Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a coalescer device and separation method employing the coalescer device for coalescing material comprising a dispersed liquid phase from an emulsion.

Abstract: A grit removal unit for a waste water system, including a round grit removal chamber with an input for waste water and an output, a grit storage chamber beneath the grit removal chamber, and an opening between the grit storage chamber and the grit removal chamber. A vertical drive shaft extends through the grit removal chamber into the grit storage chamber, and is rotatable to facilitate waste water flow in the grit removal chamber whereby grit in the waste water is directed toward the opening. A grit size restrictor includes a shear secured to the drive shaft for rotation therewith (the shear including a plate extending radially from the drive shaft above the opening), a first set of bars extending across the opening, and a second set of bars secured to the bottom of the shear plate with the second set of bars positioned adjacent the first set of bars.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for removing settled material from a supply of wastewater includes an open-top clarifier tank for holding wastewater having a minimum upper surface level, a support member supported above the clarifier tank and a wastewater treatment module positioned to be located at least partially below the clarifier tank upper surface level so as to have a submerged portion within the wastewater contained within the clarifier tank. At least part of the submerged portion, which can include an effluent supply conduit, has an outer surface formed of an anti-biologic material. The anti-biologic material inhibits the growth of algae within the wastewater and on the anti-biologic surface. The anti-biologic material can be a copper material, and can be provided on a base material such as stainless steel.

Abstract: A component separating device includes a substrate, a fluid channel provided at the substrate, an actuator and a groove provided at a surrounding of the actuator, the fluid channel contains a fluid including a liquid component and a solid component, and the actuator generates a standing wave at inside of the fluid channel. By such a constitution, a vibration loss is reduced by reflecting a vibration by the groove to be transmitted to a side of the fluid channel, the standing wave having a strong intensity is generated at inside of the fluid channel, and the small-sized highly accurate component separating device is provided.

Abstract: A solid-liquid separating system of a parallel plate conveying type can efficiently dehydrate sludge at an inlet and effectively dehydrate it at an outlet, and assures good solid-liquid separating performance. A filter is constituted by a first plate group and a second plate group which perform the parallel motion and displacement left and right, and up and down on the basis of the circular motion. The first plate group includes a plurality of plates A arranged with predetermined spaces. The second plate group includes a plurality of plates B which are as thick as the plates A, and plates C which are thicker than the plates B. The plates B and C are separated. A press unit (not shown) presses sludge at an outlet, where gaps between plates are narrowed. Even when the sludge is dehydrated by applying pressure, few solids will flow out.

Abstract: A system for collecting the flow of sand and sediment in a water current including a catch basin and a seawater pumping arrangement. The catch basin includes a basin and a transfer tube, the basin having a bottom and a plurality of angled sidewalls defining a basin. The bottom basin aperture therethrough aligned with an aperture formed in the transport tube affixed horizontally below the bottom. The transfer tube preferably includes a wedge-shaped flow-enhancing cavity immediately downstream of the aligned apertures which enhances the flow of the sand and sediment from the basin. A longitudinal catch plate extending within a midportion of the transfer tube below the apertures prevents the sand and sediment from clogging the transfer tube when water flow through the transfer tube is off.

Abstract: A system for removing contaminant from sulfur to a level that allows re-processed sulfur to reenter a supply chain. The system melts contaminated sulfur, filters the molten sulfur, and then dispenses the less contaminated sulfur after filtering it. More specifically, solid contaminated sulfur enters a settling tank, while heated molten sulfur circulates through the system and the settling tank. The circulation of the molten sulfur assists in the melting process of the solid sulfur, allowing the solid sulfur to melt efficiently. In preferred embodiments of the system, the system uses steam jacked sulfur lines and steam tracing to maintain temperatures for melting the solid sulfur and maintaining the molten state of the sulfur circulating through the system. Furthermore, the system comprises a programmable logic controller, which controls motors, pumps, valves, and environment monitoring instruments.

Abstract: A valveless siphon decanter for processing fluid within a tank having a siphon tube external to the tank, the siphon tube having an output, a boom extending substantially transversely from the siphon tube, the boom providing a path for the communication of fluid from within the tank into the siphon tube, a vacuum head in association with the boom, the vacuum head having at least one orifice disposable within the tank for receiving the fluid, a vacuum source for creating a vacuum within the siphon tube and the boom to draw the fluid in through the at least one orifice of the vacuum head into the boom and into the siphon tube thereafter, a vacuum break for breaking the vacuum within the boom and the siphon tube; and wherein the siphon tube and the boom are disposed outside of the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating sewage The apparatus receives sewage at a receiving compartment and separates solids from liquids at the receiving compartment. The solids can be extracted from the receiving compartment by an auger. The liquid sewage flows through a series of treatment compartment containing rotating biological contactor discs for treatment by these rotating biological contactor discs. The rotating biological contactor discs are secured to a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft and the auger are powered by a quasi-submerged turbine displaced by a flow of air.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide individual blades driven by drives configured to reduce a tendency of sludge to be moved in an undesired return direction. Drive configurations apply “pull” and “pull” forces that only pull on tensile structures, avoiding a need in actual commercial practice for use of extra structural drive members having high resistance to both tension and compressive forces exerted parallel to a sludge movement direction. Each of two separate tensile structures carries one blade, or a separate set of blades, with blade(s) of one structure adjacent to, and alternating with, blade(s) of the other structure. Embodiments move sludge from a corner of a basin and across a floor of the basin. The reduced tendency of sludge movement in the return direction results from moving one tensile structure and blade(s) in the sludge movement direction as the other tensile structure and adjacent opposed blade(s) move in the return direction.

Abstract: An automated water discharging system for prohibiting buoyant debris from reaching and engaging an existing support structure that is partially submerged in an existing body of water may include a mechanism for extracting and channeling water from beneath a water line to above a water line of the existing body of water. Additionally, a mechanism for distributing water from above the water line to a plurality of third locations may be included by creating an artificial current flowing away from the existing support structure. A plurality of conduits and a power-actuated pump may direct the water and debris from one location to the next. Discharge nozzles may discharge the water at an angle defined downwardly towards the water line to thereby create the artificial current leading away from the existing support structure. A controller may be included to adjust the flow rate of the nozzles and the corresponding artificial current.

Abstract: A collector for removing sediment from a waterway. The collector has a housing (24) with an opening (38) and an internal cavity (44) for receiving particles. Means for adjusting the type of sediment is provided. An inlet (120) communicates with the cavity for altering the amount of suction and controlling the water intake and the type of material removed.

Abstract: A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases within a collection container is disclosed. The mechanical separator may have a separator body having a through-hole defined therein, with the through-hole adapted for allowing fluid to pass therethrough. The separator body includes a float, having a first density, and a ballast, having a second density greater than the first density. A portion of the float is connected to a portion of the ballast. Optionally, the float may include a first extended tab adjacent a first opening of the through-hole and a second extended tab adjacent the second opening of the through-hole. In certain configurations, the separator body also includes an extended tab band disposed about an outer surface of the float. The separator body may also include an engagement band circumferentially disposed about at least a portion of the separator body.

Abstract: System and method for water restoration to a water pool or to water regions associated with freshwater or saltwater marinas. Embodiments include a positive water flow device that works in unison with a negative water flow device, wherein the positive and negative flow devices are separated from each other in the water pool or water regions. The positive flow device, for example, a water jet, directs a stream of water beneath the water surface of the water pool or water regions, and causes a water surface to move towards the negative flow device by a hydraulic pushing action. The negative flow device includes a water pump and receiving port, augments the hydraulic pushing action by providing a complementary pulling action by applying a vacuum or negative pressure to a water receiving port, or scoop.

Abstract: An assembly for removing grit particles from a fluid having a flow. The assembly includes a tank having walls for holding fluid for separation of grit particles from the fluid, a fluid inlet for flow of fluid into the tank, a fluid outlet for flow of fluid from the tank, an inlet diffusion baffle assembly including a baffle positioned to direct fluid flow toward the tank walls and a lower chamber of the tank, and an outlet baffle assembly including a baffle positioned in a rear of the tank at an upward slope from the center of the tank toward the fluid outlet configured to direct fluid flow toward the center of the tank.

Abstract: A method and device for removing floated matter such as sludge located near the surface of a fluid body is contemplated that employs pneumatic force to remove the floated matter. The contemplated device employs pneumatic force for lifting and blowing the floated matter into an inlet channel. The device is configured to provide substantially uniform airflow across the inlet channel. The inlet channel of the device may also include an adjustable section which allows airflow velocity along the channel to be controlled in a periodic fashion.

Abstract: Apparatus for managing layers of different density includes an enclosed tank for holding the liquids so that they stratify into separate layers of different levels in the tank. A conduit for liquid in the tank is open at an inner end to the tank interior, and is open at an outer end to the tank exterior. A drive moves the inner end of the conduit to different levels within tank so liquid can be transferred into or out of different levels in the tank. The drive preferably being a gear mechanism employing woodruff-type tabs.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus for a wastewater treatment system that includes a septic tank with a lower sludge layer, an upper effluent layer, and a tank floor. The wastewater treatment apparatus includes a positive pressure pump that is configured to pump a fluid, and a tube that has an outlet that is spaced from the tank floor. The tube is in fluid communication with the positive pressure pump.

Abstract: A reactor for washing sand contaminated with hydrocarbons comprises a vessel having an aperture in a bottom portion thereof. A steam cleaning device is located near a top of the vessel for receiving contaminated sand and cleaning the contaminated sand as it is introduced into the vessel. A rinsing device is positioned below the steam cleaning device for rinsing the sand with water. A sand conveying device comprising an air injection device is positioned in the bottom portion of the vessel for urging sand out of the aperture using compressed air, such that the sand is partially dewatered as the sand is urged out of the aperture.

Abstract: A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases is disclosed. The mechanical separator includes a float having a first portion and a second portion, a ballast circumferentially disposed about a section of the float, and a deformable bellows defining an open passageway extending between a first end and a second end. The ballast is longitudinally moveable with respect to the float and engaged with the deformable bellows between the first end and the second end. At least a portion of the float is transitionable from a restraint position to a sealed position through the first end of the bellows. The first portion of the float can be positioned within the interior of the deformable bellows in the restraint position, and the first portion of the float can be positioned at an exterior location longitudinally displaced from the deformable bellows in the sealed position.

Abstract: A system for separating suspended and dissolved materials in a fluid having a pH offset from neutral is disclosed. It employs a plurality of stacked, generally flat treatment beds each having a surface angled downward for receiving the fluid. Since the fluid is spread over a large surface, its velocity slows causing suspended materials to drop out of the fluid as a sludge. A pH correction device may add an agent to the flowing fluid which will bring the pH closer to neutral thereby causing said dissolved materials to precipitate out and into the sludge. Atmospheric oxygen may also be used to effect the precipitation. Portions of the beds may be isolated and the sludge collected resulting in a fluid having substantially less suspended and dissolved materials at a pH and temperature closer to normal. Energy may be produced from the movement of liquid through the system or from the heat energy of the fluid. Magnetics may be utilized to improve the precipitation of solids.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating solids from a fluid. The apparatus includes a first container for receiving solids and fluid and a second container adjacently disposed to the first container in fluid communication therewith. The apparatus includes a conveying member extending upwardly from the bottom of the first container and angling upwardly through the second container such that the conveying member transports solids that settle to the sloped bottom portion of the first container from the first container and through the second container. A conveyor member housing may be disposed in the second container so as to provide an enclosure about the conveyor member to prevent solids that are being transported through the second container by the conveyor member from being deposited into the second container while permitting fluid that separates from the solids during transport to pass from the conveyor member housing and into the second container.

Abstract: A system for washing contaminated sand comprises a plurality of reactors arranged in a sequence from a first to a last reactor. The first reactor is configured to receive contaminated sand. Each reactor comprises a funnel portion in a lower section thereof for accumulating a sand layer and a sand conveying device for removing sand through an aperture defined near a bottom of the funnel portion. Each reactor except the first reactor receives sand removed from a previous reactor. The system also comprises a steam supply system for providing each reactor with steam for washing the sand, a water supply system for providing the last reactor with clean water for rinsing the sand, and a fluid outlet associated with each reactor for removing fluid and providing the fluid to a separator for separating the fluid into first and second portions respectively containing relatively low and high proportions of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Apparatus for the separation of scum from a liquid including a housing (22) incorporating two side walls in spaced relationship and a scraper wall disposed between said side walls. A rotational device (12) mounted in the housing (22) provides rotational motion about one or more horizontal axes. The rotational device (12) includes one or more paddles (13-16) which extend outwardly with respect to the rotation axis forming a substantial sealing engagement with the opposed inner faces of the side walls of the housing. The scraper wall and rotational device are arranged such that when immersed in water, the paddle(s) (13-16) may be rotated to become at least partly submerged and the outer periphery(ies) engage with the scraper wall to lift a portion of the water and scum above the natural level of the water.

Abstract: System and method for water restoration to a water pool or to water regions associated with freshwater or saltwater marinas. Embodiments include a positive water flow device that works in unison with a negative water flow device, wherein the positive and negative flow devices are separated from each other in the water pool or water regions. The positive flow device, for example, a water jet, directs a stream of water beneath the water surface of the water pool or water regions, and causes a water surface to move towards the negative flow device by a hydraulic pushing action. The negative flow device includes a water pump and receiving port, augments the hydraulic pushing action by providing a complementary pulling action by applying a vacuum or negative pressure to a water receiving port, or scoop.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for collecting a target fluid submerged in a carrier fluid when the specific gravity of the target fluid is lower than the specific gravity of the carrier fluid and the target fluid is essentially immiscible with the carrier fluid. The apparatus includes a funnel, a system effective for achieving submersion of a majority of the slant height of the funnel within the carrier fluid, and a pump in fluid communication with the interior volume of the funnel proximate the smaller end of the funnel for pumping fluid collected at the smaller end of the funnel. The method involves positioning a funnel between the submerged target fluid and the upper surface of the carrier fluid so as to catch and direct an upward flow of the target fluid towards the smaller end of the funnel before the target fluid reaches the upper surface of the carrier fluid.

Abstract: A component separating device includes a substrate, a fluid channel provided at the substrate, an actuator and a groove provided at a surrounding of the actuator, the fluid channel contains a fluid including a liquid component and a solid component, and the actuator generates a standing wave at inside of the fluid channel. By such a constitution, a vibration loss is reduced by reflecting a vibration by the groove to be transmitted to a side of the fluid channel, the standing wave having a strong intensity is generated at inside of the fluid channel, and the small-sized highly accurate component separating device is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a decanter for separating a supernatant protruding from a sewage sludge in a sludge tank (1) having a withdrawal device (4) attached to a first end (E1) of a pivot-mounted discharge pipe (3), wherein for discharging the supernatant flowing through the discharge pipe (3) near a second end (E2) opposite of the withdrawal device (4) a flexible hose (14) is provided, which is connected to a connecting piece (13) that is firmly mounted to the base relative to the pivoting bearing. In order to improve the robustness of the decanter, the invention provides that the discharge pipe (3) is received at its second end (E2) pivoting around a pivoting axis (A) in a pivoting bearing (2) having two bearing blocks (17) supported on a base.

Abstract: An integrated system for treatment of inorganic liquid waste is disclosed that quickly and efficiently processes large quantity batches of such liquid waste by initially removing solids and sludge and subsequently processing the liquid waste to remove other materials so that the processed liquid waste can be recycled in a conventional sewer system. Larger solids, sludge, and free phase oil are removed by the system before they enter the liquid waste processing equipment, thereby preventing damage to the processing equipment caused by these substances. The use of common liquid waste and sludge delivery lines on all of the contaminant removal reactors in the system facilitates the efficient operation of the system with a minimum of operator intervention being required.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for the mechanical purification of liquids, said installation comprising a container for separating suspended matter, and a transporting device for transporting the suspended matter to a discharge point. Said container comprising an inlet and an outlet for the liquid. A collecting chamber for suspended matter is formed in the bottom part of the container. The container for separating the suspended matter comprises at least two other chambers, at least one being embodied as a ventilated chamber and at least one as a non-ventilated chamber. The invention also relates to a method for separating suspended matter from liquids in a container comprising an inlet and an outlet for the liquid, and a collecting chamber for suspended matter in the bottom part thereof. According to said method, the suspended matter is separated in a multi-stage manner. At least one stage is a ventilated stage and at least one other stage a non-ventilated stage.

Abstract: System and method for water restoration to a water pool or to water regions associated with freshwater or saltwater marinas. Embodiments include a positive water flow device that works in unison with a negative water flow device, wherein the positive and negative flow devices are separated from each other in the water pool or water regions. The positive flow device, for example, a water jet, directs a stream of water beneath the water surface of the water pool or water regions, and causes a water surface to move towards the negative flow device by a hydraulic pushing action. The negative flow device includes a water pump and receiving port, augments the hydraulic pushing action by providing a complementary pulling action by applying a vacuum or negative pressure to a water receiving port, or scoop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recycling drilling fluids used in the drilling of wells is provided. 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. Fluid is removed from the collecting compartment of the tank to be used again in drilling operations.

Abstract: A settling tank for drilling fluids is provided, having a first compartment. The first compartment has confining walls, an inlet, an outlet weir, and a source of secondary fluid. At least one of the confining walls has a downwardly sloped confining wall. The inlet is provided for supply of drilling fluids into the first compartment. The outlet weir is positioned in at least one of the confining walls. At least one source of secondary fluid is provided. The source of secondary fluid is configured to direct fluids down the downwardly sloped confining wall towards a collection area. By directing fluids down the downwardly sloped confining wall, solids that may accumulate in the compartment are more efficiently moved towards the collection area where they can be removed. The apparatus and method disclosed herein describe an efficient approach to processing drilling fluids on site.

Abstract: A system for separating a heavy fraction from a liquid, including a housing and a mechanism in operative connection with the housing to induce rotational flow within an upper section of the housing. The system further includes a flow restrictor positioned below (that is, at the bottom of or below) the upper section of the housing in which rotational flow is induced by the rotational flow mechanism. The flow restrictor has a diameter less than the inner diameter of the housing so that a gap is formed between the flow restrictor and the housing. The housing further includes an inlet positioned above the flow restrictor and a first outlet positioned below the flow restrictor. The first outlet is positioned radially inward from an interior wall of the housing. The housing can be generally cylindrical from the top of the gap to a baffle positioned below the flow restrictor. The baffle defines a settling section for the heavier fraction.

Abstract: A system for separating solids from a fluid stream. The system includes a first separator device mounted to a container. The container includes a settling compartment and baffle plate module, with the initial settling compartment receiving the fluid from the first separator device. The fluid stream proceeds through the baffle plate module. The solids within the fluid stream will descend to the bottom of the container. A spiral blade is positioned at the bottom of the container, with the spiral blade adapted to convey solids to a first pump member. The speed of rotation of the spiral blade may be varied. The first pump member discharges the slurry to a second separator device. The second separator device will discharge the separated fluid stream into the baffle plate module. In one embodiment, the first separator device is a linear shaker and the second separator device is a cyclone separator and linear shaker mounted in tandem.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing solids such as sludge from a liquid reservoir comprising a float, a suction head assembly carrying a pump, and elongated guides interconnecting the suction head assembly and float. The float also carries a winch for raising and lowering the suction head assembly. The guides are slidably engaged with the float and serve to indicate the depth of operation of the suction head assembly.

Abstract: Vibrators, each comprising an electric motor having an eccentric weight on its rotating shaft, are adhesively secured to the bottoms of the wastewater holding tanks of a recreational vehicle, to aid in flushing the tanks by dislodging solid debris from the inside walls and bottoms of the tanks and from the electrodes of the liquid level sensors in the tanks.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating components of slurries by gravity settling thereby forming a thickened slurry and a clarified liquid. The apparatus comprises a vessel for decanting a volume of slurry, the vessel having a top and an interior formed by a side wall and a bottom wall for holding the slurry, a slurry inlet means, an outlet for the clarified liquid near the top of the vessel, and a slurry withdrawal apparatus for removal of the thickened slurry from the vessel at or near the bottom wall thereof. The slurry withdrawal apparatus physically engages a portion of the slurry within the vessel interior and transports it through a vessel outlet.

Abstract: A device for removing solids from a fluid containment space. A hood is arranged or intended to be arranged at a bottom surface of the fluid containment space. At least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening are provided on a first side of the hood. The hood is provided with one or more elements for directing fluids through the respective outlet opening on the first side of the hood from the inner space of the hood to the fluid containment space exterior of the hood in an essentially horizontal direction or in a direction towards the bottom surface of the fluid containment space. Also provided are a separator including such a device and a method for removing solids from a fluid containment space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the removal of grease collected in a hydro-mechanical grease interceptor via a pump which may be activated by a programmable timer. In an embodiment, a hydro-mechanical grease interceptor includes a tank having a tank inlet and a tank outlet; a tray positioned inside the tank; and a pump located inside the tank, the pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet, wherein the pump inlet is located within the tray at a level below the tank outlet. The interceptor may include a timer coupled to the pump to control operation of the pump.

Abstract: A filtration unit that includes a casing that has a closed bottom and is immersed in a water storage tank (or water storage pond) into which raw water is introduced, the casing being composed of a introduction port which introduces the raw water in the water storage tank into the casing, an active carbon supply device which adds active carbon to the introduced raw water, an agitator which agitates the raw water inside the casing to which active carbon has been added, a filtration module which filters the raw water, a back flow preventing device which prevents the raw water inside the casing from flowing back into the introduction port and being discharged into the water storage tank, and a discharging device which discharges the raw water from the casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sand catcher comprising a deposition chamber (1) that is configured as a steel container with a cylindrical cross-section, traversed in a longitudinal direction. Said deposition chamber comprises air-supply nozzles (4) on one longitudinal side for generating a circulatory motion or the water transversally to the longitudinal direction of the deposition chamber (1) and a sand collection channel (3), located in the lower section, that runs in a longitudinal direction. A waste water inlet (6) for generating the circulatory motion of the water leads into the upper section of the deposition chamber (1), running transversally to said chamber. The air-supply nozzles (4) are provided on the side of the waste water inlet (6) below the latter (6).

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.

Abstract: A system for consolidating and removing contaminate such as paint sludge or oils from a fluid mixture. A contaminate tank receives a supply of the fluid mixture containing contaminate from a source such as a manufacturing line where overspray of paints or cleaning solutions containing washed away oils are collected. A free floating weir floats on the surface of the contaminate tank and mechanically separates and removes contaminate from a surface of the contaminate tank and concentrates the contaminate in a consolidation tank. In the consolidation tanks the contaminate is further separated and collected for disposal.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for increasing the recovery efficiency of spilled oil or any other viscous fluid. The surface of a rotatable oleophilic fluid recovery unit in an adhesion (oelophilic) skimmer or other recovery apparatus is patterned with a plurality of grooves configured for formation of menisci and pooling of fluid in the grooves when the surface contacts a viscous fluid. When the surface of the fluid recovery unit rotates out of (e.g., is withdrawn from) the body of viscous fluid, an amount of the viscous fluid adheres to the patterned surface. A scraper is provided having a surface geometry that matches the surface geometry of the fluid recovery unit and allows the viscous fluid to be scraped off the surface of the fluid recovery unit and transferred to a collector. Accordingly, both fluid separation and fluid recovery are made possible.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for conveying solid material in a process vessel includes, a first baffle set comprising a plurality of inclined baffles located above the eductors and arranged to restrict upward flow of solids in the direction of movement of the solids. A second baffle set may be used to prevent particles rebounding from an end wall and back into upper levels of the vessel.

Abstract: A lift station for raising the level of an open channel flow of liquid by sweeping blades mounted to a rotated wheel into the liquid flow after entering a housing to sweep the liquid up and back along a housing interior wall and over a weir edge located well above the level of the open channel flow stream. The flow stream is caused to descend as it enters the housing through a drop to increase the flow velocity to a degree sufficient to offset the impeding effect on upstream flow of the encounter of the flow with the rotating blades. Roller bearings are mounted to the inside of the housing to side walls to support the bladed wheel and are packed with a solid lubricant to insure a long service life despite being exposed to the liquid and debris entrained therein. A reverse rotation device positively prevents a backwards rotation of the wheel to prevent damage to the blades. The wheel is driven by a motor mounted in a housing tray affixed to one side wall driving a drive shaft penetrating the side wall.

Abstract: A container for receiving and holding effluent water containing oil/grease to be removed has sectional covers. A main sectional cover supports a partially immersed rotatable disk; a drive on the main sectional cover rotates the disk; a trough on the main sectional cover straddles the disk; and a blade on the trough scrapes a side of the disk, to direct oil and grease from the disk along the scraper blade along the trough for collection in a storage container. Efficiencies of construction of the sectional covers, disk and a sensor probe are disclosed.

Abstract: Solids removal assemblies (14) adapted for use in flow-through or batch-type sedimentation tanks (12) are provided which increase the efficiency of solids removal and eliminate physical scraping devices common with such sedimentation tanks. The preferred removal assemblies (14) include an elongated hood (34) disposed over a cooperating and complementally configured fill structure (26,28), which fills the majority of the internal volume of the hood (34). The hood (34) includes converging sidewalls (44, 46) having lower most inlet openings (54) and spaced, tubular outlets (56) adjacent the apex thereof. Outlet pipes (64) are operably coupled with each of the hood outlets (56) for suction withdrawal of waste water-solids suspensions which are then conveyed for downstream processing.

Abstract: Semi-submersible floating decanters and methods of use are provided. The decanters are moveable between a non-decant position and a decant position, and include a float forming an internal cavity, the float having a central annulus, a weir having an inlet opening and positioned within the center of the annulus and fixedly connected to the float forming a passage between the float and the weir, and a discharge conduit connected to the weir for discharging a supernatant fluid therefrom. A depth adjusting mechanism is provided for moving the decanter within a liquid between a non-decant position wherein the inlet opening is above the surface of the liquid and a decant position wherein the inlet opening is positioned within the supernatant to allow the supernatant to be withdrawn, the depth adjusting mechanism including a pumping mechanism for moving a fluid relative to the internal cavity.