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: 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: 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: A chamber having an inlet for receiving polluted storm-water runoff and an outlet for the storm water to flow out. Within the chamber are one or more baffles forming gaps and having apertures. The gaps define a longer water flow route through the chamber and the apertures disperse the storm water within the chamber. This increases storm-water residence time which encourages settling of particulate matter such as sand and grit. In alternative embodiments, there are included a screen, a collection reservoir, and/or a pivotal filter for further dispersing, detaining, and/or filtering the storm water.

Abstract: A cylindrical vertical oil, water and gas separator that incorporates the known advantage of a horizontal flow path, when utilizing the force of gravity to separate a mixture of flowing fluids into distinct laminar layers, while providing a means for maintaining the dynamic equilibrium of the disparate layers of the fluids even when the oil, water and gas separator is swaying back and forth as might happen if the oil, water and gas separator is installed on the deck of a ship.

Abstract: A method for water removal in hydrocarbon product reactors operating at Fischer-Tropsch conditions. The water removal decreases the concentration of water in the reactor. In one embodiment, a method of reducing the concentration of water in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor containing a water-rich hydrocarbon product includes removing water from the water-rich hydrocarbon product of the reactor by a water removal means so as to form a water-reduced hydrocarbon product and returning that product to the reactor.

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 chamber having an inlet for receiving polluted storm-water runoff and an outlet for the storm water to flow out. Within the chamber is a screen that is elevated for separating and suspending miscellaneous debris such as vegetative matter, paper, and plastic, and that extends substantially all the way across the chamber to laterally disperse the storm water in the chamber. In alternative embodiments, there are included one or more baffles, a collection reservoir, and/or a pivotal filter for further dispersing, detaining, and/or filtering the storm water.

Abstract: A grease trap and management tank is disclosed herein. The trap has two compartments, a forward and rear compartment separated by two baffles so that grease and oils may rise and solids and sludge settle out and not be introduced into a sewer line. An ultra sonic monitoring device is also shown with local record keeping and alarm capabilities as well as remote management options through phone line, wireless or internet communications. Servicing may be scheduled according to this data to prevent any problems with the trap. The grease trap also features an access door that opens to reveal the entirety of the grease trap for easy cleaning. Since the dimensions of the tank do not exceed the width and height of standard doorways, installation indoors is greatly simplified. Along with adaptable risers, the trap may be made of metal, plastic or any other suitable material, installed indoors and mounted in concrete or any other suitable construction material.

Abstract: A baffle controls the normal process flow of liquid in basins of liquid treatment equipment, but releases uncontrolled flow of the liquid caused by events such as seismic events. Methods provide an unbent blank for making such baffle with a hinge member to facilitate the release of the uncontrolled flow. Further methods provide for mounting of the baffle for movement, urging the baffle for the control of the normal process flow, and allowing the uncontrolled flow to overcome the urging and release the uncontrolled flow. Baffle embodiments may be made from exemplary materials such as stainless steel, glass fiber reinforced polyester, pultruded FRP, and redwood.

Abstract: A method for processing oil from oil wells having water bound locations whereby it is necessary to place the process containment vessels upon host structures that are floating and subjected to a swaying motion caused by the wave action of the water in which the host structures float. The process containment vessels are of a vertical cylindrical configuration to minimize their footprint and to mitigate the effect of tilting on the spatial process geometry inside of the vessels and further the vessels contain internal baffles that create horizontal flow patterns inside of the vertical vessel for a more efficient gravity separation process.

Abstract: A unitary or modular, pre-cast, drive-down pit system suitable for use in a heavy equipment wash installation. The completed pit collects runoff generated by the washing of heavy equipment such as construction, industrial, farming, or road-building equipment. The pre-cast concrete separation unit and separate wall sections have tongue and groove mating ends that facilitate assembling the pit and provide for sealing against leakage of water. The wall sections have built-in rebar attachment and water block elements at an angle so as to provide for a strong and waterproof bond with the ramp floor. The ramp floor is concrete, poured after installation of the separation unit and the wall sections to complete the finished drive-down pit. The separation unit has up to four chambers: a primary solids collection section; a secondary solids settling chamber; a free oil separating section; and a pump water holding section.

Abstract: A grease removal system includes a solid interceptor fluidly coupled to a grease trap tank, which is fluidly coupled to a secondary tank. The secondary tank contains an enzyme solution which biodegrades the grease. The grease removal system may also include a solid interceptor fluidly coupled to a grease trap tank which is fluidly coupled to a replaceable container. Grease is diverted from the grease trap tank into the replaceable container and thereafter discarded. The grease removal system may include a grease trap tank utilizing a unique arrangement of grease baffles and solids baffles which work together to isolate grease within a single region of the grease trap tank for ease of disposal. Finally, the grease removal system includes two level sensors which detect the level of grease within the grease trap tank and, at the appropriate level direct the accumulated grease from the grease trap tank.

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: A mobile chamber has an inlet for receiving polluted water and an outlet for pollution-free water to flow out. A mobile trap operating system includes an output pump, an input pump, a pollution tank, and a liquid tank, all operably connected to the chamber. Within the chamber is a collection reservoir with a skimming edge for skimming off floating pollutants such as motor oil, other hydrocarbons, and detergents. Alternative embodiments include a screen, baffles, and/or pivotal filter for further separating the pollutants from the water. A method for separating the pollutants from the water includes directing the water from the water tank at the pollutants and into a collection pool of polluted water, drawing the polluted water into the chamber, receiving the skimmed pollutants from the collection reservoir into the pollution tank, and receiving the pollutant-free liquid from the chamber into the liquid tank.

Abstract: A filter unit is disclosed suitable for use in a filter housing. The filter unit comprises superposed and spaced-apart inclined lamellar structures, preferably in the form of hollow truncated cones, each having a lower end side opposite an upper end side and a passage for a flow of liquid between each two of the lamellar structures. Each passage has an inlet for receiving an inflow of liquid to be filtered and an outlet for discharging an outflow of filtered liquid. In each of the passages, an overflow dam wall following a sinuous path is obstructing the flow of liquid and retains particulate matter contained in the liquid. The filter unit is mounted vertically in a filter housing. The invention also concerns a prefilter comprising a filter unit as described above mounted vertically in a filter housing.

Abstract: A chamber has an inlet for receiving polluted storm-water runoff and an outlet for the storm water to flow out. Within the chamber is a collection reservoir having an adjustable weir with a skimming edge for skimming off floating matter such as motor oil, other hydrocarbons, and detergents. In alternative embodiments, there are included a screen, one or more baffles, and/or a pivotal filter for further dispersing, detaining, and/or filtering the storm water.

Abstract: A chamber having an inlet for receiving polluted storm-water runoff and an outlet for the storm water to flow out. Within the chamber is a pivotal filter that catches clay during typical storm flows and pivots out of the way during higher flows. In alternative embodiments, there are included a screen, one or more baffles, and/or a collection reservoir for further dispersing, detaining, and/or filtering the storm water.

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: The present invention may include a separation tank with an outer chamber and an inner chamber positioned within the outer chamber. An inlet and an outlet may be in communication with the outer chamber. A first opening may provide access between the inner chamber and the outer chamber. An inlet channel may extend between the inlet to a second opening in the inner chamber. A plurality of lower baffles positioned between the outer chamber and the inner chamber and adjacent to the first opening may be included. A plurality of upper baffles positioned between the outer chamber and the inner chamber and adjacent to the outlet may be included. Floating and non-floating particulate matter may be trapped in the separation tank as storm water flows through the apparatus.

Abstract: A casing defines a cavity having a top, a bottom, and axially front and rear ends. The casing is configured to conduct a mixture of a liquid and a contaminant through the cavity from the front end to the rear end. A coalescer, located in the cavity, includes an inclined stack of corrugated plates extending rearward and upward. Each plate has corrugations extending rearward and upward.

Abstract: A settling device (1) for liquid treatment including a plurality of inclined, spaced-apart panels (5) each providing an upper settling surface for receiving settled out solid contents of the liquid to be treated, wherein the panels (5) are supported in a box-like structure (2,3,4) including two side walls, and wherein said device includes an inlet or inlets for liquid to be treated and an outlet or outlets for purified liquid. At least one of the side wall sides of the box-like structure (2,3,4) is provided, at the top, with a top portion to be positioned vertically so as to obtain a purified liquid level inside the device between a low level which is below a upper portion of the inclined panels and a high level which is above said upper portion of the panels.

Abstract: A method of collecting and transferring settling solids that are being settled from raw surface water or wastewater includes collecting settling solids and applying first and second upward flows to the settling solids. The solids are collected in a chamber having a bottom surface and a surrounding side surface. The first upward flow is applied to the solids from a point adjacent the bottom surface. The second upward flow is a suction flow applied at a point above the first upward flow. The first and second flows urge the settling grit upward and out of the chamber through a passageway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gravity separator for an effluent made up of a multi-phase fluid mixture comprising at least a heavy first phase and a supernatant second phase. According to the invention, said separator includes adjustment means for adjusting its geometrical separation characteristics.

Abstract: A low cost oil, grease removal assembly includes a rotomolded plastic container having an inlet and an outlet; a rotomolded plastic basket support located at the inlet inside the container; a rotomolded plastic outlet baffle located in the container at the outlet; a plurality of container cover sections including a first section to cover the basket support, a second container cover section having an oil, grease removal mechanism downstream of the basket support and upstream of the outlet baffle, and a third container cover section to cover the outlet baffle.

Abstract: A cleaning liquid container for a cleaning device for cleaning objects for personal use, such as, the cutter head of a shaving apparatus. The cleaning liquid container includes an inlet, an outlet, and a filter element. In an interior of the cleaning liquid container, provision is made for a sedimentation line or flow path leading from the inlet to the outlet to allow solid particles to settle from the cleaning liquid.

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: An oil/grease separator separates a lighter liquid from a mixture of the heavier liquid and a lighter liquid. A housing has an inner volume, an inlet to receive influent flow, an outlet to discharge the heavier liquid, which defines a static liquid level, and an outlet port above the static liquid level to discharge substantially all of the lighter liquid and portions of the heavier liquid. The lighter liquid floats on the heavier liquid, so that large volume flows into the inlet raises the liquid level in the housing, flowing the floating lighter liquid through the outlet port.

Abstract: A treater for separating oil from water in an emulsion uses vertical coalescing vanes extending through the oil portion into the water portion. The vanes are made of a conductive material, and are electrically grounded in the produced water, and may be coated or partially coated to promote de-watering. Water droplets coalescing on the faces of the vanes are transported down the vane into the water portion and are removed from the system. In a further embodiment, the vanes extend above the oil portion into the gas portion to facilitate removal of gas entrained in the oil. In another embodiment, at least some of the coalescing vanes are rotatable, allowing external control of the flow of fluid through the treater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for reducing the maximum water concentration in multi-phase reactors operating at Fischer-Tropsch conditions. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of reducing the maximum concentration of water in a multi-phase reactor containing an expanded slurry bed and a water-rich slurry region for Fisher-Tropsch synthesis includes changing the flow structure of a predetermined region in the reactor. The flow structure may be changed by introducing a mixing enhancing fluid into the predetermined region, installing baffles into the predetermined region, or by other methods known in the art. Preferably the predetermined region is located between ½ H and H and between ½ R and R, where H is the height of the expanded slurry bed and R is the radius of the reactor.

Abstract: Discloses apparatus and method to deaerate and condition bitumen froth obtained from a primary tar sands bitumen extraction process comprising a vessel containing a plurality of inclined plates, called a static deaeration conditioner. The inclined plates of the static deaeration conditioner are substantially equidistantly spaced from each other and are inclined at an angle to the horizontal. The plates form a corresponding plurality of channels there between for the froth to be deaerated to flow along. The declination angle is selected to obtain a gravity induced froth flow rate in the channel that exhibits a lamella effect near laminar flow characteristics, which promotes the creation of a water-enriched froth region near the lower plate of the channel. A braking pump can be provided on an outlet port of the vessel to control the rate of flow through the vessel of the froth to be deaerated and conditioned.

Abstract: A chamber having an inlet for receiving polluted storm-water runoff and an outlet for the storm water to flow out. Within the chamber are a screen, one or more baffles, a collection reservoir, and a pivotal filter. The screen is elevated for separating and suspending miscellaneous debris such as vegetative matter, paper, and plastic. The baffles increase storm-water residence time to encourage settling of particulate matter such as sand and grit. The collection reservoir has an adjustable weir for skimming off floating matter such as motor oil, other hydrocarbons, and detergents. And the pivotal filter catches clay during typical storm flows and pivots out of the way during higher flows. In addition, a method for maintaining the pollution trap includes removing the screen for cleaning, suctioning out the particulate matter and oil, and replacing the pivotal filter member.

Abstract: A bioreactor that has an internal sludge return function for treating wastewater is provided. Said bioreactor comprises a mixing zone (18), a static zone (28), and a mixed liquor circulation channel (26). The internal sludge return is accomplished by the integration of said static zone (28) that settles sludge, and said mixed liquor circulation channel (26) that provides a circulating stream of the mixed liquor for carrying settled sludge back to the mixing zone (18). Therefore, the microorganism concentration in the bioreactor of this invention is increased compared with conventional suspended-growth bioreactors, resulting in the improved wastewater treatment performance, reduced bioreactor size, simplified operation, reduced clarifier size, etc. The bioreactor of this invention can be operation in aerobic, anoxic, and anaerobic conditions to serve various wastewater treatment purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating substance tank (1), especially for a portable handheld work apparatus (2) having a fill opening (3) and an outflow opening (4). The operating substance tank (1) is configured from a first housing part (6) and a second housing part (7) connected to the first housing part in order to configure the operating substance tank (1) in a simple assembly so that the operating substance can be made available without disruption. A filter wall (8) is configured as one piece from a housing part (6) and partitions the tank housing (5) of the operating substance tank (1) into at least two spaces (9, 10).

Abstract: A baffle has no shape-holding facilities other than bends that define and hold the configuration of structural channels, and controls the flow of liquid in basins of liquid treatment equipment. Methods provide an unbent blank for making such baffle, and provide operations for bending such unbent blank to provide such baffle. A preferably stainless steel unbent baffle blank may be deformed by the bending operation into a configuration that defines the plurality of structural channels of the baffle. The deformed blank need not be held bent in such configuration by any fastener or welding. The plurality of structural channels render the baffle able to withstand the various forces applied to the baffle by incoming liquid and by liquid having a reverse flow direction in the basin.

Abstract: A stormwater pollutant separator system is provided with the system having a stormwater pollutant separator, a by-pass system, an intake conduit and an outflow conduit connected together. The stormwater pollutant separator includes a chamber with a weir plate and siphon plate therein. The chamber has first, second, and third sections. The first section is located between the chamber first end and the weir plate. The second section is located between the weir plate and siphon plate. The third section is located between the siphon plate and the chamber second end. In one embodiment the third section has filter material placed intermediate the siphon (sometimes referred to as the second weir) plate and the second end plate.

Abstract: A casing surrounds an axis to define a cavity that has axially front and rear ends. The casing is configured to conduct a mixture of a liquid and a contaminant through the cavity from the front end to the rear end. A porous basket structure, located within the cavity, for holding coalescing media has a top opening. The basket structure is configured for the liquid to flow through the top opening into the basket structure, through the coalescing media, and outward through of the basket structure in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction. A constraining structure, located in the cavity, constrains the liquid flowing through the cavity from the front end to the rear end to flow through the top opening into the basket structure when the liquid is below a predetermined level.

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 composite fluid separator capable of isolating a first liquid from a composite fluid having a first and second liquid, in which the first and second liquids have differing specific gravities. An outer housing encloses a separation chamber. An inlet port delivers the composite fluid through an elongated spillway into the sump of the chamber. Positioned between the inlet port and the outlet port is a plurality of stacked baffles, composed of individual separation flow plates, placed in an inclined relationship. The plurality of baffles creates a flow path in which the composite fluid is forced to flow over each of the individual separation flow plates as it travels upward in the separation chamber toward the outlet port.

Abstract: A cylindrical vertical oil, water and gas separator that incorporates the known advantage of a horizontal flow path, when utilizing the force of gravity to separate a mixture of flowing fluids into distinct laminar layers, while providing a means for maintaining the dynamic equilibrium of the disparate layers of the fluids even when the oil, water and gas separator is swaying back and forth as might happen if the oil, water and gas separator is installed on the deck of a ship.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for separation of a first fluid from a mixture of at least the first fluid and a second fluid and a method for doing the same. The apparatus is preferably located downhole, but also can operate on the surface. According to the invention, the apparatus comprises:—a production pipe for flowing the mixture;—at least one settling chamber surrounding the production pipe;—at least one aperture allowing the mixture flowing into the production pipe to flow into the settling chamber; and—an exit pipe, connected to the settling chamber, allowing the first fluid to flow out of the settling chamber.

Abstract: An improved method of separation of liquids from solids. Animal manure in particular must be separated in order to further process the liquid. This improved method of separation also utilizes a slanted plate clarifier in its design. This design will also provide a means of removing some of the more soluble chemicals from the liquid.

Abstract: Catalyst particles are separated from the wax in a reactor slurry reactor by feeding a portion of the slurry to a dynamic settler. Heavier catalyst particles settle and are removed as the slurry at the bottom of the settler is recycled back to the reactor. Clarified wax is removed at the top of the settler. A multi-channel baffle prevents turbulence, improving retention of the desired heavier catalyst particles.

Abstract: Catalyst particles are separated from the wax in a reactor slurry reactor by feeding a portion of the slurry to a dynamic settler. Heavier catalyst particles settle and are removed as the slurry at the bottom of the settler is recycled back to the reactor. Clarified wax is removed at the top of the settler. A multi-channel baffle prevents turbulence, improving retention of the desired heavier catalyst particles.

Abstract: The present invention may include a separation tank with an outer chamber and an inner chamber positioned within the outer chamber. An inlet and an outlet may be in communication with the outer chamber. A first opening may provide access between the inner chamber and the outer chamber. An inlet channel may extend between the inlet to a second opening in the inner chamber. A plurality of lower baffles positioned between the outer chamber and the inner chamber and adjacent to the first opening may be included. A plurality of upper baffles positioned between the outer chamber and the inner chamber and adjacent to the outlet may be included. Floating and non-floating particulate matter may be trapped in the separation tank as storm water flows through the apparatus.

Abstract: A stormwater pollutant separator system is provided with the system having a stormwater pollutant separator, a by-pass system, an intake conduit and an outflow conduit connected together. The stormwater pollutant separator includes a chamber with a weir plate and siphon plate therein. The chamber has first, second, and third sections. The first section is located between the chamber first end and the weir plate. The second section is located between the weir plate and siphon plate. The third section is located between the siphon plate and the chamber second end. In one embodiment the third section has filter material placed intermediate the siphon (sometimes referred to as the second weir) plate and the second end plate.

Abstract: A settling device (1) for liquid treatment including a plurality of inclined, spaced-apart panels (5) each providing an upper settling surface for receiving settled out solid contents of the liquid to be treated, wherein the panels (5) are supported in a box-like structure (2,3,4) including two side walls, and wherein said device includes an inlet or inlets for liquid to be treated and an outlet or outlets for purified liquid. At least one of the side wall sides of the box-like structure (2,3,4) is provided, at the top, with a top portion to be positioned vertically so as to obtain a purified liquid level inside the device between a low level which is below a upper portion of the inclined panels and a high level which is above said upper portion of the panels.

Abstract: An aerated grit chamber includes an aeration zone in which influent is vigorously aerated and a settling zone separated from the aeration zone by a baffle beneath which wastewater flows from the aeration zone into the settling zone. The aeration causes swirling motion and causes larger grit particles to settle and accumulate in a grit trough on the floor. An inclined plate settler in the upper part of the settling zone causes smaller grit to settle and fall into the grit trough. In order to prevent overly efficient operation at low flow rates and settling of organics with the grit, internal recycling of the wastewater from the settling zone back into the aeration zone is effected, preferably with air lift to induce recycling but also using alternative techniques such as direct pumping.

Abstract: The apparatus is a surface water purifying catch basin which uses a lamella separator to separate out fine sediment and a separate chamber to trap heavy debris, oil, and floating debris. The surface water enters an inlet chamber which is separated from a settling chamber by a divider wall that has a lower opening between the chambers and a higher overflow. The inlet chamber traps floating contaminates and those that are heavier than the water. The opening between the chambers permits the surface water to flow into and through the lamella separator. The catch basin exit is from the settling chamber, but the water can reach the exit only through the lamella separator that separates out the fine sediment in the water. All of the accumulated contaminates can be removed through access holes in the top of the catch basin.

Abstract: An apparatus for the removal of suspended solids and entrained oil from an aqueous solution. Using either wire mesh or corrugated coalescing material made of an oleo-philic material and an oleo-phobic material. An inlet chamber that serves as a pre-coalescing vessel and reduces the velocity of the incoming fluid in an unhindered manor. The vessel contains five strategically placed baffles that gently change the direction of flow throughout the vessel. And four solids collection hoppers located under the vessel three of which have perforated plates that insure the solids become trapped beneath said plates. A coalescing media cleaning device consisting of strategically placed tubes throughout the coalescing media pack the evenly distributed bursts of air bubbles produced by this device agitates the accumulated solids thus releasing the solids into the fluid stream.