incoming flow at its upper end portion. This flow fills the interior of the separator. The inclined walls of the separator help accumulate oil that moves upwardly therewithin. Lowermost pipes discharge water from the separator. A plurality of vertically spaced apart conduits are positioned around the exterior wall of the separator and communicate with its interior. Each of the vertical openings has a larger cross sectional area base portion and a smaller cross sectional area top through which oil can exit. Accumulated oil can be channeled away from recycling. Water escaping the first vessel enters the second vessel where it encounters a plurality of alternating baffles and filters that further clarify any water that is discharged from the first vessel.

Abstract: A settling device (2) for a fluid containing liquid, gas and particulate material comprises liquid-discharge elements (15) fitted close to the water level of the fluid and supply elements for supplying the fluid at the bottom of the settling chamber. In the settling chamber one or more caps (12) are disposed with their longitudinal axis at an angle to the water level, such that fluid supplied at the bottom of the settling chamber flows obliquely up, forced along the bottom of the at least one cap. Whilst gas bubbles contained therein collect in the ridge (17) of the at least one cap. The gas collected in the ridge of the at least one cap is trapped by elements (18) beneath the water level of the fluid. Preferably, use is made of a row containing a multiplicity of caps (12) which are disposed in oblique, overlapping and parallel arrangement. The caps (12) can be fitted at an angle of 60.degree. relative to the water level and preferably have a mutual interval of about 6 cm.

Abstract: An oil processing vessel for cleaning oil and the associated produced water utilizing the principle of capillary attraction in lieu of heat and/or electric coalescence to dehydrate the oil and in lieu of induced gas flotation to extract oil from the water. The oil processing vessel also includes a means for mitigating the foam often encountered when processing crude oil and if required an integral means to split the oil discharge from the vessel into disparate proportional flow streams. There also can be included a means for extracting extraneous material that accumulates inside the vessel at the water/oil interface.

Abstract: A sedimenter comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet. The housing defines a collection chamber located beneath and in communication with a sedimentation chamber. Flow path defining means, for example in the form of a baffle, located within the sedimentation chamber forces fuel flowing between the inlet and the outlet to follow a relatively long, tortuous flow path.

Abstract: Method and equipment for purification of a liquid, where the liquid is polluted by other liquids or solid material, e.g. removing oil from oil contamined water, comprising a flocculation device (2) and a flotation device (8). The method comprises adding one or more chemicals to the liquid in a flocculation device that comprises one or more pipe loops (2) with built-in agitators (3, 20, 21) providing turbulence and plug-type flow through the loop. Thereupon purified liquid and pollutants are separated in the flotation device or in a sedimentation device (8). The equipment according to the invention comprises a pipe loop (2), provided with built-in agitator(s) (3, 20, 21), connected to the flotation device (8).

Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus including a biotreatment tank and a floating clarifier within the tank. The floating clarifier includes a floating base and a perimeter wall mounted to and beneath the floating base. A plurality of tented panels mounted to the clarifier walls forms an apertured bottom of the floating clarifier having a plurality of tortuous outlets. The biotreated wastewater from the biotreatment tank enters the floating clarifier, where the suspended solids within the biotreated water settle and descends out of the apertured bottom of the clarifier. The biotreatment tank and clarifier operate continuously while equalizing variations in the wastewater feed rate.

Abstract: A method and improvement for extracting free or "tramp" oil from an oil contaminated fluid wherein oil contaminated fluid entering an oil separator is injected with a fraction of free oil. Coalescence of minute oil globules within the inlet stream is significantly enhanced thereby improving oil separation.

Abstract: The wastewater treatment unit is operable under high intermittent flow rate variations. It comprises a first clarifier in which is carried out a gravitational settling of solids and a second clarifier comprising a network of parallel plates inclined with respect to the vertical and a portion defining a collecting pit. Each plate has an upper edge positioned at a height lower than the filling level of the first clarifier to define an overflow giving access to the collecting pit. The network of plates allows to carry out a further settling of solids to create a counterflow of settled matter toward the first clarifier and a flow of clarified wastewater falling in the collecting pit. A filtering chamber is positioned above the first clarifier and comprises a filtering media supporting a biomass for digesting the organic content of the wastewater coming from the second clarifier.

Abstract: An elongated, cylindrical oil, water and gas separator with end closures for receiving a flowing mixture of oil, water and foamy gas improved by means for defoaming the gas, separating the oil, water and gas into distinct laminar layers and a means for absorbing the impetus and energy of the flowing water layer as it impacts the end closure near the water outlet conduit, and can include a heating means for reducing the viscosity of the mixture with increased heat exchange surface, an electric field through which the oil can flow downward for coalescing water droplets that may be entrained within the oil and further can contain a series of coalescing baffles having a spray jet washing system and hinged bottom segments to expedite cleaning and maintenance.

Abstract: A compact dissolved-air-flotation (DAF) clarifier and clarification process utilize three zones for clarification which operate in sequence in a single clarifier. Raw water with suspended solids enters a flocculator at the center of an annular tank where microscopic air bubbles introduced to the inflow float flocked contaminants to form a floating sludge layer. A first clarification, calming and degassing occur here. The water then flows radially outwardly into the tank where further quiet clarification occurs. A third level of clarification occurs in a lower portion of the tank, specifically, in a set of plate-like lamellae, radial and conical, which form inclined channels where a final clarification occurs. The bottom wall of the tank has a set of apertures which allow a gravity flow of clarified water through a layer of pressurized gas to an underlying collection compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for separating a light liquid from a heavy liquid in a mixture of these liquids are provided which enhance the gravitational separation of such liquids. Thus, water laden with greases such as from a commercial kitchen is contemplated to be substantially rid of the greases by the present apparatus and method. The apparatus comprises a separation chamber; an inlet port; an exit port for each of the light and heavy liquids, with the exit for the light liquid being positioned at about the fluid level of the mixture of liquids; a level control for maintaining the fluid level; and a heater element to heat the mixture, thereby decreasing the viscosity of the light liquid and further driving its separation from the heavier components of the mixture. In the preferred practice of the invention, a skimmer and a series of fluid flow obstacles are also employed along with the heater element to achieve optimal separation.

Abstract: An improved catch basin is constituted by a cylindrical container with a partition dividing the internal volume into a lower compartment and an upper compartment. The partition includes an intake region and an outlet region, each communicating with a vertical pipe extending downwardly from the partition and opening into the lower treatment chamber at an intermediate location therein, the intake region and the outlet region being diametrically opposite one another. The partition defines a central, oblique ramp which urges entering liquid in the direction of the intake opening of the intake region. Thus, under conditions of low liquid flow into the catch basin, all entering liquid will be directed to the intake region, descending along the intake conduit and into the lower compartment. Conversely, under conditions of high liquid flow into the catch basin, a portion of the liquid will overrun the ramp and gain direct access to the outlet region, from which it will exit the catch basin.

Abstract: A compact dissolved-air-flotation (DAF) clarifier and clarification process utilize three zones for clarification which operate in sequence in a single clarifier. Raw water with suspended solids enters a flocculator at the center of an annular tank where microscopic air bubbles introduced to the inflow float flocked contaminants to form a floating sludge layer. A first clarification, calming and degassing occur here. The water then flows radially outwardly into the tank where further quiet clarification occurs. A third level of clarification occurs in a lower portion of the tank, specifically, in a set of plate-like lamellae, radial and conical, which form inclined channels where a final clarification occurs. The bottom wall of the tank has a set of apertures which allow a gravity flow of clarified water through a layer of pressurized gas to an underlying collection compartment.

Abstract: A separation apparatus, particularly for separating two fluids having different densities or specific gravities, is described. The apparatus is provided with a baffle arrangement (22) located within cylindrical housing (3) comprising a plurality of conical-shaped baffles having sloping wall surfaces (24). The conical baffles may be arranged in a nested or stacked relationship or may be connected together to form a continuous helix. A convection current is set up within the apparatus such that one part of the flow is through the baffles in the direction from the base of the conical baffles to the centrally located aperture and the other part of the flow is along the interior walls of the apparatus in a gap between the peripheral edge of the base of the conical baffles and the interior wall. The material to be separated is discharged from the apparatus through a high level outlet acting as an overflow weir.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved solids removal and concentrating unit. The solids removal and concentrating unit comprises a tank, an inlet line, an outlet line, and a sludge removal line communicating with the tank. The solids removal unit further has a plurality of linear baffles positioned in the tank forming a baffle row, with the baffles being positioned in a substantially vertical orientation. Finally, the tank further has a plurality of baffle rows. The baffles operate to reduce the velocity of a carrier liquid behind the baffles. The baffles also operate to form slight vortexes in the carrier liquid behind the baffles and thereby facilitate the downward movement of solids.

Abstract: A grease recovery system includes a basin with an inlet port to connect the system to a waste disposal network, e.g., a sink in a restaurant, and to an outlet port for draining substantially grease-free water into a sewer network. A grease outlet port provides for recovering grease from the system. The basin holds waste water to a level corresponding to the height of the outlet port above a floor of the basin. The inlet port is above that level so that incoming waste water drains into the basin. An inlet baffle is arranged within the basin and adjacent to the inlet port to force waste water entering the inlet port downwards toward the floor. A first blocking baffle, mounted to the floor, reduces waste water flow along the floor after the waste water passes through the inlet baffle, so that grease rises to the water level downstream of the inlet baffle. A motorized belt sub-system is mounted within the basin to rotate a belt which attracts grease to the belt's surface and along the water level.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for separating particles from a bulk liquid, such as viable hybridoma cells from antibody-containing liquid medium. The device comprises a plurality of settlement plates, or other surfaces, being inclined to the vertical, and a pump or other means for causing liquid containing the particles to flow upwardly over the surfaces at such a rate as to allow particles to be separated from the bulk liquid to form sediment layers on the surfaces and slide down them for collection at an appropriate point.

Abstract: A separator for separating solids from a liquid/solid stream. The separator has a cylindrical separation chamber in which the stream is subjected to centrifugal forces against a separation wall. An exit port near the bottom of the separation chamber passes solids and some liquid to a lower sump. A plurality of axially and radially extending vanes in the sump quiet the movement of the solids. Optionally the vanes can extend into a quiescent region above the exit port.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a liquid containing suspended solids comprising a clarifying vessel and a number of filters positioned around the periphery of the clarifying vessel for receiving and filtering liquid from the clarifier. A filter may be backwashed by isolating that filter, filling the other filter cells with clarified liquid and draining them into the isolated cell to remove filter media contaminants.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of separating particulate material from a carrier fluid in which it is suspended. A first zone of a body of the carrier fluid is separated from a second clarified fluid zone thereof, and a suspension of particulate material in carrier fluid is fed into the body of fluid. Clarified fluid is withdrawn from the clarified fluid zone, and substantially all the clarified fluid which enters the clarified fluid zone is allowed to pass from the first zone to the second zone through a sub-zone in which at least some separation of particulate material from carrier fluid, against the direction of flow, takes place. The sub-zone is of smaller cross-sectional area than the body of fluid.

Abstract: A system for extracting solids and free or "tramp" oil from an industrial machining fluid comprises a pressurized tank having a plurality of horizontally orientated polymeric elements therein past which fluid is free to flow without obstruction. Free oil is removed from the machining fluid through oleophilic attraction between the free oil and the surface of the polymeric elements when the tank is filled with fluid. The free oil and solids are removed from the machining fluid in a gravity separation chamber.

Abstract: A granular media filter including a settler assembly for reducing media loss during high-turbulence washing of media in the granular media filter. The settler assembly is comprised of plates, tubes, or other porous materials placed between a system of baffles and a conventional backwash trough. The settler assembly reduces turbulence near the overflow weir edge of the backwash trough, thereby reducing media carry over with the backwash water into the backwash trough. The trough baffle settler assembly will allow higher backwash rates per backwash with the same or lower media losses than experienced with previous trough-baffle designs, thereby reducing costs of construction and operation of granular media filter systems. The settler assembly is particularly adapted for use with granular media filters employing simultaneous application of air and water to produce a high turbulence backwash.

Abstract: A filter device inserts into a duct having flow passing from upstream to downstream. The filter device includes fluted filter media having flutes formed therein inserting into a housing. The filter media is stacked and placed at an angle to the prevailing flow direction.

Abstract: A system for extracting oil from aqueous solutions or for extracting aqueous solutions from oil. The system imparts magnetic properties to the medium being extracted, using a multi-layer surfactant magnetic colloid. The system uses magnetic traps designed to efficiently extract the magnetic medium and remove it to a storage area.

Abstract: A coalescing oil/water separator for removing free and dispersed oil from a wastewater stream with increased separation efficiency and producing a substantially oil-free effluent. The coalescing oil/water separator is self-contained in a tank shell and includes an improved oil coalescing medium for separating oil out of wastewater and a series of baffles and weirs to direct flow, skim the separated oil and control the liquid level in the separator. The improved oil coalescing medium is uniquely designed and sized to maximize the coalescing surface area in and the flow rate through a given volume of medium by including a plurality of molded, stackable perforated sheets or plates having an oleophilic surface and increased coalescing surface area for inducing impingement of oil droplets on the medium surface.

Abstract: Drainage water having floating and non-floating particulate is collected and processed to separate out in the floating from the non-floating particulate, thereby cleaning the flow of water through the system during sudden storms or during steady rainfall conditions.

Abstract: A tank interceptor for rainwater and waste-water has an approximately opposed inlet and outlet. An inlet compartment is disposed adjacent the inlet, while an outlet compartment is provided in communication with the outlet. Both compartments are upwardly open, thus constituting a first aperture adjacent the top of the compartment. A second aperture is provided in each compartment, adjacent the bottom, through which solid and other heavy components can pass into the internal chamber of the container. The first compartment has an auxiliary outlet below the first aperture but above the second aperture, the auxiliary outlet communicating with the top of an auxiliary conduit that has an open bottom end in communication with the internal chamber of the container at a location adjacently below the level of liquid in the internal chamber at low entry flow rates. The auxiliary outlet being adapted to allow oil-based materials to be drawn off.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment installation includes at least two tank units having portions located in juxtaposed relation, the units being secured in such position. An inlet to the first tank unit communicates with a drop pipe connecting the inlet to a liquid delivery structure intermediate the top and bottom of the first tank unit, and located diametrically opposite the respective portion. The liquid delivery structure ejects liquid tangentially in opposite directions along the side wall of the first tank unit. An outlet from the second tank unit (or the last of a series of units) is located opposite the respective portion, and an outlet riser pipe connects the outlet to an intake opening, which is located intermediate the top and bottom of the second tank unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning fluids, especially cooling lubricants of machine tools. The apparatus includes a tank having a partition subdividing it into a sedimentation chamber and a clean chamber and having an inlet for the contaminated cooling lubricant and a discharge device for the cleaned cooling lubricant. A filter is mounted between the sedimentation chamber and the clean chamber and a conveyor device is mounted in the sedimentation chamber for removing sedimented particles from the tank. An environmentally safe and low-maintenance cleaning apparatus according to this invention is created by the fact that the sedimentation chamber is subdivided by a partition into an inlet area and a preliminary cleaning area that are connected to each other by a passage in the lower area of the partition. The filter is an edge filter mounted in the partition between the preliminary cleaning area and the clean chamber.

Abstract: A foldable assembly is provided for a module of settler tubes which settle solids from liquid. The module has a minimum thickness for shipment and a normal thickness for use in settling the solids, where the minimum thickness is substantially less than the normal thickness. The tubes are defined by four opposing walls. The assembly includes a pair of sheets, each of the sheets having dimensions along major and minor orthogonal axes, where the axes are perpendicular to the direction of the thickness and the sheets define two of the walls of one of the tubes. Another wall of the tubes is defined by an interconnect member having a central section defined by opposite sides, and a flex joint on each of said opposite sides and securing each of the sides to a respective one of the sheets. The other wall extends from each of the sheets in the direction of the thickness of the module when the tube is open to receive the liquid and the solids.

Abstract: A dissolved air flotation (DAF) system and method for gas-liquid contacting operations. A mixture of untreated liquid and liquid-saturated with dissolved air is passed through a series of upward deflecting screens placed across the flowpath in a rectangular tank. Microbubbles of air released from the mixture produce a buoyant force which carries contacted particles to the surface. Floated particles released from the microbubbles form a sludge which is supported above the surface of the mixture by a layer of air derived from the microbubbles. A top layer of the sludge is skimmed off according to a predetermined residence time of sludge at the surface. Liquid containing dissolved air is also introduced downstream of each deflecting screen to enhance flotation and clarification.