Abstract: A hydrodynamic gravitational separator and an attending drainwater filtration section positionable within a horizontal flow passage of a drainage system utilizes a circular-walled collection cavity into which drainwater is directed so that a swirling motion is imparted to the drainwater collected within the collection cavity. Furthermore, a baffle plate is supported within the collection cavity adjacent the exit opening thereof to isolate the exit opening from the swirling motion of the drainwater collected within the cavity. The filtration section includes a filter disposed downstream of the exit opening of the collection cavity so that drainwater which exits the collection cavity is subsequently routed through the filter.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating or segregating an insoluble or immiscible fluid mixture into its denser and less dense components is disclosed. The apparatus' serviceability is enhanced through the use of a removably secured focusing plate. The apparatus may be advantageously used to separate grease/water mixtures of commercial food preparation operations into a gray water component for disposal in sewer lines and a grease component for storage and subsequent appropriate disposal.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for filtering particles out of a liquid, in which the liquid containing particles is supplied to a sedimentation tank (12), and the liquid is made, by means of hydrostatic liquid pressure prevailing in the tank, to flow through a filter member (18) on the shell surface of a drum (14) mounted in the tank (12). When the liquid in the tank has risen to a predetermined level above the drum (14) as a result of clogging of the filter member (18), cleaning of the filter member (18) in situ in the tank is initiated.

Abstract: Device for separating two non-mixable liquids with different specific gravities such as oil and water, which device contains a first separation tank (2) with an overflow (11, 12) for each of the liquids to be separated, a coalescence filter (3) whose inlet (14) is connected via a pipe (13) to the overflow (12) of the first separation tank (2) for the liquid with the highest specific gravity and a second separation tank (4) which is connected to the outlet (19) of the coalescence filter (3), characterized in that the overflow (12) onto which the coalescence filter (3) is connected is situated higher than the inlet (14) of the coalescence filter (3) with a difference in height H1 which is such that the liquid mass in the pipe between the first separation tank (2) and the coalescence filter (3) provides for the necessary pressure to bridge the pressure drop in the coalescence filter (3) and the counterpressure of the liquid in the second separation tank (4).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the physico-chemical treatment of water characterized in that it comprises at least a step consisting in causing the water to be treated in at least one settler providing non-thickened sludge and in at least one settler-thickener treating the sludge from the two settlers and part of the water to be treated. The invention also concerns a plant for implementing said method comprising means for supplying the water to be treated (6), at least a settler providing non-thickened sludge (2), at least a settler-thickener (5, 5a), means for conveying (7) at least part of the non-thickened sludge coming from the settler providing non-thickened sludge (2) to the settler-thickener (5, 5a), means for evacuating (9, 9a) treated water coming from said settler providing non-thickened sludge (2) and from said settler-thickener (5, 5a) and means for evacuating (8) the thickened sludge coming from said settler-thickener.

Abstract: A solid-liquid separator including a separation tank, a treated water outlet (16) at the top of the tank, a sludge outlet (17) at the bottom of the tank, a draft tube (3) near the center in an upper inner zone of the tank and connected to a raw water inlet pipe (2), horizontally rotatable multistage stirring blades A (5) in the draft tube, horizontally rotatable multistage stirring blades B (6) immediately below the draft tube, a horizontal baffle (8) below the stirring blades B, a floating filter medium layer (10) around the outside of the draft tube above the stirring blades B, and a screen (12) fixed below the water level above the filter medium layer, and optionally, a filter medium-receiving screen (13) around the lower outside of the tube in combination with stirring rods (14) above the screen or aeration nozzles.

Abstract: A device of three-chamber type for purifying liquid in a cup-shaped vessel (17, 18) has an inlet tube (20) for the liquid at a certain level and an outlet tube (21) at a lower level than the inlet tube. The vessel is vertically divided by a substantially horizontal distribution disc (14) below the inlet and outlet tubes. The disc has at least one opening (19) and is provided with a substantially vertical distribution pipe (15) for receiving the liquid from the inlet tube (20). A first sedimentation chamber (A) is formed below the lower end of the distribution pipe (15), a second chamber (B) is formed over the lower end of the distribution pipe (15) and below the distribution disc (14) and a third chamber (C) is formed over the distribution disc (14).

Abstract: A liquid extracting apparatus in accordance with the present invention is configured so that a connection pipe 22a (suction-side pipe) of a pump 22 for extracting slurry liquid content is connected to the upper end side of a liquid content introduction path to which slurry in a tank 8 can be introduced to attain the precipitation and separation of solid content, and a number of tubes 26 are packed at the lower end portion of the liquid content introduction path 21. The present invention can provide a simple liquid extracting apparatus that can effectively extract only liquid content in the slurry (suspension) moving in the tank.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a method that separates petroleum products such as fuel oil and gasoline from other foreign constituents, such as water and organic and inorganic solids. In the present invention a petroleum product and its undesirable impurities enters a cylindrical chamber having an input port and an output port. Within the container exists a longitudinal input chamber which forces the fluid to assume a velocity, acceleration and direction as it progresses through the chamber and finally ejected through a nozzle which directs the fluid into a concave surface to produce a rotation of the fluid. Due to centrifugal and other physical forces, components of greater specific gravity are deflected at an angle relatively smaller than components having a larger specific gravity.

Abstract: An in-line storm water drain filter and baffle box is installed within a storm water drain pipe to direct storm water runoff through the storm water drain pipe and through the filter and baffle box prior to the storm water drain water passing through an outfall into a lake, pond or retention area. The filter system includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a plurality of chambers formed therein. A housing cover allows for access into the housing and a plurality of filter screens are mounted over each of the plurality of housing chambers for collecting trash from the storm water passing therethrough. The housing has a generally arcuate bottom. The filter system also has inlet and outlet cover frames for holding removably mounted blocker dampers for blocking the ingress and egress of storm drain water during cleaning of the filter system. An oil collection boom is removably mounted in the housing adjacent the inlet for collecting oil in the drain water entering the housing inlet.

Abstract: An improved dual fabrication liquid circulatory system for an electric discharge fabrication machine, having an oily-water separation system of single, dual, or triple-tank types. The single-tank oily-water separation system utilizes a water level sensor to control the switch of an electric magnetic valve and the discharge of oily-water fabrication liquid from an oil discharge pipe and a water discharge pipe. The dual-tank oily-water separation system directs fabrication liquid into a filtration tank such that fabrication liquid enters a water storage tank through a water discharge pipe and the floating oil flows into an oil storage tank from an oil discharge pipe. The triple-tank oily-water separation system includes a water filtration tank and an oil filtration tank with the water filtration tank divided into two tanks by a separation board. The floating oil in the upper oil layer enters an oil filtration tank through a flow pipe and enters the oil storage tank through an oil discharge pipe.

Abstract: A separator that utilizes an arcuate inlet manifold and an arcuate baffle to increase the rate of separation for a mix of materials having different specific gravities. The separator includes an arcuate baffle that defines a separation chamber and an arcuate pipe through which a mixture of materials having specific gravities is carried into the chamber. The mixture is discharged into the separation chamber against the baffle through a series of openings disposed along the perimeter of the pipe. The baffle, pipe and openings are configured relative to one another such that mixture is discharged against the baffle at an oblique angle. In preferred versions of the invention, mixture is discharged slanting up, slanting to the side or slanting up and to the side against the baffle at an angle of 18 to 24 (most preferably at about 22°).

Abstract: An apparatus for separating or segregating an insoluble or immiscible fluid mixture including less-dense solids and/or buoyant solids into its denser component, less-dense component, and less-dense solids and/or buoyant solids is disclosed. An aspect of the invention is directed to a technique that may relieve and even eliminate the fouling of down stream elements through the use of a flushing cycle in one instance, alternative access lines in another instance, or alternative access lines and flushing in yet another instance. The apparatus may be advantageously used to separate grease/water mixtures of commercial food preparation operations into a gray water component for disposal in sewer lines and a grease component for storage and subsequent appropriate disposal.

Abstract: A rainwater filter assembly (1) comprises a housing provided with an inlet (9) and an outlet (3), the inlet is adapted to receive rainwater discharging from a downpipe (10), and in use the assembly (1) is located in series with an underground pipework (27), the housing defines a silt collection chamber (7) in which silt can settle from water passing from the inlet to the outlet, the entrance (23) to the outlet from the silt collection chamber being located above the base of the silt collection chamber, and the housing containing or supporting at least one filter (9) adapted to filter coarser material than silt from the rainwater. Advantageously the filter assembly is capable of filtering coarse material from the water and provides a silt collection chamber so as to reduce the quantity of particulate material that passes to the pipework in the ground and to the soakaway normally connected to such pipework.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for removing a contaminant from an object. According to one aspect, an apparatus for washing an object which has contaminant is arranged to recover the contaminant. The apparatus includes a support floor that supports an object to be washed and a basin mounted below the support floor. The basin is divided into a plurality of chambers which include a clean water chamber, a secondary water chamber, an oil containment chamber, and a contaminated water receiving chamber which receives water which is contaminated after it is flowed over the object to remove the contaminant. The contaminated water received in the contaminated water receiving chamber must pass sequentially through the oil containment chamber and the secondary water chamber prior to entering the clean water chamber.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems which utilize an interacting surge anoxic mix zone for facilitating nitrogen removal and an aerobic sequential batch reaction, clarification and decantation zone for facilitating aeration for BOD removal and nitrate production for the surge anoxic mix zone. Sludge reduction may also be accomplished by anaerobic recycle.

Abstract: An oil-water and oil emulsion separation system using a plurality of transport vessels as the separation tanks. The containers or tanks are arranged in series with sludge or oil removed first and thereafter remaining oil is removed and finally a relatively pure aqueous solution is returned to the system. The unit is useful with parts washers or any apparatus with which water is contaminated by free oil or sludge. A floating skimmer is placed in the user's sump and a vacuum draws this into a series of containers in which it is processed and in which sludge and oil are successively separated. A positive displacement pump is used. A manifold having vacuum relief valves for at least one container is also provided. In one embodiment, flow restrictors are placed in at least one manifold.

Abstract: A filter for a carpet cleaning device and method for using therefor includes a casing and a partition that extends into the casing to define a primary chamber and a secondary chamber within the casing. A main siphon with an inverted U-shape is mounted in the partition. One end of the siphon extends into the primary chamber while the other end of the siphon extends into the secondary chamber. An auxiliary siphon is located within the secondary chamber, and a pump is attached in fluid communication with the auxiliary siphon. During operation, a wastewater/debris stream is transported into the filter. The stream collects in the primary chamber and establishes a primary fluid level therein. As the primary fluid level rises, carpet fibers and other insoluble debris settle in the primary chamber. Once the primary fluid level is even with the siphon, wastewater fluid is transported from the primary chamber to the secondary chamber and establishes a secondary fluid level therein.

Abstract: A submerged filtering device for separating any mixture of two immiscible fluids having different specific gravities. The filter can be used with either a gravity or pumped in-feed flow, and can be constructed in a range of sizes from easily transportable units to large fixed installations. When separating a mixture of oil and water, the filter operates in an external holding tank of water, which has the higher specific gravity, in which it is nearly entirely submerged. The filter uses a combination of hydro-static pressure and head pressure to exploit the difference in specific gravity of the two fluids, efficiently effecting a separation.

Abstract: The Multiple Stationary Sludge Draw-Off Tubes consists of multiple sludge collection tubes oriented along the tangential direction at different radii, several sludge transfer tubes going along the radial direction, a central connection ring located on the clarifier center and a sludge suction driving force. At the downstream end of each sludge transport tube, a valve is installed to allow the system to control flows from different sludge transfer tubes. Small orifices are distributed along the tangential direction on the each sludge collection tubes. The sludge on the tank bottom is sucked into sludge collection tubes through many small orifices and transferred in to center collection ring. The sludge draw-off facility described here can be used to cover the entire clarifier tank bottom, thus the sludge can be directly drawn-off from where solids settled rather than be collected to the center hopper and then moved out.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a sewage treatment plant comprises a settlement tank, an inlet channel for delivering an input sewage flow to the settlement tank, and a screen arrangement having a continuous belt screen for capturing screenings contained within the sewage flow to enable their subsequent removal therefrom. The screen arrangement is arranged within the settlement tank.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment plant comprises a first containment vessel, a second containment vessel forming an aerobic treatment chamber, the second containment vessel having an inlet and an outlet, there being a compartment formed in the first containment vessel that effectively divides the first containment vessel into a pretreatment chamber and a holding chamber. An outlet from the pretreatment chamber is in open communication with an inlet to the second containment vessel, while an outlet for the aerobic treatment chamber is in open communication with the inlet to the holding chamber.

Abstract: A liquid purification and separation apparatus for separation of pollutants in stormwater runoff is disclosed. This apparatus utilizes gravitational separation and tortuosity, resulting from a plurality of baffles both perpendicular to and oblique to the primary water flow direction, to trap substances less-dense and more-dense than water. The apparatus features improved resistance to pollutant remobilization through an interactive hydraulic design process resulting in greater pollutant retention.

Abstract: A fluid separator which includes an outer housing and a center fluid inlet tube which has a beveled lower end. Fluid enters the top of the housing into the inlet tube rotating as it passes downwardly through the tube and out the beveled end with the heavier particulate matter in the fluid settling to the bottom of the housing and the separated fluid being directed upwardly along the housing to the exterior of the inlet tube and out an outlet port in the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement in known apparatus for removing or separating certain contaminants and debris from drainage water. The known device has a tank defining a chamber with an inlet and a pair of vertically spaced outlets. A bulkhead with openings is spaced opposite the inlet and extends from the base of the chamber. A baffle is located between the bulkhead and the outlets and extends from the top of the chamber to near the bottom. An orifice plate or plates is adjustable mounted in series with the outlets and controls the rate of flow therethrough. The system thus has four sections, namely a non-floating particulate containment chamber; a floating particulate containment chamber; a flow control chamber; and an outlet chamber. In accordance with the invention, a fluid-previous media is provided at the interior of said apparatus in or abounding the flow path of the drain water proceeding between said inlet and outlet.

Abstract: An upflow liquid clarifier for treating a liquid that contains dissolved or suspended solids has a lower chamber with two curved ends connected by a straight section, a centrally-disposed dividing wall extending upwardly from that lower chamber, and an outer wall that extends upwardly and outwardly from the lower chamber. Inlets in communication with the lower chamber provide entry for liquid, which rises in a helical motion through the clarifier. Motion of the water establishes a sludge blanket, through which clarified water rises and can be removed from near the top of the clarifier. A sludge removal structure allows the continuous or periodic removal of sludge.

Abstract: A draining device is disposed within a drain port, which is defined by an upper end of a drain pipe embedded in the ground at an elevation below the ground surface. The draining device includes a tubular base member which has an open upper end, a closed lower end, a bottom wall, and a peripheral wall that extends between the upper and lower ends and that is formed with a plurality of drain openings. A water guiding tube is attached within the base member, and extends into the peripheral wall of the base member. The drain openings of the base member are located around the water guiding tube at an elevation above a lower end of the water guiding tube. The water guiding tube has open upper and lower ends, and is capable of guiding water from the upper end of the base member to the bottom wall of the base member.

Abstract: The object is to provide a multistage liquid-solid fractional extraction apparatus in which a separation procedure of a large amount of mixture can be carried out exactly and effectively in a simple procedure by use of a partition difference in liquid chromatography.

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: An enhanced flocculation and energy dissipation feedwell assembly includes an influent feedwell and a plurality of feed outlet structures. The influent feedwell is disposed about an influent riser pipe of a clarifier from which a liquid enters the influent feedwell. The influent feedwell has a bottom wall and a continuous side wall. The bottom wall has a plurality of holes therethrough. The feed outlet structures are supported below the influent feedwell such that adjacent ones are directed to achieving opposing jets of liquid flow to enhance flocculation and distribution and dissipate energy and thereby minimize formation of currents. Each feed outlet structure includes a first tubular portion and a plurality of second tubular portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the boundary surface between the two mutually separable solutions in liquid—liquid extraction at the discharge end of the separation part and for preventing the aeration of the solutions when discharging them from the separation part, so that the overflow height of the settled, lighter organic solution is maintained constant. In order to adjust the boundary surface in between the mutually separable solutions, the overflow height of the heavier aqueous solution is adjusted by conducting the settled aqueous solution from down upwards through tubular elements, in which case the height of these overflow pipes can be adjusted. The aeration of the solutions when discharging them from the separation part is prevented by conducting the solutions into transfer pipes through covered, shaft-like weir boxes that are deeper than the discharge end.

Abstract: A settling tank for separating an emulsion with a known volumetric percentage of oil includes lower and upper settling chambers. The emulsion is settled by gravitational means and can be aided by demulsifying agents. Once settled, a layer of oil floats on top of the water. The volumes of the lower and upper settling chambers are configured so that all of the oil settles within the upper settling chamber. The oil can then be drained from the upper settling chamber leaving only clean water in the tank structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating oil from water is provided. A container has a divider which divides the container into two tanks. These two tanks have three separate paths for the incoming run-off water, one path for a low rate of flow of the run-off water, one for an intermediate rate of flow of the water and one for a high rate of flow. The divider is a resilient plate which relies on its resilience to hold the plate in the container. The divider is a large vortex plate that divides the space in the tank. That space has a lower level than the lower end of the vortex plate. That space allows water to flow under the vortex plate to the part of the tank outside of the vortex plate. An inlet pipe feeds raw run-off water into the upper space. When water enters the container at a slow rate, it passes through a weir to an outlet. When the run-off fluid has an intermediate rate of flow more water enters the inlet tank than can pass through the small opening of the weir.

Abstract: A containment assembly for use with a pressure washing apparatus to contain and collect the relatively light weight contaminants from run-off of a washing fluid after being flowed over an object to be cleaned. The containment assembly includes a settling compartment for collection of the run-off washing fluid therein, and a containment compartment in gravity flow fluid communication with a surface of the collected washing fluid in the settling compartment. As the lightweight contaminants at the surface of the washing fluids gravity flow into the containment compartment, they are contained and collected therein. A fluid extraction assembly is in fluid communication with the contained washing fluid in the containment compartment through an opening therein vertically disposed below a predetermined operational fluid level of the contained washing fluid.

Abstract: A sump and filter device for use in drain inlets is disclosed. The device comprises a platform having one or more openings for receiving fluid flow. The platform is positioned and supported above the drain exits situated in the lower portion of the drain inlet. The platform is dimensioned for cooperative engagement with the interior perimeter or wall of the particular inlet involved. To inhibit fluid from entering the area of the inlet below the platform, a gasket or bladder may be positioned around the outer perimeter of the platform. An upwardly oriented fluid-receiving member having an upper end and a lower end and an opening therethrough is engaged with at least one of the openings of the platform. The opening in the fluid-receiving member is in fluid communication via its lower end with at least one of the openings in the platform.

Abstract: A sediment basin and baffle combination for internal combustion engines, which combination includes a sediment basin in the bottom of the engine oil pan for accumulating sediment and contaminants from the engine oil and a baffle positioned over the sediment basin for limiting re-entry of the accumulated sediment back into the oil reservoir from the sediment basin. In a preferred embodiment the baffle includes a baffle grid constructed from one or more layers of elongated baffle elements, each having a triangular-shaped cross-section. Each baffle element is oriented in the baffle grid with a triangle apex of each baffle element facing upwardly to promote drainage of sediment and contaminant deposits through the grid, into the sediment basin and a triangle base of each baffle element facing downwardly toward the sediment basin to retard sediment and contaminant re-entry into the oil.

Abstract: A waste water purification process, in particular a continuous waste water purification process is disclosed, as well as a waste water purification plant system, in particular for continuous waste water purification. Waste water is purified in that an aerated mixture of waste water with activated sludge is degassed before being discharged into the secondary settling basin. The waste water purification system has a venting device that connects the aerating container or a separate chamber thereof to the secondary settling basin or a separated chamber thereof. The venting device is designed as a U-shaped tube. One of its branches forms the supply collecting pipe and the second branch forms the discharge collecting pipe, whereas the section that interconnects its two top ends delimits the intermediate chamber that contains a separate gas suction chamber.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system has a tank and at least one baffle disposed in the tank so as to subdivide the tank to form a treatment chamber and a clarification or settling chamber. The baffle is inclined relative to vertical, so that the clarification chamber tapers from an upper end to a lower end. The lower end of the clarification chamber is provided with a plurality of mutually spaced orifices or apertures communicating with a lower region of the treatment chamber, so that sludge settling in the clarification chamber is directed to the lower region of the treatment chamber via the orifices. The clarification chamber is further provided at its lower end with a plurality of substantially vertical partitions defining a plurality of hoppers communicating with respective orifices for guiding sludge to the orifices. A recycle pump and a distribution manifold serve to recycle wastewater from the treatment chamber to the clarification chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for converting a conventional waste water treatment plant for use with BPR and/or BPNR processes downstream of a clarifier. The effluent launder is flooded by means of a dam installed in the effluent launder, and waste water is guided to the outlet of the effluent launder by means of a sluice, thereby minimizing air entrainment and turbulence of the waste water downstream of the dam. Benefits obtained by means of the present invention include reduced noise, reduced emission of noxious and malodorous gasses, reduced losses of VFAs from the waste water, and reduced uptake of oxygen into the waste water. In addition, growth of algae within the clarifier is greatly reduced.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems which utilize an interacting surge anoxic mix zone for facilitating nitrogen removal and an aerobic sequential batch reaction, clarification and decantation zone for facilitating aeration for BOD removal and nitrate production for the surge anoxic mix zone.

Abstract: A separator includes a vessel having feed means for feeding liquid containing suspended solids into the vessel, a liquid outlet, a sludge outlet, and at least one settling member located above the sludge outlet, the settling member having an inner settling surface and outer settling surface, with the inner settling surface surrounding an aperture extending through settling member.

Abstract: A subsea raw water injector including a pump which is connected to an injection string and a filter connected to an inlet of the pump to remove particulates from the surrounding sea water. The filter is in the form of an inclined tube settler disposed such that particulates separated from sea water flowing through it are discharged to the seabed.

Abstract: An upflow water clarifier for treating a liquid that contains dissolved or suspended solids has a central pier disposed in the center of a conical section angled at an angle of about 40 degrees to about 60 degrees with respect to the horizontal. Water enters the clarifier at the bottom and is removed at the top. The central pier bears at least part of the weight of an observation deck and includes a mechanism for discharging sludge from the clarifier. The pier can also house both a sludge discharge line and an effluent withdrawal line, and as a support for a radial trough used to collect the effluent. The pier may also serve as an aid during construction.