Abstract: A body of water is purified by filtering its water both physically and biologically through a filter layer preferably consisting of a floating filter layer, and by contacting aerobic bacterial flocks, which are formed in the filter layer in time, with the mud in the river bottom typically placed in an anaerobic condition so that denitrification of the river water by denitrifying bacteria may be promoted. Thus, the present invention assists the natural biological purification process, and can improve The transparency of the water, reduce BOD and COD, promote denitrification to a sufficient extent to make the water liveable for fish, and trap low concentration toxic chemical substances such as insecticides and herbicides into the bacterial flocks.

Abstract: A floating media biofilter is provided, comprising a tank having a bottom and a sidewall, the sidewall having a lower portion inwardly sloping toward the bottom. Floating media are present in the tank for forming a media pack when the tank is filled with liquid, and the media are retained by an upper screen positioned in the upper portion of the tank. An inlet line provides nonfiltered liquid to the tank from an aquaculture environment, while an outlet line above the upper screen delivers filtered liquid back to the aquaculture environment. A weir is employed between the upper screen and the outlet line to collect filtered liquid from the media pack. Backwashing is accomplished by a motorized blade system which causes the media to circulate within the tank with substantially no expansion of the media pack. The circulating media loosens filtered matter and sludge entrained therein so that the waste solids can be removed by a sludge line connected to the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for purifying waste water, comprising a reservoir (2), supply means (3) for the waste water flowing out into the reservoir, means for maintaining a pre-determined fluid level (11) in the upper part of the reservoir and draining means (12) for draining purified water from the reservoir. Said reservoir forms part of a cycle of microbe supporting elements (8) that have a lower density than 1, and comprising means (15) for removing microbe supporting elements from the reservoir operative above the pre-determined level, cleaning means (17) for removing sludge from the supporting elements, and re-introducing means (20) flowing out into the lower part of the reservoir for re-introducing the cleaned microbe supporting elements.

Abstract: A device for separating particles from a liquid to be treated is disclosed. The device has a cylindrical enclosure with an inlet for creating a swirling flow at its upper end and an annular channel formed by a flow diverter plate leading to a retention chamber at its base. The flow diverter generates an ascending swirling flow of treated liquid which is discharged through an axial outlet tube in the uppermost portion of the enclosure. The flow diverter includes at least one plane central section and means for adjusting its longitudinal position to adjust the annular channel. The axial outlet tube is extended downwardly by a flow adjusting element to create a flow of annular section.

Abstract: A reactor apparatus including a fluid bed reactor wherein liquid to be processed is conducted upwardly therein through a bed to fluidize the bed, the bed including particulate solids having biological material supported thereon, and the liquid forming an effluent head above the bed. The reactor apparatus also includes a control apparatus for removing excess biological material from the reactor. The control apparatus includes a tubular separator column which is emersed in the liquid effluent head, and a telescoping sludge valve that has a draw-off port communicating openly with the effluent head surface and that is adjustable to raise and lower the draw-off port relative to the effluent head surface to control the sludge withdrawal rate. The control apparatus also includes an agitator arrangement that withdraws bed particles from the separator column, shears excess biological material from those particles, and then returns the partially sheared particles and sheared biological material to the separator column.

Abstract: This invention provides a fluidized bed reactor with improved method and apparatus for inhibiting and clearing clogging of the fluid distribution network in such reactor. In particular, at least one channel or reservoir of fluid is provided over at least a selected portion of the distribution network, with fluid from such column/reserve being released to maintain flow and pressure in the distribution network as the media bed is defluidized. For the preferred embodiment, the fluid column is (a) a feed pipe connecting a fluid inlet which is above the reactor fluid level to the distribution network; and (b) a plurality of risers which, for the preferred embodiment, extend from the end of each lateral tube of the distribution network. A vacuum breaker is provided for each fluid column to permit fluid to flow from the column into the network when pressure is removed.

Abstract: The water to be treated is sent in a co-current with oxygenated gas into an upflow reactor with a fixed bed of particles, and the bacteria support medium used comprises particles with a bulk density of 35 to 65 kg/m.sup.3. The reactor or biological filter (or reactors or biological filters in series) comprises or comprise: a zone for the densification of sludges; at least one oxygenated gas injection device; a zone of filtering material, a retention ceiling and a washing water storage zone with removal of the treated effluent. Application to the treatment of wastewater and water to be made fit for drinking purposes.

Abstract: An aerobic treatment of waste water is accomplished in such a manner as to effectively reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds contained therein by first re-introducing oxygen containing gas previously used in the process as supplemented with additional oxygen containing gas to fulfill make-up requirements during the operation. The reuse is effected in an enclosed vessel having a lower sparging compartment within which both a suitable quantity of mixed reused and make-up gas is thoroughly mixed with contaminated waste water being introduced therein for treatment. The thus humidified gas and preliminarily treated waste water are then moved upwardly within and through a central biological growth area, and the treated waste water is formed as a liquid level in an upper compartment and removed through a trap therefrom to maintain a water level therein and collect the resultant treated oxygen containing gas above the water level.

Abstract: A method for aerobically treating water-containing organic wastes is provided. This process may be conducted in a closed reactor with suitable controls to prevent any adverse environmental impact, and involves mixing the wastes with an inert and non-friable bulking agent comprising a substantial component having a density less than water in the presence of an active biomass. An oxygen-containing gas is passed through the reaction mixture to assist in the removal of excess (free) water from the wastes to form a wetted high solids content reaction mixture containing the waste solids mixed in a bed of bulking agent. Effective aerobic reaction conditions are employed to convert the wastes to a treated waste.

Abstract: An improvement in the biological method for treating wastewater is provided. The method is featured by adding to the reactor an amount of floating porous biomass carrier which can be mixed thoroughly with the wastewater to be treated. By the utilization of the carrier, the microorganisms can be retained in the reactor in a high concentration and the mass transfer can be adjusted so that various phases of microorganisms are provided within the reactor. The method is also characterized in that the reactor is operated under aerobic, anoxic and/or anaerobic conditions which are sequentially provided in an appropriate order depending on the type of pollutant to be treated. The method can remove organic substances, and nitrous and phosphorus materials effectively in a single reactor, and reduce the volume of the resultant sludge and the capital investment greatly as compared with the prior art methods.

Abstract: A floating media filter is provided, comprising a tank having a filtration chamber and an expansion chamber, wherein the filtration chamber is above and fluidically connected with the expansion chamber; floating filter media in the tank for forming a floating media pack, having a top portion, in the filtration chamber when the tank is filled with liquid and the filter media are undisturbed; an upper screen having openings adapted to prevent the filter media from passing therethrough, positioned in the tank near the top portion of the floating media pack; an inlet line fluidically connected to the tank below the filtration chamber; a sludge line having an output end, fluidically connected to the tank below the lower screen; a sludge valve, positioned in the sludge line; an outlet line fluidically connected to the tank above the upper screen; a lower screen having openings adapted to prevent the filter media from passing therethrough, positioned in the tank below the filter media and above the sludge line; and

Abstract: An improved multi-stage treatment system for biological denitrification of and suspended solids removal from water includes a biological reactor containing rigid media supporting denitrifying bacterial growths, an aeration chamber and an automatic backwash filter. In use, methanol or other carbon source containing influent water flows into the reactor beneath the rigid media and upwardly in contact with said bacterial growths to cause nitrates and nitrites contained therein to be converted into nitrogen. The denitrified water is then aerated in the aeration chamber and subsequently filtered by downward flow through the automatic backwash filter.

Abstract: A method for aerobically treating a low solids water-containing oily sludge which comprises combining said sludge with a biologically inert, non-friable bulking agent characterized by having a substantial component with a density less than water to form a mixture, passing an oxygen-containing gas through said mixture to separate excess water and form a high solids content reaction mixture, reacting said high solids content reaction mixture in the presence of an aerobic biomass under effective aerobic conditions to form a treated sludge and an active biomass-coated bulking agent component having a density less than water in said high solids content reaction mixture, separating said biomass-coated bulking agent component from said treated sludge, and recovering said treated sludge from said reaction mixture has been provided.

Abstract: A secondary sewage treatment system is provided with vertically-aligned foam collecting, turbulent, mixing, settling, and sludge collecting zones. A grating defines the boundary between the turbulent and mixing zones. Beneath the grating, a buoyant media, such as hollow plastic spheres, are contained and occupy substantially all of the mixing zone. Air diffusers including elongated draft tubes extend from the turbulent zone down through the mixing zone for introduction of air to aerate waste water liquor and to cause the aerated liquor to recirculate up into the turbulent zone, thereby creating a circulation of waste water liquor from the turbulent zone, down through the mixing zone and around the buoyant media, and up through the draft tubes to the turbulent zone.

Abstract: A secondary sewage treatment system is provided with vertically-aligned foam collecting, turbulent, mixing, settling, and sludge collecting zones. A grating defines the boundary between the turbulent and mixing zones. Beneath the grating, a bouyant media, such as hollow plastic spheres, are contained and occupy substantially all of the mixing zone. Air diffusers including elongated draft tubes extend from the turbulent zone down through the mixing zone for introduction of air to aerate waste water liquor and to cause the aerated liquor to recirculate up into the turbulent zone, thereby creating a circulation of waste water liquor from the turbulent zone, down through the mixing zone and around the bouyant media, and up through the draft tubes to the turbulent zone.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an oxidation and biological reduction reactor for liquid to be treated by upwards circulation and recirculation including, within a longitudinal vertical enclosure 5 accessible by an admission 9, a lower layer 1 of biomass fixation made of material whose density is lower than that of the liquid and an upper layer of fixation 3 of biomass made of material whose density is higher than that of the liquid, characterized in that the lower layer 1 is separated from the upper layer 3 by a transverse wall 2 preventing the passage of filtration materials between a lower zone located under the wall 2 and an upper zone above the wall 2, an oxidation gas input 8 under the upper layer 3 and above the wall 2, an outlet 10 for the treated liquid is recycled by a pump 12 and an outer pipe 11 on the inlet 9.

Abstract: A biofilter is provided, including a tank, having a bottom, a top and a sidewall having a lower portion which is inwardly sloping toward the bottom; floating filter media in the tank, the media forming a floating media pack when the tank is filled with liquid and the media are undisturbed, the media pack having a bottom and a top; a screen having openings adapted to prevent the floating filter media from passing therethrough, positioned in the tank between the bottom of the tank and the top of the tank; an agitator having a blade, the agitator being attached to the tank and adapted such that the blade is at least partially imbedded in the media pack when the tank is filled with liquid; an inlet line fluidly connected to the tank below the screen; a sludge drain line fluidly connected to the lower portion tank below the screen; a sludge valve, positioned in the sludge drain line; and an outlet line fluidly connected to the tank above the screen.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing the operation of a trickling filter. Optimization is obtained by using a pair of controlling devices, a timer and an electric motor in combination. The electric motor rotates the distributor mechanism of the trickling filter in response to signals transmitted thereto by the first and second controller. The timer activates the first controller during operation to provide a SK value of between 25-500 mm/pass. During non-peak hours, the timer activates the second controller for flushing the biomass used in the trickling filter operation. The flushing is accomplished at SK values of between 200-1000 mm/pass. A method is also disclosed incorporating the above system.

Abstract: Solutions containing pesticide wastes from greenhouses, for example, are decontaminated in a system including a soil bed reactor. Waste water from the greenhouse goes to a sample tank from which samples are withdrawn for assay of toxicity. Water from the sample tank goes to a holding tank, or to a downstream subsystem if toxicity level is low. Water in the holding tank is aerated to promote degradation of toxic materials. Water from the holding tank is applied near the upper surface of a layer of soil in the soil bed reactor. Air from the sample tank and holding tank, and intermittently, air containing pesticides from the greenhouse, is also passed through the layer of soil in the soil bed reactor. Microbial action in the soil degrades toxic materials in both the gaseous and liquid streams. Water from the soil bed reactor may then be discharged to a pond populated by plant and animal species which promote further degradation of any remaining toxic materials before the water is discharged from the system.

Abstract: A biological contactor (8) comprises a granular bed including a layer (17) based on activated carbon the material of which satisfies the following conditions:density between 0.18 and 0.32 g/cm.sup.3,carbon tetrachloride adsorbing power between 60% and 120% by weight,carbon tetrachloride retention less than 25% by weight of the carbon tetrachloride adsorbed mass,methylene blue: between 5 and 30 ml,particle size: between 0.5 and 1.5 mm effective size with a coefficient of uniformity less than 2.A washing cycle (21, 24) (air only; air plus water; water only) of the contactor is triggered (38) when a parameter (36, 37) representative of the population of algae in said layer reaches a predetermined set point threshold.

Abstract: A secondary sewage treatment system is provided with vertically-aligned foam collecting, turbulent, mixing, settling, and sludge collecting zones. A grating defines the boundary between the turbulent and mixing zones. Beneath the grating, a bouyant media, such as hollow plastic spheres, are contained and occupy substantially all of the mixing zone. Air diffusers including elongated draft tubes extend from the turbulent zone down through the mixing zone for introduction of air to aerate waste water liquor and to cause the aerated liquor to recirculate up into the turbulent zone, thereby creating a circulation of waste water liquor from the turbulent zone, down through the mixing zone and around the bouyant media, and up through the draft tubes to the turbulent zone.

Abstract: A process for treating organic waste water in which a first step provided the stage precedent to a second step using an aerobic filter bed employs an upward flow type solid-liquid separator packed with a filter medium, with the SS (suspended solids) removal at the preceding stage being performed at a high SS removal rate and in a short time.

Abstract: The sewage treatment process combines physico-chemical clarification using fine material or clay particles with anaerobic digestion of a concentrated sewage. The particles are preferably magnetite. The sewage (10) is mixed with magnetite (12) having a hydroxylated surface layer in tanks (14, 16, 18, 20) in which acid, inorganic flocculant and polyelectrolyte may be added if necessary. The organic material in the sewage is adsorbed on the particles during the mixing contact and a clarified liquid effluent (28) is separated from the loaded particles in a clarifier (22). The organic material may be separated from the particles before or after treatment in an anaerobic digestion assembly (36). The particles are preferably cleansed and regenerated in a two stage countercurrent flow washing system (38, 40, 58, 60, 62) into which a dilute solution of caustic soda or lime (32) is introduced.

Abstract: The biological denitrification of water is improved in a decisive manner by reducing on the one hand the oxygen content of the water prior to passing it through the denitrification state and, on the other hand, by bringing the water into contact with the denitrification bacteria in a fluidized bed formed by sand the grains of which have been populated intentionally with denitrification bacteria of the species "pseudomonas fluorescens". Accordingly, the apparatus for carrying out the method comprises a stage (51) for eliminating oxygen preceding the denitrification reactor (52). If this stage is designed as a degassing stage, the reactor (52) is followed, advantageously, by a decarbonization stage (81).

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a bioreactor for the biochemical treatment of liquids containing organic matter. It comprises a container with an inlet for receiving liquid to be treated with at least one horizontal plate to support a bed of microorganism cells which react with the organic matter to form a volatile gas. An aperture is provided in the plate to provide liquid flow communication between upper and lower compartments on either sides of the plate. A blockage element extends over the aperture to prevent the liquid and the microorganism cells from returning through the aperture to the lower compartment. An outlet is provided for releasing the gas from the container while a further outlet is used for releasing treated liquid.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for the biological purification of water by means of a closed percolating filter operated with pure oxygen and/or air, and an upward-flow filter disposed downstream of the percolating filter, with flotation filter material therein, saturation of the gas cushion predominantly containing oxygen in the percolating filter is controlled by selection of the operating pressure in such a fashion that the oxygen supply corresponds to the biochemical oxygen demand of the water on the one hand, while on the other hand a residual oxygen content dissolved in the water permits continuation with a biological fine purification operation in the upward-flow filter. The apparatus comprises a first chamber with the percolating filter, the water flowing downwardly therethrough, and a second chamber with filter material through which the water flows upwardly.

Abstract: Carrier material for the immobilization of microorganisms, particularly for use in connection with microbiological conversion and/or separation of constituents from gaseous or liquid media, is disclosed. The carrier material comprises a dimensionally stable macroporous skeleton comprised of relatively coarse-grain granular material such as sinterable thermoplastic granules, and relatively fine grain microporous material, such as activated charcoal, which are bonded together. The carrier material thus comprises both macropores having a pore size of from about 10 to 200 .mu.m and micropores having a pore size of up to about 0.1 .mu.m depending upon the identity of the five grain microporous material that is used. Additional finely divided materials, such as catalytic agents or density modifying agents, may also be disposed within the macroporous skeleton. The preparation and use of the carrier material is also disclosed.

Abstract: Water contaminated with at least one volatile compound is treated by air stripping the volatile compound into the gas phase, then removing the volatile compound from the gas phase by contacting it with an aqueous mixture of biological solids and powdered adsorbent. The partially-purified water is further treated by a biophysical aerobic process which in turn produces the aqueous mixture of biological solids and powdered adsorbent used to remove the volatile compound from the gas phase. The aqueous mixture of biological solids and powdered adsorbent containing the volatile compound is thickened and the solids slurry treated by regeneration, preferrably wet air oxidation, to destroy the biological solids and volatile compound as well as regenerate the powdered adsorbent. The regenrated adsorbent may be returned to the biophysical aerobic treatment process.

Abstract: A bioreactor for anchorage or nonanchorage dependent cells or for immobilized enzymes that is capable of achieving high cell densities or concentrations of reaction products is disclosed. The bioreactor is capable of being easily scaled up. The bioreactor utilizes horizontal or radial flow of the culture or growth medium across a packed bed of microcarriers with attached cells or enzymes. The radial flow utilized by the chamber minimizes the non-optimal culture perfusion problems and maximizes the uniformity of medium delivery and cell and/or enzyme viability. The cell culture chamber possess the capability for the production of many industrially important and useful products, particularly in the medical, pharmaceutical, food, agricultural, environmental and purification industries.

Abstract: Water is purified according to the principle of a biomass fixed on an aerated granular bed acting as a filter in a biological reactor.The water to be purified is sent, without presettling, upwardly through a multilayer granular bed placed in the reactor. The injection point of oxygenated gas determines two succesive zones, anaerobic and then aerobic. The water is evacuated from the reactor at the top thereof, or at a certain level of the bed. A sudden downward flushing of the filter with water is provided to eliminate the biomass. The filter is periodically washed with air/water and then rinsed with water.

Abstract: Contaminated water is contacted with an agent which contains salts or cations of mono-, di-, or trivalent metals in a maximum amount of 50 masspercent and rock granules containing at least 25 masspercent zeolite, preferably clinoptilolite and/or mordenite. The amount of metal salts respectively cations present in the parent zeolitic rock can be increased according to necessity by ion-exchange, adsorption and/or impregnation, i.e. by combination of these processes following eventual dehydration. The agent obtained is homogenized. The exhausted bed can be regenerated biologically or with aqueous solution of a potassium salt.

Abstract: A reactor for aerobically or non-aerobically treating a fluid flowing from the bottom to the top of the reactor through a fluidized bed of granular material. The reactor includes a base having an orifice therein, through which fluid flows into the reactor and in which gas is added to the fluid. A horizontally extending plate surrounded by a supple membrane faces the base and the orifice. The plate and the membrane form a valve for preventing fluid from the reactor from entering the orifice in the event fluid flow into the reactor ceases. The gas entrains the granular material so that when the gasified fluid passes upward through the granular material a three-phase liquid-gas-granular material mixture is produced. The upper portion of the reactor includes a device for disembedding the granular material from the fluid, a device for degasing the three-phase liquid-gas-granular material mixture, and a device for separating the granular material from the fluid to produce a fluid discharge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling biomass growth in a fluidized bed reactor during anaerobic or aerobic treating of a waste feed. In particular, means is provided for concentrating a portion of bioparticles, the bioparticles being media with biomass adhered thereto and the concentrating means being integral to the fluid bed reactor, so that bioparticles delivered to a separator means for separating the biomass from the media are of high concentration requiring little downstream processing of the biomass separated thereby.

Abstract: A process for treating high strength BOD containing liquors includes the step of mildly mixing and contacting the liquors with anaerobic bacteria and a powdered adsorbent support medium to remove a substantial portion of the organic matter and generate a methane fuel gas. Use of the powdered support medium at 0.1-20 g/l enables high removal of BOD in short treatment times, rapid clarification of treated liquors, and increased adsorbability of liquor color.In a subsequent decolorizing embodiment, digested and clarified liquors are contacted with reduced concentrations of powdered color adsorbent to produce a treated liquor low in dissolved organic matter and color.The spent streams of powdered adsorbent support medium-biomass and/or powdered color adsorbent are preferably regenerated and reused.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a floating bed reactor which is used for biological purification of fibre-containing liquid suspensions and for simultaneous clarification. The reactor comprises a floating bed (8) composed of finely divided particles floating in an ascending flow, above it being formed a fibre agglomerate layer (9) which binds to itself fibres present in the suspension being treated. What is essential in the invention is that the removal of fibre agglomerate from the reactor has been arranged with the aid of an open-top collecting vessel (11) placed in the reactor and disposed to collect fibre agglomerate in itself so that the top margin of the agglomerate layer (9) positions itself in the reactor substantially on level with the top end of the collecting vessel. The agglomerate then moves into the collecting vessel (11) by effect of a trailing vortex, for the generation of which the top end (13) of the vessel is bordered by a flow guiding member projecting laterally therefrom, or encircling it.

Abstract: Continuous chemical and biological reactions may be carried out in a liquid fluidized reactor (1). Improved mixing and mass transport between gas/liquid/solid phases is provided by fluidizing large particles (2) with a liquid in a dense bed in the bottom of the reactor (1) while recirculating small entrained particles (3) and the liquid through the reactor (1), particle separator (9), external regenerator (10) and conduits (7) and (8) back through the dense bed of large particles (2).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the purification of water or other contaminated aqueous liquids. The water is passed through a filter comprising a solid backwashable filter medium preferably having pores or slots of 125 microns (0.005 inches) or less made of biologically nondegradable and non-corrosive material, and having a specific, non-pathogenic aerobic activated sludge layer deposited thereon. The aerobic sludge layer is prepared by aerating mixtures of raw water, diatomaceous earth and preferably an inert particulate biologically non-degradable filter material (such as cellulose powder), for a minimum period of 24 hours, and preferably at least five days. The resulting mixtures containing a specific, non-pathogenic aerobic activated microbiological sludge is recirculated through the solid filter medium in a specific sequence until an activated sludge layer is deposited thereon to the desired thickness.

Abstract: This invention provides a process and apparatus for the growth of biomass from a supply of suitable nutrient wherein the volume of biomass and the size and shape of the units in which it is present within a vessel (10) in which the reaction takes place can be accurately controlled. Control is achieved by providing a support structure (14) for the biomass comprising one or more movable bodies each of which has an internal reticular structure defining a substantial voidage therein and which essentially fills with the biomass but which does not overfill since excess growth is restricted. Restriction can be achieved by removal of excess biomass or by removal of the bodies at the time that they become filled. The techniques are capable of numerous industrial applications including various biological fermentation processes as well as the purification of sewage and industrial effluents, for example.

Abstract: The solid particles 33' coated with a biological material are developed at the upper end of a bed 32 which is fluidized by a supply of water 3. The particles 33' are removed at 12 and decanted at 11 and then introduced through a pipe 20 at the upper end 22 of an auxiliary anaerobic fermentation column which converts the biological coating into a gaseous mixture which escapes at 27. The regenerated particles are withdrawn at 28 and conveyed at 30 to the purifying bed. Application in the biological purification of waste waters.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and apparatus for the compressive regeneration of flexible, porous materials used as filter particles, oil-separating particles or carrier particles in a reactor. These materials are loaded in a reactor with a liquid containing substances to be removed. The liquid is, for example, water, and the substances are, for example, deposited solids, oil droplets or bacteria. After the flexible, porous materials become loaded with the substances, they are conducted to a press chamber equipped with a press means. The transporting, squeezing out, and separation of the water and substances from the flexible porous materials, as well as the recycling of the regenerated material into the reactor are achieved by either a one-time, or a repetitive to and fro movement, of the press means. This regeneration is accomplished with a single device which operates simultaneously as both a regenerating press and as a conveying installation.

Abstract: In the treatment of wastewater, the mixture of wastewater and the sludge is transported through a treatment zone, and then through a filter zone containing a bed of support particles, e.g., particles of polyurethane foam, to deposit the biomass onto the support particles. The loaded support particles are subsequently regenerated within the filter zone by means of a regenerating means in the same area as the filter zone, e.g., by strong aeration or by being compressed between press-rolls, whereby the system requires neither additional land for regeneration of the support particles nor a secondary settling tank.

Abstract: This invention provides a process and apparatus for the growth of biomass from a supply of suitable nutrient wherein the volume of biomass and the size and shape of the units in which it is present within a vessel (10) in which the reaction takes place can be accurately controlled. Control is achieved by providing a support structure (14) for the biomass comprising one or more movable bodies each of which has an internal reticular structure defining a substantial voidage therein and which essentially fills with the biomass but which does not overfill since excess growth is restricted. Restriction can be achieved by removal of excess biomass or by removal of the bodies at the time that they become filled. The techniques are capable of numerous industrial applications including various biological fermentation processes as well as the purification of sewage and industrial effluents, for example.

Abstract: A vessel capable of passing a liquid therethrough is packed with a support having at least hydrophilicity and microorganism cells are inoculated to the support, retained and cultivated therein. A reaction substrate is fed to the vessel and brought into contact with the microorganism, whereby the microorganism is allowed to propagate within the support and act upon the reaction substrate to induce decomposition or synthetic reactions thereof.

Abstract: Wastewater is subjected to biological reaction in a bed containing the biological reaction bacteria on a particulate carrier wherein the lower portion of the bed is fluidized while the upper portion is maintained as a fixed bed. When the fixed bed portion becomes clogged with cellular material, the entire bed is fluidized and wash water is passed through the bed to remove excess cellular material. The method is applicable to advanced wastewater treatment, both secondary treatment for BOD removal, and tertiary treatment for nitrification and/or denitrification. The method is particularly advantageous for treatment of wastewater supplied at varying flow rates.

Abstract: A method and equipment for secondary sewage treatment by anaerobic treatment of sewage after the sewage has passed from a septic tank or other primary treatment device. The effluent from the primary treatment device is directed to the lower annular volume of the wrap-around anaerobic filter. The outer side wall boundaries of the wrap-around filter are defined by a permeable or impermeable earth retention cloth while the inner boundary is defined by the primary treatment device. The anaerobic filter is composed of gravel or other surface contact media. After the effluent reaches the lower annular volume, the effluent is directed through the void spaces of the anaerobic wrap-around upflow filter. Having passed through the filter the effluent is delivered to the drain field or other final treatment facility.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/DE 78/00023 Sec. 371 Date May 17, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date May 17, 1979 PCT Filed Sept. 1, 1978 PCT Pub No. W079/00129 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 22, 1979The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the purification of contaminated or sewage water. From a presettling basin, if needed, sewage water is conducted through a filter system in a continuous flow fashion such that the water does not settle in the filter system and is discharged from the filter system for use without need for further purification treatment. The filter system is closed to atmosphere and comprises an upstream ascending pipe which receives the water from the basin and passes the water directly into a filter body container. The ascending pipe is filled with a series of packings and materials for acid-neutralization, biological purification, filtration, and/or adsorption arranged in a series of layers.

Abstract: This invention relates to biological treatment of waste water using a carrier floatable on water, and more particularly to a novel process for treatment of waste water utilizing a fluidized bed which is formed by supplying waste water in a downflow operation. The process for treatment of waste water of this invention is applicable to both anaerobic and aerobic biological treatment. A good example of the former anaerobic biological treatment to which this invention is applicable is the process wherein the nitrate or nitrite nitrogen which is one of the nitrogen compounds that are at present believed to be one cause of the eutrophication in rivers, lakes, seas, etc. is treated with denitrifying bacteria in an anaerobic condition to be released in the form of nitrogen gas, and the typical of the latter aerobic treatment is the practice in the utilization of the action of the aerobic bacteria which can oxidize organic substances in sewage, industrial waste waters, etc.

Abstract: Wastewater is subjected to biological reaction in a bed containing the biological reaction bacteria on a particulate carrier wherein the lower portion of the bed is fluidized while the upper portion is maintained as a fixed bed. When the fixed bed portion becomes clogged with cellular material, the entire bed is fluidized and wash water is passed through the bed to remove excess cellular material. The method is applicable to advanced wastewater treatment, both secondary treatment for BOD removal, and tertiary treatment for nitrification and/or denitrification. The method is particularly advantageous for treatment of wastewater supplied at varying flow rates.

Abstract: A process for denitrifying a highly nitrogenous wastewater in the presence of high concentrations of ammonia is described. The process is based on upflow packed bed and fluidized bed reactors containing denitrifiers on the packing material. A carbon source, e.g. molasses, is metered into the wastewater as a source of carbon and energy to the bacteria. Excess bacteria are removed by hydraulic shear.