Abstract: A settling grid separator apparatus and method of use which provides deep dehydration of high flow rate sludge in an environmentally friendly and energy efficient manner. The apparatus and method comprise and utilize an efficient mixing of the sludge with a flocculating agent or polymer solution, and sludge flow quieting techniques to reduce disturbances and promote flocculation of clustered solids. Free surface liquid rejection, a series of traps, and pressurized filtering utilize gravimetric, hydrometric, and densimetric techniques to separate liquid from suspended solids. Gravitational forces are utilized throughout the apparatus and method to promote separation of higher density solids from the lower density liquid carrier. Upon separation, solids with a minimal liquid content are controllably discharged for proper disposal or recycling.

Abstract: A water treatment system includes a waste collection arrangement and a waste disposal arrangement. The waste collection arrangement is disposed in a pond for swirling the water to form a funnel-shaped water vortex so as to collect a waste contained in the water of the pond at a base of the water vortex. The waste disposal arrangement has an outlet positioned at a base of the water vortex pattern of the water, and includes a suction pipe upwardly extended from the outlet at a position above a water level of the water in the pond, wherein the suction pipe is adapted for guiding air to suck into the outlet to create a suction effect at the outlet, such that the waste disposal arrangement is adapted for sucking the water at the base of the water vortex so as to discharge the waste out of the pond via the outlet.

Abstract: A skimmer device and a method for skimming a liquid, foam, fat or other solid or liquid material or anything else that a user wants to remove or separate from a remaining liquid or solid that is left in a container.

Abstract: A method and a settling tank for use in separating a solids containing fluid, such as a drilling fluid. The settling tank includes a settling compartment comprised of an inlet and an upper outlet so that the fluid passes through the settling compartment generally in a first direction from the inlet toward the upper outlet. Further, a backwash fluid source directs a backwash fluid within the settling compartment generally in a second direction which is substantially opposite to the first direction. The method includes the steps of passing the fluid through the settling compartment generally in the first direction and directing the backwash fluid within the settling compartment generally in the second direction. Finally, a method is also provided for clarfying a solids containing fluid using a settling tank, wherein the settling tank is comprised of at least three isolatable settling compartments connected in series.

Abstract: The purpose of this multi-purpose drain is to prevent foreign matter from intruding into the down stream drainage system while providing a means to maintain the flow of liquid through the system should the primary path of flow become clogged. This invention has a wide variety of uses in all industries and can help individuals of diverse backgrounds maintain their drain piping system. The breakthrough and background of this invention relates directly to the beverage service and hotel service industries. I contend that this product can significantly reduce the labor and maintenance costs of drainage systems of all types. It can be used universally by the homeowner and maintenance professional alike.

Abstract: A system for extracting free oil from industrial processing fluids contains a solids retention cartridge having a plurality of vertically oriented polymeric elements therein. The cartridge fluidly communicates with a retention chamber, wherein the retention chamber provides a predetermined residence time based on fluid flow as established by inlet and outlet pressure and also as established by valved fluid exit orifices. An aggregation chamber fluidly communicates with the retention chamber and provides an area for aggregation of a low density fluid such as oil for example. The low density fluid is then decanted from a decant chamber. The purified bulk fluid is drained from the retention chamber through an associated return chamber. The average cross-sectional area of the aggregation chamber is less than the average cross-sectional area of the retention chamber thereby enhancing the aggregation of a lower density fluid such as oil, prior to decant.

Abstract: A stormwater drainage system capable of collecting, pretreating and disposing of the stormwater runoff into a dry well. Further capable of stopping the flow of stormwater into the dry well in the event hydrocarbons or other contaminants are present in the stormwater. The system is also capable of isolating stagnant water in the system to prevent the infestation of mosquito larvae.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing super-oxygenated water for human consumption including forcing atmospheric air through a filter to remove impurities, exposing the filtered air to ultra violet light to cleanse the air, and to form ozone and oxygen in the air, forcing the filtered air, ozone, and oxygen into a stream of flowing water to dissolve said air, ozone, and oxygen in said water, and spraying the stream of water having air, ozone, and oxygen dissolved therein into a vessel under superatmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A rainwater cleaning system for a water tank comprises a pipe element having a closed end located on the floor of the tank. The pipe element also has an open end connectable to an outflow pipe from the tank. Located near the closed end of the pipe element is at least one hole. The cross sectional area of the hole preferably at least equals the cross sectional area of the pipe outflow.

Abstract: The invention is a high pressure trap for removing particles from a flow stream of a high pressure well that maintains the full pressure of the high pressure well, wherein the trap has an inlet port connected to a Christmas tree, a chamber with a top flange, a bottom flange, and a side wall connecting the top flange and the bottom flange in fluid communication with a choke manifold, a dump outlet in communication with the bottom reservoir and connected to the bottom flange, a dump outlet controller for opening and closing the dump outlet, and a tube disposed between the bottom reservoir and the side outlet, wherein the tube is mounted within the chamber to the top flange without contacting the side wall, thereby the velocity of the flow stream is changed as the flow stream is passed from the tube into the chamber.

Abstract: An interior pipe has an upper end, a lower end and a central extent. An exterior pipe has an upper region receiving the central extent of the interior pipe and a lower region receiving the lower extent of the interior pipe. The lower region terminates with a removably coupled plug. A T-shaped pipe has an upper, lower and central portions. The upper portion is coupled with respect to the interior pipe. The lower portion is coupled with respect to the exterior pipe. The central portion is adapted to be joined to a wastewater line. Water passing from the sink will flow downwardly through the interior pipe and upwardly through the space between the interior and exterior pipes passing through one or more screens, then laterally through the central portion of the T-shaped pipe.

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 method and an apparatus for separating and measuring solids from multi-phase well fluids. The apparatus comprises a separator; an upper solids level and a lower solids level sensor, both connected to the separator; a dump valve operatively connected to the separator; and a control module operatively connected to the dump valve to move the dump valve between an open and a closed position. The upper solids level sensor generates a first signal when the upper level of accumulated solids-within the separator reaches a pre-determined upper level. The lower solids level sensor generates a second signal when the upper level of accumulated solids within the separator reaches a predetermined lower level. The control module receives the first and second generated signals such that upon receipt of the first signal the control module causes the dump valve to open and upon receipt of the second signal the control module causes the dump valve to close.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating wastewater from catering industry, especially restaurants. Said apparatus comprises a single reactor tank, said reactor tank comprising: an inlet; an outlet; and an oil-tight tank therein an upper oil film zone, an anoxic zone below said oil film zone and an anaerobic zone below said anoxic zone are divided; an upper net and a lower net are respectively located in the anoxic and anaerobic zones; and some plastic suspending media as biocarriers are introduced in the anoxic and anaerobic zones. The apparatus requires minimal space, energy and operation costs.

Abstract: The apparatus for separating and measuring mixed fluids, specifically the separation of crude oil and water and the volumetric measurement of each of the mixed fluids using a mechanical portable device primarily involving a separation vessel, an adjustable float within the vessel which allows the fluid of less specific gravity to be released from the top of the separation vessel through an upper pipeline, the heavier specific gravity fluid to be released from the bottom of the separation vessel through a lower pipeline, with fluid volume meters on each of the pipelines to measure the liquid flowing through the respective pipelines, the apparatus presented as a portable unit transferable from one pumping device to another, allowing for an accurate measurement of the fluids being extracted by the pumping devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of a liquid into a sewer drain comprising a catch basin having a catch basin drain coupled with the sewer drain. In addition, a housing element that is positioned within the catch basin, whereby the housing element is coupled with the catch basin drain in a first fluid-tight manner. The housing element having a porous surface positioned below a predetermined level. A column having a proximal end and a distal end, whereby the column is positioned within the housing element and the proximal end is coupled with the catch basin drain in a second fluid tight manner. The distal end is positioned above the predetermined level and an actuator mechanism is coupled with the column and configured to selectively open and close the column to the flow of the liquid that is entering the catch basin drain.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes a filter element disposed at a 45 degree angle defining an upper chamber for solids and a lower chamber for liquid. A trough is disposed at the lower end of the filter element. The floor of the trough funnels toward a central drain and an overflow drain is located approximately 8 inches above the trough floor. The lower chamber is provided with a drain for recirculating water to a sprayer above the filter element and is also provided with an overflow drain approximately 8 inches above the floor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing sediment from a waterway includes a collector housing dimensioned for receipt in the waterway having an opening that receives water and sediment therethrough. A sediment removal passage in the housing selectively communicates with the opening and a valve is interposed between the opening and removal passage to control the communication. In a preferred embodiment, the valve is a flap or check valve that is normally open and, once sediment has been pumped down, moves to a closed position. This allows the suction force to be applied to the remaining portions of the collector having sediment. Preferably, the hoppers are replaceable inserts made of a durable, wear-resistant material.

Abstract: An oil recovery system, designed to recover oil from oil-contaminated water of a river, lake or sea due to a difference in specific gravity of the liquids. The system includes a 4-stage separation tank 15 having four chambers 51-54. The first chamber 51 includes a hopper-shaped oil floating unit 59 in communication with a piston pump 68 (FIG. 5) and having porous filters 61, 62 therein. The second and third chambers 52, 53 include a plurality of horizontal diaphragms 63 for reducing the processing time for separating oil from water. The system can be continuously operated without being stopped during an oil recovering operation. The oil recovered from discharged pipe 67 is usable so that the system preferably conserves natural resources.

Abstract: A fuel collection and rehabilitation device for use in connection with diesel engines, the diesel engine having a fuel filter having an interior volume for containing fuel therein. The fuel collection and rehabilitation device having conduits for releasable fluid communication with the interior volume. A pumping device selectively moves the fuel from the fuel filter to a collection receptacle and then through a filtration device. The fuel then can be selectively routed back to the fuel filter connected to the diesel engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of a liquid into a sewer drain comprising a catch basin having a catch basin drain coupled with the sewer drain. In addition, a housing element that is positioned within the catch basin, whereby the housing element is coupled with the catch basin drain in a first fluid-tight manner. The housing element having a porous surface positioned below a predetermined level. A column having a proximal end and a distal end, whereby the column is positioned within the housing element and the proximal end is coupled with the catch basin drain in a second fluid tight manner. The distal end is positioned above the predetermined level and an actuator mechanism is coupled with the column and configured to selectively open and close the column to the flow of the liquid that is entering the catch basin drain.

Abstract: The present invention involves a new design for a solids settler for use in solids removal from a liquid. The new solids settler design includes a liquid inlet means that injects the feed to the solids settler into an inner coagulation chamber of the solids settler. The liquid inlet means directs the flow of the feed so that the feed flows in a circular pattern within the coagulation chamber.

Abstract: A mud tank cleaning system includes a debris collection sweep that drives debris towards a collection zone in a mud tank, whence the debris can easily be mechanically disposed of through an opening in the mud tank. Preferably, the collection zone is in a central depressed part of the mud tank to allow gravity to assist in moving debris towards the collection zone. Preferably, a pair of collection sweeps are used on opposed sides of the collection zone. The collection sweeps are preferably pivotally mounted to follow an arcuate path along the surface of a cylindrical confining wall of the mud tank. Sweep drive mechanisms operate the sweeps. The collection sweeps are preferably used in conjunction with a disposal sweep that sweeps debris collected in the collection zone by the collection sweeps out of the collection zone and through the opening in the mud tank, from where it may be readily disposed of. The mud tank is typically operated in conjunction with a hydrovac vehicle.

Abstract: An oil/grease separation apparatus includes an inlet section for receiving a liquid flow containing water, oil/grease and gross solids. The gross solids are separated from the liquid flow and collected in the inlet section. A water jet eductor is provided having a solids extraction port located in a lower portion of the inlet section. The water jet eductor is actuated by supplying pressurized water to create a suction to extract the accumulated solids from the inlet section. The extracted solids are directed to a separator outlet or to an alternate disposal system by suitable piping.

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: 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: A water filtration system has a tank partially filled with a floating bead filtration media. A cylindrical diffuser is disposed in the tank and extends from the upper portion to the lower portion thereof. The diffuser in internally partitioned into a lower chamber and an upper chamber and each chamber has slots that communicate with the tank. An supply conduit delivers soiled water from a pond to the lower chamber of the diffuser. The soiled water flows through the openings in the lower chamber and into the tank, upwardly through the filtration media where it is filtered, and into the upper chamber through the openings formed therein. An return conduit delivers filtered water from the upper chamber of the diffuser back to the pond.

Abstract: Sludge collection and removal systems are disclosed. The present invention provides methods and apparatus that include piping system of headers and laterals selectively provided with flow from a central point so that sludge can be removed from areas where it accumulates most rapidly. The adaptable nature of the piping system additionally permits the number of collection laterals and orifices to be varied to suit the sludge accumulation characteristics of the sludge basin. Additionally, improved multiple port valves are disclosed that permit the selective connection of the flow among sections in preferred embodiments of the sludge collection systems.

Abstract: A separator vessel and a biological reactor vessel are connected in tandem to remove separable wastes from waste water and to deactivate toxins, respectively. In a first embodiment, waste water is gravity fed into the separator vessel where it flows downwardly through a bed of loose pellets that causes coalescing of organic matter. A cone-shaped deflector, having its wide end facing downwardly, deflects the downward flow radially outwardly toward the side walls of the separator vessel. Heavy waste accumulates in a cone-shaped waste concentration zone at the bottom of the separator vessel and is pumped away to a disposal point. Lighter water reverses its downward direction and is pulled upwardly into the cone-shaped deflector by a pump and sent to the biological reactor vessel where nitrification changes toxins to harmless nitrates.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating a lighter liquid and a heavier liquid may comprise a settling tank sized to receive a mixture of the lighter liquid and the heavier liquid. The settling tank permits the formation of a first upper liquid fraction and a first lower liquid fraction. A weir positioned adjacent the settling tank allows the first upper liquid fraction to flow over the weir. A trough positioned adjacent the weir receives the first upper liquid fraction and effects a secondary separation of the lighter and heavier liquids by allowing the first upper liquid fraction to form a second upper liquid fraction and a second lower liquid fraction. A first drain having an elevated inlet end is positioned in the trough so that the first drain removes the second upper liquid fraction from said trough. A second drain positioned in the trough has an inlet end that is positioned below the inlet end of the first drain so that the second drain removes the second lower liquid fraction from said trough.

Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of immiscible liquids from liquid influent has a containment vessel. An influent channel extends toward the bottom of the vessel so the influent is discharged vertically upward, a downwardly curved deflection plate is mounted above and aligned with the discharge end of the influent channel, and a plate with a downward slope from a central location extends toward the periphery of the vessel in a lower portion of the vessel than the deflection plate. This permits the influent to move radially outwardly thus slowing the influent and providing a residence time for gravitational separation of lighter immiscible liquids from the influent. A gap between the downward slope plate and the discharge end of the influent channel permits gravitational release of trapped immiscible liquids. A transfer tube, a sensor, and a pump are provided to pump the separated immiscible liquids out to a remote location.

Abstract: An apparatus (18) for receiving rain water from a water collecting means (20) and treating this water according to a treatment cycle. The apparatus has a stop tank (24) to hold incoming water while a treatment cycle is being executed in a main tank (32), so there is no mixing of the treated water with water to be treated. The main tank has various reservoirs (42, 52, 62), valves (30, 40, 50) and buoyant elements (68, 70), and the water flow is strictly controlled by gravity and the buoyancy of the water. Treating solutions such as a mineral solution and a chloride solution are added in predetermined quantities to the water during the treatment cycle, and the treated water is stored into a storage tank (22).

Abstract: An apparatus for separating an immiscible or insoluble fluid mixture into its components, namely, a less-dense component and a denser component, is described. The apparatus may be used in commercial kitchens to separate grease-oil/water mixtures into a grease-oil component and a gray water component, the grease-oil being diverted to a receptacle for subsequent disposal and the gray water component being directed to a drain or sewer. The apparatus may be described as a pump/separator when attached to a vacuum source or a pump to assist with filling. Additionally, a compressed gas source may be attached to the apparatus to assist with the discharge of the denser component and the less dense component. The apparatus may include a controller, such as a microprocessor, to coordinate filling, separation, and discharge. Parallel and serial arrangements of the apparatus are shown.

Abstract: A solvent recovery apparatus for recovering low volatility solvent from a washing fluid slop includes a settling system and a filtering system. The settling system includes one or more settling stages and an off-take by which settled, re-usable solvent may be recovered. The filtering system uses a single filter press to filter batches of wastewater, with solids, and batches of solvent sludge, with solids, such that cleaned wastewater filtrate may be discarded, benign removed solids may be dried and sent to landfill, and solvent filtrate may be returned to the input end of the solvent recovery apparatus for re-processing. The solvent recovery apparatus can use a two stage settling system which permits an initial separation of most of the wastewater, and a secondary settling of a solvent rich portion of the slop. The secondary settling can be performed with a system of alternating settling tanks in which one tank is allowed to settle while another is being filled.

Abstract: Particles of paint overspray present in floating, and in dispersed form, as well as in submerged and coagulated form are removed from an aqueous turbid liquid. The dispersed and submerged particles of paint overspray form sediment and the sediment is then removed. The sediment is allowed to settle out of a quiescent, turbid liquid onto the bottom of a first tank, whereas the floating particles remain on the surface of the turbid liquid. The sediment is flushed into a second tank by lowering the surface level of the turbid liquid and is then concentrated in this second tank. The surface level of the turbid liquid is then raised and the turbid liquid is allowed to overflow across a flow edge in such a way that the floating particles of the paint overspray are floated off. The turbid liquid, such as turbid water that has been cleansed is drained off.

Abstract: An automatic oil-water separator which separates wastewater into oil or grease and water fractions is disclosed. The separator does not include any mechanical pumps in its structure and therefore does not generate oil or grease and water emulsions which are characteristic of separators using pumps and which are very difficult to separate. The separator is constructed without moving parts, filters or coalescing plates and operated without the addition of chemicals or the use of electricity.

Abstract: A method of removing sludge from a continuously supplied sedimentation tank which discharges through a pipe having a substantially vertical section and an outlet at or just above the fluid level of the tank by supplying pulses of gas to the base of the vertical section of the tank to lift the sludge therein and discharge it from the pipe outlet in which the pulses are continued until the sludge thickness diminishes to a value which is determined by measuring one or more conditions of the sludge, the conditions including the measurement of the drop in level of the sludge at the pipe outlet after discharge due to an air pulse compared with that before discharge and/or the measurement of pressure of the shock wave produced against time and the time taken for this is stabilised to a predetermined value and/or the measurement of the amplitude of the pressure induced in the sludge after commencement of an air pulse and the time taken for this to reduce to a predetermined amplitude.

Abstract: A mobile separator system for receiving and separating a mixed composition of oil, water, and sludge. The mobile separator system including a tank for holding the mixed composition, and a drain manifold that includes a plurality of drain pipes extending into the tank at varying elevations for allowing the drainage of water from the tank system. A vacuum source is attached to the top of the tank for carrying a vacuum within the tank to draw the mixed composition into the tank. The drain manifold is surrounded by a screen that allows the passage of water and oil, while preventing the passage of sludge through the screen into the drain pipes. A floating check valve is connected to each of the drain pipes to regulate the flow of water through the drain pipe. The floating check valve includes a valve element that has a density which causes the valve element to float in water and sink in oil.

Abstract: Sludge collection and removal systems are disclosed. The present invention provides methods and apparatus that include piping system of headers and laterals selectively provided with flow from a central point so that sludge can be removed from areas where it accumulates most rapidly. The adaptable nature of the piping system additionally permits the number of collection laterals and orifices to be varied to suit the sludge accumulation characteristics of the sludge basin. Additionally, improved multiple port valves are disclosed that permit the selective connection of the flow among sections in preferred embodiments of the sludge collection systems.

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

Abstract: A device for adapting a liquid container to enable separation and selective dispensation of two or more immiscible liquids of different densities from the container.

Abstract: A waste water settling apparatus includes a closed cylindrical vessel supported on and vertically extending above a base, two vertical vibrators joined to the closed vessel for vibrating the vessel, and a drive spring assembly joined between the vibrators and the vessel for multiplying the vertical force of the vibrators. The closed cylindrical vessel includes a rotary valve joined to the lower portion of the vessel for discharging densified solids settled out of the waste water.

Abstract: Sludge collection and removal systems are disclosed. The present invention provides methods and apparatus that include piping system of headers and laterals selectively provided with flow from a central point so that sludge can be removed from areas where it accumulates most rapidly. The adaptable nature of the piping system additionally permits the number of collection laterals and orifices to be varied to suit the sludge accumulation characteristics of the sludge basin. Additionally, improved multiple port valves are disclosed that permit the selective connection of the flow among sections in preferred embodiments of the sludge collection systems.

Abstract: A clarifier basin in a wastewater treatment system includes a sludge collection manifold structure which allows individual visual inspection and monitoring of sludge flows from individual sludge removal tubes, representing different sludge collection zones in the basin. The width from front to back of each clarifier arm is maintained to a minimum by providing a baffle adjacent to the outflow of each sludge removal tube. This defines a separate sludge flow for each sludge removal tube, although the flows are integrated beyond the baffles in the common channel. The benefits of high velocity sludge flow, minimal arm width and individual monitoring and sampling outflow from each removal tube are maintained, while providing an arrangement which is structurally sound, minimal in weight and less costly than many previous clarifier systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for suspending particles in a continuous flow of liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating contaminated waste water into a substantially uncontaminated homogeneous extract water portion and into a heterogeneous raffinate fluid portion. Upon being subjected to sufficient circular flow, in an environment emulating the action of a centrifuge, the heavier liquid and solid components are caused to gravitate out of the waste water. This apparatus is constructed with an elongated housing means which is preferably disposed between a water storage tank and fluid contaminant discharge device. Contained longitudinally within the elongated housing is a separator chamber having a portion of a frustoconically shaped centrifugation surface which directs the incoming waste water into a turbulent and circular pattern. As the waste water gains momentum during this centrifuge-like flow pattern, it abruptly strikes a substantially vertical impact plate which precipitates the forced separation of the impurities and contaminants from the waste water.

Abstract: A settling unit for separating a liquid and the particles. Such as sand, suspended therein, comprises a basin with an inlet for the liquid mixture containing the particles, and an overflow for discharging the liquid after at least some of the particles have been removed therefrom through settling. With a view to increasing the efficiency, a plate separator is provided at the position of the overflow, which plate separator has a liquid outlet which is connected to the overflow and an outlet for settled particles which is connected to the basin. The gaps defined between the plates can be shut off at their underside by a non-return valve which can be moved into an open position under the influence of the weight of the separated particles.

Abstract: A separator including an assembly of a first vessel and an upwardly elongate unit including a helical baffle forming a spiral passage in the unit. The first vessel includes a sump. An inlet is provided to convey a mixture to be separated into the assembly and at least two outlets are provided through which the separated components are removed from the assembly.