Abstract: A method and an arrangement in a circulation lubrication including a lubricating oil tank, pressure pipe lines for supplying oil to parts to be lubricated, and return pipe lines for returning the oil from the parts to be lubricated to the oil tank. To remove air and dirt from the oil, the flow returning from the parts to be lubricated to the lubricant tank is divided into at least two superimposed flow portions, using a plate member, so that the oil flow portion containing air bubbles forms the upper flow portion and the flow portion containing water and heavy particles forms the lower flow portion.

Abstract: A system for treating wastewater and improving the quality of wastewater effluent by preventing solids from being discharged in the effluent is disclosed. Wastewater having a concentration of waste solids flows into a wastewater collection container through a waste-water inlet and solids are allowed to distribute into a lower horizontal sludge layer and an upper horizontal scum layer with a horizontal layer of liquid therebetween. A substantially upstanding elongate tube is immersed in the wastewater within the container and the interior of the tube is exposed to the horizontal layer of liquid through a plurality of inclined slots in the tube. Liquid flows from the horizontal liquid layer through the slots into the interior of the tube and thereafter through a liquid effluent outlet of the container. Preferably, the slots extend vertically along a majority of the depth of the wastewater in the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing free and emulsified water as well as solid contaminants from an oil/water mixture produced in lubricating the bearings of a steam turbine employs a singular, closed housing having a lowermost, filter-free gravity chamber, an uppermost filter element chamber, and a filter-free water collection chamber between the gravity chamber and the filter element chamber. The oil/water mixture introduced into the housing has its free water component removed in the gravity chamber and has its emulsified water and solid contaminant components removed by coalescence in the filter element chamber. Free water, emulsified water and solid contaminants are collected, monitored and selectively drained from the water collection chamber and gravity chamber.

Abstract: A separator for separating contaminants from a base liquid. The separator includes a roof arrangement, part of which extends downwardly and radially inwardly into the liquid in the separator. The roof arrangement is generally in inverted conical form. The decontaminated liquid flows from the separator through a flow modifying member which dampens any circulating flows in the liquid, and flows upwardly out of the separator to a reservoir defined by the inverted conical roof arrangement. The arrangement also includes structure for releasing gases from the volumes beneath the roof arrangement, thereby maintaining the whole of the roof arrangement in contact with the liquid to assist in reducing circulating flow in the liquid on the upper regions of the separator vessel.

Abstract: A fuel separator designed to separate water and contaminants out of fuel being used in internal combustion engines. Contaminated fuel enters the separator body by inlet port located in the upper portion of the separator body. Having a top, a conical bottom and a sidewall, and having an inlet port for fuel to be purified and an outlet port for purified fuel in an upper portion there of a pipe adjacent said sidewall extending downwardly from said inlet port, to a lower portion of said separator body and having a downward outlet at a lower end.A deflector body connected to said lower end of said pipe and extending away from said pipe at a downward angle to a C-shaped lip curving downwardly and back towards said pipe which causes the fuel to flow in a rotating motion and subsequently causes a vacuum to be formed at the conical shaped bottom of the separator body.

Abstract: A clarifier is disclosed with a cover or roof configured and disposed to minimize headspace between a top level of liquid in a clarifier vessel and a bottom of the roof. In one aspect the roof or cover includes one or more removable panels which permit access to a clarifier vessel's interior; the panels removably secured to a purlin system which is connected to a truss support secured to the vessel. In one aspect one or more circumferential purge air inlets are provided through which flow purge air. Purge air and gaseous material emitted from a mixture in the clarifier flow to a vent or vents through which they exit the clarifier. In one aspect the air inlet or inlets are disposed to provide uniform flow from the inlets to the vents. In one aspect one or more roof panels is connected with a known force and has a known rupture strength so that before explosive damage to other parts of the clarifier the panel is explosively disconnected and ruptured to relieve pressure in the clarifier.

Abstract: The separator comprises an elongated, cylindrical, horizontal pressure vessel. An involute feed inlet introduces the drilling fluid into the top of the vessel chamber at its first end. The feed inlet is designed to reduce the flow velocity of the incoming feed stream and introduce it horizontally toward the first end head of the vessel. A weir, slanted away from the first end head, extends upwardly from a point close to the head's base. The curved head, vessel side wall and slanted weir form an inlet compartment of hopper-like configuration designed to funnel settling cuttings to a bottom outlet for removal with an auger pump. This design enables the cuttings to be removed while drilling progresses, without the build up of cuttings piles. The vessel also has a second weir at about its midpoint, for trapping fine solids in a second compartment. Riser outlets are provided in the second compartment for water removal and in the third compartment for oil removal. Gas is removed through an overhead outlet.

Abstract: A clarifier comprising a tank, a feedwell, a cover and a raking structure. The cover is rotatably and sealingly engaged with the tank so as to prevent foul air within the tank from escaping into the atmosphere. The feed well and the raking structure are supported by and rotatable with the cover. The clarifier further includes a drive means for rotating the cover.

Abstract: A separator apparatus for breaking emulsions, particularly an emulsion formed of the hydrocarbon liquid and an aqueous solution, wherein the emulsion is introduced to a main separating tank. The latter includes at least one inlet for introducing emulsion, and a separate discharge port for conducting hydrocarbon-free aqueous component from the tank. An overflow trough positioned near the tank proportion includes a stripping weir which passes the flow of the hydrocarbon which has floated to the surface of the heavier water component. Emulsion flow to the tank is controlled by a flow regulator comprised primarily of a water level sensing means.

Abstract: A module for a UASB (upflow anaerobic sludge blanket) reactor for anaerobic waste water treatment comprises an overflow threshold for the treated waste water that determines the water level in the module. Several immersed collection domes are provided for the digester gas which are staggered over the entire module cross-section and possess a drain into a collection pipe and an upper evacuation line for the waste air collecting above the water level. All walls, covers and installation parts of the module are made of plastic, if necessary reinforced with steel profiles, and are welded to each other. Also, all drains end at a narrow side of the module where they are connected in a gas-tight manner with discharge ducts which have been installed there along several modules and which may be closed off in sections.

Abstract: Oil and water separation apparatus comprising a reaction chamber having an inlet through which a mixture of oil and water may be introduced. A reaction that extends upwardly from an intake opening therein located in the reaction chamber and out of the chamber. The apparatus also has an ozone generator and a conduit through which ozone may be channeled from the ozone generator into the upwardly extending reaction tube. A pump is provided for pumping water and oil upwardly through the reaction tube entrained with ozone and out of the reaction chamber. A filter is provided for oil oxidized to particulate form by the ozone.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying fuel, comprising a closed container having a top, a bottom, an inlet for impure fuel and an outlet for purified fuel placed at a level over the inlet, both coupled near the top of the container, a heating bulb to heat the impure fuel and allow the settlement of impurities and a valve in the bottom to remove the impurities from the container; a partition wall coupled in the container above the inlet and under the outlet, and a hollow body dependently coupled to the partition wall, defining a surrounding chamber under the partition wall to receive the impure fuel to the bottom of the container, an inner chamber in the hollow body under the partition wall, for purifying fuel, and an upper chamber over the partition wall for purified fuel; and a passage in the partition wall communicating said inner and upper chambers, to allow passage of the purified fuel to the upper chamber.

Abstract: An improved system for performing an alkylation process and a method for handling liquid catalyst in an alkylation process. This improvement involves a method and apparatus by which liquid alkylation catalyst contained in alkylation process equipment can be safely stored and isolated from the external environment. Additionally, the apparatus improvement will allow for an improved method for controlling the circulation of liquid alkylation catalyst by providing means for quickly stopping the circulation of alkylation catalyst. The apparatus improvement includes a baffle contained within a vessel which is attached to the bottom of the vessel and extends upwardly into the vessel. The baffle is designed to allow for the liquid flow between the inside of the vessel and the inside of the baffle and it allows for the venting into a vapor space from the top of the baffle. Within the baffle is standpipe which provides for fluid flow from within the baffle to a region outside the vessel.

Abstract: A separator for removing oil-like substances from water using vertical columns of coalescing media to then enhance separation of the two phases. The coalescing media is an inert packing material having surfaces to enhance coalescing without significant resistance to flow. Final oil removal is achieved by a vertical column of charcoal pellets. The separator is of particular value in the processing of oil/water discharges from air compressing systems. This produces water that can be discharged in an environmentally safe manner to conventional sewers, etc. The oil is held in a convenient storage vessel for ultimate disposal. No pumping devices are needed in the separator as flow is provided either by the pressure in the outlet from the compressor system, or by gravity from a feed tank. The vertical columns are arranged within a cylindrical vessel to minimize floor space and plumbing. The oil concentration in the product water is below current EPA standards.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a tank for separating water and hydrocarbon fuels from contaminated water which comprises an elongated vessel having, at one end thereof, an inlet for delivering contaminated water into the vessel. A distribution baffle is mounted at this end of the vessel for directing the incoming flow of contaminated water into multiple streams thereby reducing the incoming turbulent flow into a laminar flow whereby water is directed towards the opposite end of the vessel in an unobstructed manner so that light hydrocarbon fuel droplets may be allowed to rise and be collected on the surface of the water. A outlet piping is providing at the opposite end of the vessel for discharging water free of hydrocarbon fuels.

Abstract: Separation of oil from an aqueous condensate is effected by feeding the condensate into the headspace of a liquid pool containig separation tank so that a layer of oil will settle on top of water in the pool. An oil-receiver tank above the separation tank and connected thereto by a vertical pipe, also has a liquid pool therein above which a head space at sub-atmospheric pressure exists. Oil in the layer is accessed with a lower entry to the vertical pipe submerged below the separation tank liquid level and ascends into the pipe and upwardly to the oil-receiver tank, the oil ascent being accompanied by descent of water from the liquid pool in the oil-receiver tank. When the oil-receiver tank and an upper section of the vertical pipe are filled with oil only, the oil-containing tank can be drained. Separation operation can resume following reestablishment of the liquid pool in the oil-receiver by inletting a quantity of clean water thereto.

Abstract: In an oilfield production system, a water driven jet pump is used to evacuate vapors from storage tanks to thereby recover the vapors and prevent emissions from passing to the atmosphere. The jet pump entrains the vapors in process water which is passed to a process separator already in the system. The gas is separated for recovery.

Abstract: An odor control system for a settling tank containing a pool of wastewater to be clarified in which suspended particles are removed by gravitational settling and the water at the surface of the pool is clarified. Supported within the tank is an elongated effluent trough having a weir at one side thereof which extends upwardly therefrom to permit clarified water from the pool to spill over into the trough. Mounted over the trough along its full length is a hood having a side wall which extends into the pool at a position displaced from the weir the hood being constituted by a series of sections. The hood acts to capture noxious gases emitted into a region above the surface of the water therebelow as the clarified water spills over into the trough.

Abstract: A treater apparatus for separating mixed oil, water and gas into these components and including an elongated tank having a first end and an opposite, second end. A horizontally extending partition plate extends across the first end portion of the tank below a heater tube. The mixture is introduced to a point below one end of the plate, then reverses flow along the heater and over the partition plate until it contacts a vertically extending, transverse corrugated baffle plate. The longitudinal flow of the mixture is reversed several times as it flows over the heater tube and against the crenulated baffle plate. Water separates from the oil, and gas moves to the top of the tank and is removed by a vertical pipe. In the opposite, second end of the tank, a T-shaped partition plate subassembly further separates oil and water, and directs each into a separate removal chamber defined within the tank.

Abstract: An air-tight containment structure for the digestion of biomass may be collapsed under atmospheric pressure by drawing a vacuum therein, thereby compressing the contained fiber matrix and enhancing the wetting of the biomass. Reagents may be added in quantities to wet only an initial upper layer, and then dispersed downwardly into a further layer by addition of a displacing liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating commingled heavier and lighter immiscible liquids and solids having an upright vessel, a vertical flow tube within the vessel having an upper fluid outlet opening and a lower fluid inlet opening therein, an upper horizontal spreader baffle extending from the flow tube and below the fluid outlet and a lower horizontal spreader baffle extending from the flow tube and above the fluid inlet, a concentric side tube positioned exteriorly of and parallel the vessel and connected to the flow tube below the fluid inlet and providing for the maintenance of a liquid/liquid interface within the vessel above the upper spreader baffle and a commingled fluid inlet pipe extending from exterior of the baffle to the flow tube, the baffle providing means for change of fluid direction from horizontal to vertical and vise versa to improve separation of the lighter from the heavier immiscible liquids and for drawing off both the lighter and the heavier liquids from the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for the gravitational separation of a hydrocarbon fluid comprised primarily of crude oil, water and varying amounts of gas. A separating tank is provided into which a stream of the hydrocarbon fluid is introduced, and from which tank, discrete flows of crude oil, water and gas respectively are removed.The tank includes a transversely positioned perforated spreader plate which forms a multiplicity of upwardly flowing streams of the normally lighter crude oil. To assure minimization of turbulence in the upwardly flowing streams, which would deter a complete separation of the fluids, incoming oil/water mixture is introduced to the lower side of the separator plate through a multi-outlet manifold. The manifold includes discharge risers which function to spread the incoming water and oil across the entire lower surface of the spreader plate thereby minimizing the degree of turbulence beneath the plate which might occur.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for anaerobic purification of waste water, including a reactor space, a supply of influent at the lower side, gas separators and a discharge of gas and a discharge of effluent, respectively, at the upper side of the apparatus. Said apparatus is characterized in that it is in height subdivided into a reactor space, thereabove a sludge-water separator separated from the reactor space and a gas-sludgewater separator above the sludge-water separator separated therefrom, and the apparatus further includes a central tube for recirculating the anaerobic sludgewater material in the reactor space, with the supply for influent at the bottom. Futhermore the present invention also relates to a method for anaerobic purification of waste water with the aid of a suitable anaerobic sludge material, by the use of the apparatus of the invention as mentioned before. Said apparatus and method are particularly suitable for the quick and efficient anaerobic purification of waste water.

Abstract: A separator for oil well production fluids including oil, water and gases in which the separator includes a water siphon system having a vertically adjustable spill point for the discharge of water to a collection or disposal area for changing the interface level between the water in the bottom of the separator tank and the oil on top of the water in the separator tank. The separator is primarily constructed of a non-corrosive, non-conductive, high impact plastic with the siphon system and standpipe being positioned internally of the separator tank to reduce damage caused by high winds damaging such components by blowing down the separator which may have been weakened by corrosion with this arrangement also reducing the possibility of water in the siphon and standpipe being frozen which can occur when these components are oriented externally of the tank.

Abstract: An improved gas baffle device is disclosed for use in on-site waste disposal system tanks, such as septic tanks, which can be adjustably mountable to the outlet line of the septic tank. The gas baffle device includes a mounting strap which is readily secured to a pipe extending downwardly from a sanitary tee mounted the tank's outlet line. The mounting strap carries a support post and a gas baffle plate. The baffle plate is maintained over the end of and at an angle to the opening of the sanitary tee pipe. Special connection means on the strap allow the support post to be readily interconnected thereto. This improved gas baffle device is easily and quickly field-installed into a new septic tank, or can be readily retrofitted into an existing septic tank as needed.

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: A set for the isolation of cryoprecipitate includes a hollow vessel with a closed first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis, and a nipple extending from and closing the second end, said nipple enclosing a volume of approximately 2 to 5 percent of the volume of the hollow vessel. In one embodiment, the vessel is formed of a semi-rigid material and the first end is closed by a cap containing a micro-porous filter for venting the vessel. In another or further embodiment, the nipple has a tapered tip portion which may be sliced off to permit extrusion of the isolated cryoprecipitate by squeezing the vessel. In a different further embodiment, the nipple has a twist-lockable connector, for attachment to a syringe or to an applicator tip. In yet another embodiment a piston mounts on the cap within the vessel for directly extruding separated cryoprecipitate from the nipple.

Abstract: A set for the isolation of cryoprecipitate includes a hollow vessel with first and second ends and a tapered body extending to a narrow sump closing the second end, said sump enclosing a volume of approximately 2 to 5 percent of the volume of the hollow vessel. A port enters the vessel in the tapered body above the sump. In one embodiment, the vessel is formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material and the first end is closed by a cap containing a micro-porous filter for venting the vessel. In another or further embodiment, the sump has a tapered tip portion which may be sliced off to permit extrusion of the isolated cryoprecipitate by squeezing the vessel. In a different embodiment, the vessel contains an inner filter column, or bag with a filter matrix, accessible via an access port. Cellular material placed in the column is frozen, thawed and centrifuged to separate out antigen-free platelet growth factor with the cryoprecipitate.

Abstract: An all-purpose septic tank comprising a chamber (1), a waste water inlet pipe (2), an outlet pipe (3) for conveying the clarified water to a land treatment system, means (5) for effecting clarification through deposition of the heaviest substances on the bottom (4) of the chamber (1) and through accumulation of the greasy substances and light particles on the surface S and for at least partially liquefying these substances by means of anaerobic fermentation, means (6), incorporated inside the chamber (1) itself, for protecting the land treatment system so as to prevent it becoming clogged up, the clarification and liquefaction means (5) and the protection means (6) being located inside a single compartment of the chamber (1).

Abstract: Small quantities of dirty oil used in industrial facilities, such as hydraulic fluid, lubricating oil and the like, are reclaimed by placing a batch of such fluid in a relatively small, vertically axised tank having an elongated, transversely arranged, low-temperature heater located a distance above the tank bottom. The heater causes the fluid to generally circulate upwardly and downwardly in closed loops within the tank portion above the heater so that foreign particles and water gravity-settle into the tank portion below the heater. Transversely arranged rows of permanent magnets located in the tank above the heater attract and immobilize magnetizable ferrous particles carried by the fluid. After a period of fluid circulation, the cleaned fluid located generally above the heater is pumped out of the tank for re-use.

Abstract: Apparatus for gas-producing treatment, particularly fermentation and digestion, of organic material contained in a suspension comprises a horizontal, rotatably mounted treatment drum having an inlet for the suspension at one end and an outlet for the treated suspension at the other end. A plurality of baffles extending in axial planes throughout the length of the drum are secured to the interior side of the drum and extend from there towards the central region of the drum. In each of a number of angular drum positions, the number being equal to the number of baffles, one of the baffles defines jointly with the wall of the drum a downwardly open gas collection space which is spaced from the vertical plane containing the axis of rotation of the drum. The gas collected therein causes an uneven distribution of the suspension within the drum and thereby causes a turning moment acting on the drum.

Abstract: An anaerobic reactor for treatment of waste water comprises a primary reactor or zone of the suspended growth type and a secondary reactor or zone of the fixed filter bed type disposed directly above and in liquid contact with the primary reactor. Liquid to be treated is fed continuously into the primary reactor and moves upwardly through the primary reactor, then through the filter bed and out via an outlet above the filter bed. Gas generated in the primary reactor moves upwardly through the liquids and through the filter bed, to cause vertical mixing throughout the zones and to keep the filter bed from clogging.

Abstract: An outlet for extracting noxious gases generated in a settling tank containing a pool of wastewater, the outlet including an effluent trough supported at a raised position in the pool against the tank wall. The trough is provided with a side wall parallel to the tank wall and lying somewhat below the surface of the pool, a weir being supported on this side wall and extending upwardly therefrom to permit clarified water from the surface region of the pool to spill over into the trough. Overlying the trough and the weir is a flat walk plate that extends horizontally from the tank to the upper edge of a vertical sidewall which extends downwardly into the pool, the sidewall together with the walk plate acting to confine noxious gases emitted into the region above the trough and the weir to prevent their discharge into the atmosphere. The walk plate includes a hatch cover section providing access to the weir when it becomes necessary to scrub and clean the weir.

Abstract: A unitized system for the restoration of hydrocarbon-contaminated ground water and other water sources. The system employs two interconnected tanks having substantially the same elevation and mounted upon a transport skid. A first of these tanks provides for separation of the hydrocarbon from the water by gravimetric principles, and the second is a storage tank for water. An outlet from the water storage tank feeds water into a storage pan of an upright air sparging tower also mounted upon the skid. Water pumped from the pan is sprayed countercurrent to forced air flow in the tower so as to remove any entrained vapors from the water. A portion of the water handled by this pumping can be recycled to the separation tank. A level detector in the separation tank controls a preselected water level prior to introduction of contaminated water, and again when separated hydrocarbon has been removed from the separation tank to a product storage tank. The product storage tank is preferably mounted on the skid.

Abstract: A waste collection device for accumulating solid waste downstream of a kitchen garbage grinder includes a separator for settling solid material from waste water and a removable waste accumulating container into which household garbage is collected. The waste accumulating container is removable and a cap, including a carrying handle, is fastenable over the opening for carrying to and emptying onto a compost heap. A pressure release valve is provided in the waste accumulating container to prevent damage from the build-up of gases.

Abstract: To avoid considerable vertical and horizontal flows in the settler formed by gas collection hoods, of the upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (U.A.S.B.) reactor, each gas collection hood (3) debouches at one or two ends into a gas collection chamber (8) via one or more openings (19), the upper boundary of said openings being situated below the inside surface of the projection or the top of the hood (3) concerned. The gas collection hoods are situated immediately below the level of the effluent discharge and the depth of the settler is shallow. As a result of the decrease in pressure only a few gas bubbles are consequently liberated and the settling of the sludge is not appreciably disturbed.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating liquids having different densities, such as a hydrocarbon layer floating on a liquid surface in vertically surging body of liquid. A surge vessel receives the fluid to be separated, via an inlet located at or near the bottom of the vessel. The vessel is provided with a collection means positioned above the liquid inlet and maximum liquid level such as a baffle contained within the vessel for collecting the lighter fluid phase. Changes in the vertical displacement of the liquid body within the surge vessel provide the driving force for the collection means to operate. For vessels having less frequent level changes, the collection device may also include a container, such as a box, positioned below the baffle. As the liquid level in the surge vessel rises, some of the lighter fluid phase will be trapped under the baffle.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for carrying out mixed liquid, gas and solid phase reactions and is intended for use in sewage digestion tanks where the removal of sludge and foam from the tanks is required. A reactor vessel is provided which includes a floating cover vertically movably maintained within the vessel. A device for limiting gas pressure is connected to the vessel below the cover. A buoyancy chamber is provided which is supported by the cover and located therebelow and is intended to be at least partially immersed within the liquid in the vessel. A foam/sludge withdrawal opening is located below the uppermost portion of the buoyancy chamber and connects the interior of the vessel to the exterior. In a preferred embodiment, a ballast member is supported from the cover and extends from the roof to below the buoyancy member.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating slugs of fluid of one phase flowing through a conduit which is conducting fluid of another phase comprising an elongated inlet manifold connected to an inlet conduit at one end and being of sufficient cross-sectional flow area to reform the fluid flow from the inlet conduit into substantially channel flow for the liquid entering the inlet manifold. A liquid discharge manifold is located below the inlet manifold and is connected to the inlet manifold by a plurality of downcomer conduits which are spaced apart one from the other along the length of the inlet manifold. A gas discharge conduit is connected to the downstream end of the inlet manifold and to a gas-liquid separator for demisting the gas discharged from the inlet manifold. Gas blow-by through the discharge manifold is prevented by a liquid trap formed by a liquid discharge conduit connected to the liquid discharge manifold.

Abstract: A decanting vessel for separation of liquid phases of different densities. The decanter vessel is provided with several conically-shaped separation levels disposed one on top of the other and provided with openings connecting the passages, alternately at the outer periphery and at the center of the separation levels. The liquid phases are thereby caused to flow from one passage to the next, consecutively, in a generally serpentine path. Pipes are disposed in the uppermost portion of each of the separation levels to carry the lighter phase to the top of the vessel.

Abstract: A mud degasser is located in the mud return line between a well being drilled and a shale shaker mounted on a mud tank in order to degas all of the mud leaving the well. A variety of mechanisms operate on the mud to remove entrained gas. A major separating technique is to deliver the mud axially into a rotating pump impeller which slings the mud radially against the walls of the separator vessel. Other operating mechanisms include vibration and/or the application of a vacuum.

Abstract: An anaerobic digester system for biodegradable materials comprises a closed generally cylindrical digester tank supported with its axis vertical and with the majority of its height below ground. The tank includes a gas collecting region at its top above a predetermined normal liquid level within the tank. Spaced inlet and outlet openings are provided near the bottom of the tank and substantially straight inlet and outlet channels are connected to those openings providing a flow inlet to and a flow outlet from the digester tank, and a deflector surroundes the outlet opening to inhibit direct flow from the inlet to the outlet while allowing digested material to proceed to the flow outlet, and an agitating device is fitted in the tank.

Abstract: In order to achieve an essentially turbulence-free zone near the means (11) for the discharge of purified water in an anaerobic purification plant for waste water with a fermentation chamber, a settler disposed above the latter and the said discharge means (11) disposed above the settler, the settler consists of three levels of gas-collection hoods (2, 3, 4), each gas-collection hood of the uppermost level (4) being sited directly above a gas-collection hood of the lowermost level (2), each gas-collection hood of the lowermost level (2) being connected via one or more pipes with a gas-collection hood of the uppermost level (4), and the gas-collection hoods of the uppermost and middle level (4 or 3 respectively) having a direct connection to the gas-discharge line (15).

Abstract: A single unit fluidized-bed reactor having a reaction space for purification of waste water with biomass attached to carrier particles, comprising a liquid distribution device above the bottom of the reaction space particularly suited for introduction of waste water in wide reactors to achieve uniform fluidization therein, said device consisting of a number of substantially horizontal pipes, each having in the under-surface a number of regularly distributed openings for downward introduction of the liquid, and on top of the reaction space united therewith a multifunctional separation compartment for complete separation of the gas-liquid-solids mixture leaving the reaction space and for complete return of attached biomass into the reaction space, the separation compartment being construction so as to handle treatments involving large or small gas fractions in reactors of varying width.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a wastewater treatment plant which includes pretreatment, aeration, final clarification and overflow/backwash chambers adapted to receive a fluid, such as home wastewater, which is to be subjected to extended aeration or aerobic digestion, the aeration chamber including an aerator having a shaft whose lower end is normally received in the fluid which is to be treated, an aerator foam deflector carried by the shaft which under abnormally high fluid levels increases the torque on the shaft and, thus, indicates abnormal operation, the final clarification chamber including a demand use filter, an overflow outlet operative should the filter become disabled, and a backwash nozzle located in the filter by reverse pumping therethrough fluid pumped from the overflow or backwash chamber.

Abstract: Arrangement for biological activating cleaning of waste waters having a separating space and an activating space, the separating space being disposed above the activating space in a single container. The arrangement permits a surface take-off of cleaned water without reduction of the capacity for water treatment of the arrangement. In case part of the biocenology of the activated sludge becomes extinct or impaired, the arrangement permits an easy removal of sludge separated by floating from the surface of the content of the separating space.

Abstract: To reduce the accumulation of undesirable solid material within an anaerobic digester, new slurry for digesting is injected into the digester at locations extending across the horizontal width at one end, parallel to a zone of floating solids in a concentration of solid material between ten and twelve percent, with a momentum of at least 0.1 pound-foot per second. Liquid is taken out of the digester across a trough extending across the width of the digester. Bubbles are broken above the liquid level of the digester by a sieve or surfactant or combination of the two.

Abstract: Apparatus for recovery and reuse of parts cleaning fluid or similar fluid such as oil upon separation and removal from water, including a tank for receiving and collecting the water and fluid which floats atop the water. A removable shelf may be slidably mounted in the upper part of the tank for directing the fluid flow to the rear of the tank for channeled passage to a sludge collector. A box-like housing having a water discharge chamber partitioned by a plate-like baffle into water entry and outlet compartments which open to the upper part of the chamber that is vented to atmospheric pressure may be mounted in the lower part of the tank by associated fluid drain fittings. The outlet compartment has a drain whereas the water entry compartment has a relatively small inlet closely adjacent the bottom of the tank so that only water will flow into the water discharge chamber for automatic discharge from the tank upon the level thereof exceeding the height of the baffle.

Abstract: Continuously operating separating apparatus for the separation of mixtures of light and heavy liquid components, which apparatus comprisesa mixing portion, which is located in the middle portion of said apparatus and which comprises a mixing vessel and a cylinder placed in the middle of said mixing vessel, anda separating portion, which is located in the upper portion of said apparatus and which comprises two or more cones placed one inside the other, anda circulating pump, which is connected by means of two or more conduits tangentially to said mixing vessel, anda bottom portion, anda feed conduit, which is connected tangentially to the upper portion of said mixing vessel, anddischarge members located in the upper portion of said apparatus, said discharge members comprising an overflow member and discharge outlets, through which the light liquid fraction is discharged, anda substantially vertical discharge member placed in the middle of said apparatus, through which member the heavy liquid fraction is discha

Abstract: In apparatus for the anaerobic purification of waste water the invention aims at improving the structure and the operation. In known apparatus of this kind there is a reactor tank with one or more aftersettling compartments in the upper part thereof, with inlet and outlet openings for water and sludge into and from the aftersettling compartments from and into the reactor tank respectively.