Abstract: Disclosed is method and apparatus for separating a light liquid component from a heavier liquid component. A holding tank holding a mixture of the light and heavy liquid has an outlet discharging into a separation tank. An underflow weir is provided in a separation tank adjacent the point of discharge to direct outflow beneath the surface underflow weir and the light liquid rises to the surface on the downstream side of the underflow weir to concentrate in a small vertical column in a portion of the separation tank to form an upper layer. A sensor in the separation tank senses sufficient light liquid in the vertical column and operates a removal pump to remove the light liquid from the vertical column. With removal of the light liquid, heavy liquid rises and the sensor senses the heavy liquid and stops the light liquid removal before the heavy liquid is also removed. Heavy liquid from the separation tank is recirculated, being directed across the surface of the holding tank in a downstream direction.

Abstract: There is described a low energy separator for separating solid components out of a liquid mixture, comprising (a) a vessel having a cylindrical outer wall and a base at one end, (b) a body which is provided within the vessel and which defines with the base an annular opening spaced from the outer wall, (c) an inlet for introducing the liquid mixture into the vessel said inlet opening directly into the vessel, (d) an outlet in the upper region of the vessel for removing from the vessel liquid from which solid components have been separated, (e) a primary annular dip plate extending downwardly toward the base from an upper region of the vessel and spaced from the outer wall of the vessel, and (f) means for promoting a rotational movement of liquid and suspended solids within the vessel, said rotational movement being sufficient to cause or enhance an inward sweeping effect towards the annular opening on solids accumulated at the base of the vessel, while being of sufficiently low energy that separation of the s

Abstract: A separation tank adapted for use in washing and separating recycled polymeric material from contaminants, the separation tank comprising a centrally disposed baffle and being adapted to receive and circulate an aqueous medium around the baffle; transversely mounted, rotatable members adapted to submerge floating material within the aqueous medium; transversely mounted, rotatable members adapted to aggressively agitate the surface of the aqueous medium; and longitudinally spaced sumps disposed in the floor of the tank on the side of the baffle opposite the agitation members to collect contaminants settling out of the aqueous medium; and members adapted to divide the aqueous medium into surface and subsurface portions for the respective recovery of the polymeric material and recirculation of the aqueous medium.

Abstract: A vortex breaker has been invented for a liquid draw off tray with horizontal liquid draw off. Liquid is removed from the sump of the tray horizontally through a port. A first vertically oriented baffle has a top edge above the port, a bottom edge below the port and a side edge adjacent the port. A second vertically oriented baffle is perpendicular to the first baffle. The second baffle has a top edge above the port and a bottom edge spaced from the sump bottom a distance to about one-half port diameter, allowing for the flow of liquid thereunder. The vortex breaker is useful for a liquid spare horizontal liquid draw off tray.

Abstract: A collapsible container for separating oil and water and containing and transporting the separated oil is provided. The container is manufactured of a water impervious material and has a plurality of chambers, capable of holding oil and water, which are attached to each other serially along a linear axis. Located at opposite ends of the container are an input chamber and an output chamber. Intermediate the input and output chambers is at least one intermediate chamber. Substantially vertically disposed baffles, having an opening at their lower edges, are provided within the container defining the connecting walls between the input chamber and the adjoining intermediate chamber and the connecting walls between adjacent intermediate chambers. A baffle, also substantially vertically disposed, having an opening at its upper edge, is provided within the container defining the connecting wall between the output chamber and the intermediate chamber located farthest from the input chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing gray water from showers and the like and reclaiming the cleansed water for reuse comprises a receptacle and a conduit for delivering gray water to the receptacle. A sensor detects flow of gray water into the receptacle and injects cleansing agents into the flow in response to such detection. A drain conduit communicates with the upper portion of the receptacle for extracting floating contaminants from the surface of gray water therein and a valved conduit communicates with the bottom of the receptacle for selectively extracting sinking contaminates thereform. A pump is adapted to draw the resulting cleansed gray water from the receptacle and deliver it to a remote location for reuse as, for example, in flushing toilets.

Abstract: An apparatus for thickening by flotation suspensions contained in a liquid, notably slurries produced during treatment of residual water, formed of a circular basin having a scraping system, the scraping members of which are supported by arms connected to a central device driving them in rotation, or a similar apparatus, and having a flexible cover rotating with the scraping system arms wherein the arms provide the supports for the cover.

Abstract: A grease/oil separator of the type primarily used in industry for the removal of grease/oil contaminants from water flowing from a restaurant or like business to the conventional sewer facilities and being of the type which includes a heater structure mounted within a receiving container. A heat conductive wing defines a heat sink and is secured to an under portion of a trough or receiving portion of a containment removal sump. The heat sink is dimensioned and configured to extend into submerged relation within the liquid reservoir of the receiving container and transfer heat, through conductivity therefrom to the heat sump so as to maintain the heat sump at a minimum predetermined temperature sufficient to prevent grease/oil contaminants from solidifying and clogging the removal sump.

Abstract: A cross flow filter apparatus and method uses an open tank having a first liquid retaining section, a second filter retaining section and a third solids collecting section in fluid communication with each other. A filter assembly is retained within the second section and includes a filter panel having a generally vertically disposed filter membrane surface, preferably with submicron pores. Filtrate is removed by applying low vacuum pressure, in the range of about 5 inches vacuum pressure (Mercury), in communication with the filter panel such that filtrate is drawn through the pores of the filter membrane surface at a flow rate Q.sub.out. Fluid to be filtered is cross flowing vertically downward across the filter membrane surface at a flow rate Q.sub.x, such that the horizontal velocity V.sub.h of fluid drawn through the filter membrane surface is less than the vertical velocity V.sub.v of the cross flowing unfiltered fluid.

Abstract: A grease trap construction comprising a housing having an inlet to receive waste water containing grease and foreign material and having an outlet. An air conduit having a plurality of outlet ports spaced along its length is located in the lower end of the housing and is connected to a source of air under pressure, so that air will be discharged through the ports into contact with the waste water. The waste water within the housing is heated by an electric heating element which is immersed in the waste water and the heating element is controlled by a thermostat to maintain the temperature of the waste water within a given range. An aqueous composition containing a mixture of enzymes and bacterial spores is introduced into the housing into contact with the waste water.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating immiscible liquids such as water from oil such as lubricating oil or diesel and fuel oil contained in a reservoir, including an outlet adjacent the lowest part of the reservoir, a first conduit having an inlet connected to the outlet of the reservoir, and a first conduit outlet where a selected segment of the conduit between the conduit inlet and outlet is of reduced diameter, and where a segment of the conduit intermediate the inlet and outlet is offset downwardly, a vertically disposed elongate separator having a midsection of selected diameter with an inlet connected to the outlet of the first conduit, a first receiver having a diameter greater than the diameter of the midsection and having an inlet communicating with the midsection where the first receiver is located above the midsection and a second receiver located beneath the receiver having a diameter greater than the midsection, with an inlet communicating with the midsection where the first receiver includes an en

Abstract: A liquid level sensor for occluded water is provided to detect the surface water level as in a spray booth tank. The water level sensor may control the water level in the tank or it may be used to maintain a relatively constant outflow of water from the tank through a vertically movable weir. The weir is moved in response to changes in the liquid level detected by the sensor which includes an electronic signal sensor capable of detecting a level of a liquid relative thereto. The sensor is mounted in an elongated housing that has its lower end disposed in the liquid in the reservoir. The upper end of the housing is vented to the atmosphere to equalize the pressure between the interior thereof and the atmosphere ambient the housing. A flexible diaphragm is secured to the housing so as to seal the open lower end, and a substantially pure test liquid is held within the housing isolated from the liquid in the reservoir.

Abstract: Sediments collecting in process separator vessels for oil and gas flowstreams are evacuated by an apparatus which is connected to the separator vessel for circulating a slurry of separated liquid in said vessel and entrained solids fines out of said vessel, and separating the solids from the liquid and returning the liquid to the separator vessel. The apparatus includes a motor driven pump connected to cyclone separators and a variable speed motor control which maintains a substantially constant pressure of the solids free liquid returning to the separator vessel so that a substantially constant flow of liquid is supplied to a jet manifold in the separator vessel irrespective of changes in fluid density of the solids laden flowstream being discharged from the vessel.

Abstract: A flotation tank which is elongate and is divided along its length into individual compartments. Injectors (2) for each compartment are connected laterally to the tank (1) approximately 30 cm to 50 cm below the surface of the suspension so that the suspension flows out in a forward direction towards the outlet end and scum removal trough (3) of the flotation tank (1). The injectors are preferably connected both at their inlet side and their outlet side to the same compartment. The removal of scum is preferably effected by means of cyclones which are provided in a vertical arrangement at the outlet end of the flotation tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for biological aerobic treatment of wastewater wherein oxygen is induced into a mixed liquor flow path and a method and apparatus for separating the liquid withdrawn from the mixed liquor flow path into a clear liquid stream and a flock laden stream. A streaming specific gravity separator of unique construction and operation separates the mixed liquor into a clear liquid stream and a flock laden stream, withdrawing the clear liquid stream from the system and directing the flock laden stream back into the mixed liquor flow path. The separator functions within the system to be self-controlling for load increases or decreases.In accordance with preferred embodiments of the system, the separator may be positioned inside or outside of an oxidation ditch. The separator may also be utilized in combination with an aeration basin.

Abstract: A liquid-liquid contacting apparatus of the type having at least two vertically spaced apart sieve tray assemblies includes vertical weirs between groups of sieve holes (preferably rows) in the sieve tray and, for each sieve tray located with the apparatus, a sloped collector-coalescer plate which provides a coalescence surface for dispersed phase droplets and directs the dispersed phase to the rows of sieve holes on the sieve trays. Additionally, the collector-coalescer plate prevents the dispersed phase droplets from impacting directly on the sieve holes where new drops of dispersed phase are being formed. This arrangement of sieve holes, weirs and collector-coalescer plate provides for steady controlled flow of dispersed phase throughout the apparatus over an exceptionally wide flow range and within a narrow, efficient fluid flow velocity through the sieve holes, e.g., a velocity of from about 0.6 to about 1.0 ft/sec.

Abstract: A valve device for stock/sauce skimmer and the like is provided and comprises a container in which is stored liquid to be separated from fats and solids contained in the liquid, a cylinder extending down from the container having a passage for the liquid, a sleeve mounted around lower edge of the cylinder having projecting pins, a base forming a central passage that receives the sleeve of the cylinder, the inner surface of the base having slots capable of mating with the projecting pins of the sleeve thus forming a bayonet quick coupling device and a valve seated within the passage and set upon the base so that when the container is rotated the container rises and opens the passage in which the valve is mounted, allowing passage of the separated liquid from the device.

Abstract: A surface skimmer means for a settling tank comprises curved skimmer blades extending across the diameter of the tank and are interconnected to and movable with the main rake structure of the tank wherein cam actuated means are provided for pivoting the blades about a pivot arm to the periphery of the tank to move floating material to a collector tank for discharge from the tank.

Abstract: A separator and a method for separating putrescent solids from water in sewage. A vortex chamber (2) has an inlet (for the sewage), a first (solids) outlet (6) and a second (water) outlet (8). Near the outlet (6) there is a flow modifying member (14) which induces a secondary flow in the vortex chamber (2). A portion of this secondary flow passes radially inwardly beneath the member (14) and upwardly through a passage (18). The member (14), if suitably shaped and dimensioned, improves the efficiency of the separator.

Abstract: In removing slag by vacuum suction, an upward force is always applied which is greater than the force with which a suction head is attracted downward under the influence of its own weight and that of connected parts. During normal operation, a drive force is applied through a separate drive system to balance the upward force, thus keeping the suction head in the desired position. When the drive force fails, the upward force holds the suction head in the hazard-free raised position.

Abstract: A gravity separator for separating two immiscible liquids of different specific gravities and particularly for separating oil from water. The separator is composed of a horizontal, generally cylindrical closed vessel and water is pumped into an inlet in the vessel, and clarified water is discharged through an outlet. In addition, an oil drain line is connected to the upper end of the vessel. Located within the vessel is a cylindrical assembly of generally parallel inclined separator plates. The assembly of separator plates is freely positioned within the vessel and means is provided to prevent rotation and axial movement of the plate assembly within the vessel. A liquid level sensor extends downwardly through aligned openings in the assembly plates, and when the oil level reaches a predetermined maximum depth, the sensor actuates a draining system to drain the oil from the vessel.

Abstract: Separation of impure surface water layer, separation of mixture of impurities and water and method for implementation of discharging impurities separated, according to which local water level lowering required for flowing impure surface water layer through overflow spillway is performed in conformity with the Bernoulli formula by suction effect produced and maintained by increasing flow rate, while separation taking place in the same step is carried out by the transient decrease of flow rate, then by change of direction. By turbulent-free inflow without decrease of rate really excellent scraping efficiency can be achieved.

Abstract: Solid contaminants are removed from tramp oil containing aqueous emulsions, the emulsions are separated into reusable constituents and the separated aqueous liquid is recycled. Apparatus and method are provided especially for reclaiming solvents, washing solutions, lubricating oil, cutting oil and the like from installations for cleaning, quenching or washing oil coated stampings, parts, and the like. Dirt, grit, scale and the like contaminants are filtered out from used industrial cleaning solutions, the liquid components are coalesced into reusable constituents and the aqueous component is continuously recycled for re-use without loss of dissolved chemicals or consumption of energy for heating or cooling.

Abstract: A stripping apparatus for the removal of contaminants floating on a liquid and having a lower specific weight than that of the liquid, in which the liquid is introduced into a basin having a separator housing open at the top and bottom and provided with a downwardly sloping blade which extends beneath the surface of the liquid and guides the contaminants, which are driven up the sloping blade by forced air directed against the blade by a nozzle, and into the open top of the separator housing, which is provided with a discharge tube having an inlet mouth which lies above the surface of the liquid to be purified and below the top of the layer developed in the separator housing of the contaminants.

Abstract: An apparatus for granulation of precipitation products, comprising a liquid-filled reaction chamber including a granulation chamber which receives aqueous streams of compounds which precipitate to form granules. The granulation chamber has an open upper edge connected to the narrow edge of a conical surface. The upper open edge of the conical surface merges with an apron which is spaced inwardly from the inner periphery of the reaction chamber. Conduit means conduct granules downwardly from the granulation chamber. Liquid and fine granules rise upwardly within the conical surface. Granules descend back into the granulating chamber. Clean liquid passes downwardly through the annular space between the apron and the reaction chamber for removal from the space between the conical surface and the apron.

Abstract: Oil is recovered from an oil containing fluid mixture ecologically acceptable fluid is disposed of in a water body through the use of an open ended skim pile disposed in the water body and an interconnected skimmer vessel where fluid is maintained at a level independent of the mean level of the water body.

Abstract: A tubular device for separating liquid-liquid systems, said device having at least one slot covered with a sheet structure permeable to only one of the liquids, a collecting means for the separated liquid and means for reinforcing the tubular device to prevent compression or collapse thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating into components a mixture of water, oil and sludge wherein the mixture is poured out of a downwardly-directed conduit onto the upper surface of a conically-shaped chamber having a discharge flow capacity at its lower end corresponding to the sludge volume content of the mixture. The oil and water are drawn off and conducted to a chamber formed at the lower surface of the conically-shaped chamber upon which the mixture was initially discharged. One or more filters are provided at the bottom portions of the second chamber to separate the oil and water.

Abstract: Solids are separated from a liquid in a gravity settler provided with inclined solid intercepting surfaces to intercept the solid settling path to coalesce the solids and increase the settling rate. The intercepting surfaces are inverted V-shaped plates, each formed from first and second downwardly inclined upwardly curved intersecting conical sections having their apices at the vessel wall.

Abstract: A reactor for use with liquid phase reactants which separate into two liquid phases comprising a vertical vessel divided into an upper particle contacting-liquid retention chamber and a lower phase separation chamber by a horizontal liquid barrier. The two phases which form in the upper chamber are separately transferred to an appropriate level in the lower chamber through separate conduits to avoid remixing.