Abstract: An aquarium filter system having a rotatably mounted filter body. The filter body is structured such that when mounted with a portion of the filter body submerged in moving water, rotational movement is imparted to the filter body by the moving water. As a result of the rotational movement, at least a portion of the filter body is alternately exposed to the water and the atmosphere. This fosters the growth of aerobic bacteria on the surface of the filter body. The aerobic bacteria reduces the level of toxins within the aquarium water.

Abstract: A liquid current type biochemical reactor and methods of use thereof are provided. The reactor is useful in purifying groundwater and wastewater by the process of biodegradation. Also provided is a liquid transport-stirring apparatus for use in biochemical reactors which transports and stirs large amounts of fluids with a small driving force.

Abstract: A bioreactor includes a treatment tank for receiving liquid to be treated, at least one carrier member having a carrier body formed of porous materials and immobilized with nonagglutinative microorganisms for treating the liquid, and a drive unit for moving the at least one carrier member in the treatment tank.

Abstract: A system and method of sewage treatment which comprises the sequential steps of:(i) subjecting waste water to be treated to a primary settling means to remove settleable solids and suspended solids and produce settled effluent;(ii) passing the settled effluent through a peat filter; and(iii) collecting the effluent from the peat filter and passing it through a sub-surface constructed wetland.

Abstract: An aquarium filter system having a rotatably mounted filter body. The filter body is structured such that when mounted with a portion of the filter body submerged in moving water, rotational movement is imparted to the filter body by the moving water. As a result of the rotational movement, at least a portion of the filter body is alternately exposed to the water and the atmosphere. This fosters the growth of aerobic bacteria on the surface of the filter body. The aerobic bacteria reduces the level of toxins within the aquarium water.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerobic biological treatment of waste water, in which a great number of carrier members having a large surface area to which microorganisms adhere are movably set in a cylindrical reactor within a given range of height, and the carrier is horizontally moved substantially continuously so that a part of the carrier is cleaned with cleaning air. The partial cleaning system eliminates the disadvantages associated with intermittent cleaning of the whole carrier.

Abstract: A system for purifying a liquid including a reactor and a clarifier with the clarifier arranged at an elevated position relative to the reactor so that residue from the clarifier can be returned to the reactor hydrostatically. Liquid in the reactor is aerated using an agitating means with the agitating means also used to transfer liquid from the reactor to the clarifier. The liquid is fed to the clarifier at a constant, controlled rate.

Abstract: A multi-stage process for the digestion or conversion of organic matter includes supplying organic material-containing liquid (with or without solid) feed stock mixture to an inlet port in a multi-stage reactor vessel and causing micro organic or catalytic agents to digest or otherwise convert the organic matter within the interior of the reactor vessel to form liquid and/or gaseous by-product(s). The reactor includes an outer body portion defining an internal chamber and an inner rotatable rotor assembly. The rotor assembly has at least two plate members placed about a common central axis and constructed to divide the chamber into a series of three or more compartments, each compartment being bounded by a pair of oppositely located plate members or by a plate member and an end of the vessel.

Abstract: The invention is a method and intended apparatus for filtering water in aquaria, fish-rearing tanks, hatchery or other aquatic systems using amphipods, e.g. the Hyalella azteca, in the filtering matrix of the managed water system. In particular, the use of amphipods in the filtration system results in maintenance-free operation due to the action and self-sustaining nature of amphipods in these aquatic systems.

Abstract: Waste water containing biodegradable matter is fed to a rotating biological contactor (RBC) (15) from an inlet tank (10) and is discharged from the RBC-containing chamber into a humus tank (21). The RBC is divided into separated upstream (15A) and downstream (15B) sections, the chamber (17) containing the downstream section being fed with water to be processed at a controlled rate from the chamber (16) containing the upstream section. A balancing chamber, for isolating the downstream section of the RBC from variations in flow of waste water to the inlet tank (10), includes the upstream section (15A, 16) of the RBC which can act sacrificially in respect of toxic incursions in the waste water.

Abstract: A sewage treatment apparatus is disclosed comprising a tank (11) for receiving sewage effluent to be treated defining an inlet port (1) and an outlet port (8), compartmentalised so as to define a first sewage effluent settlement zone (3) below the level of the inlet port (1), a second sewage effluent settlement zone (7) below the level of the outlet port (8) and a trough compartment (14) such that the first sewage effluent settlement zone (3) is in communication with the trough compartment (14), and the trough compartment (14) is in communication with the second sewage effluent settlement zone (7); a first arrangement of substantially parallel baffle plates (16) disposed in the first sewage effluent settlement zone (3) between the inlet port (1) and the trough compartment (14); a rotating biological contactor (4) mounted for rotation in the trough compartment (14); a second arrangement of substantially parallel baffle plates (20) disposed in the second sewage effluent settlement zone (7) between the trough co

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wastewater treatment facility comprising a structure defining first and second tank portions; a shaft rotatably supported by the structure; a first biological reactor in the first tank portion and including a first rotatable biological contactor mounted to the shaft and having a diameter; and a second biological reactor in the second tank portion and including a second rotatable biological contactor mounted to the shaft and having a diameter greater than the diameter of the first rotating biological contactor.

Abstract: A bioreactor for perfusion culture of suspension cells has an inversely-conical tank which includes a cell culture zone and a cell settling zone disposed annularly relative to the cell culture zone in the upper region of the tank. The cell settling zone is adjacent to the conical walls of the tank and has a number of frustoconical lamellar elements. The two zones are separated with a partition which allows the zones to communicate only below the partition. Cell culture medium supplied to the culture zone overflows at the top of the settling zone after having passed through the settling zone between the lamellar elements. Due to the conical shape of the tank and the resulting shape of the settling zone, passages of upwardly increasing cross section are created in the settling zone thus enabling the settling of live cells in the settling zone and their return to the culture zone while the spent medium overflows. The design is relatively easy to scale up.

Abstract: A cell carrier arrangement for cultivating adhering cells having at least two blanks connected with one another. The blanks are separated by a gap and are made of flat material, wherein at least one of the blanks is produced from a material which is permeable for a respective treatment medium of cells.

Abstract: A device for aerobic purification of industrial and/or household waste water, which device comprises a trough-like container for receiving the water for treating, at least two rotatably mounted contactors introduced into the container and having filler elements such as rings arranged loosely therein, feed means for feeding the contaminated water in doses into the container and a sludge collection space for settling the aerobically treated waste water lying behind the container and connected thereto via an overflow, which device is distinguished in that a seal is arranged between the contactors to prevent a direct flow from the one contactor to the other, wherein resistance means are arranged for transporting therebetween of waste water with increased resistance in order to aerobically treat the waste water in each contactor to a sufficient extent.

Abstract: A process for biological treatment of waste water is characterized by the following sequence of steps: mixing of the incoming raw waste water with activated sludge containing a first, chemoorganotrophic biocenosis in an anerobic preliminary stage (APS); separation of the solution from the activated sludge in an intermediate settling basin (IS); nitrification of the separated solution by means of a second, chemolithotrophic biocenosis in a nitrification stage (NIR) with an aerobic medium; remixing of the nitrified solution with the activated sludge containing the first, chemoorganotrophic biocenoses; common denitrification of the mixture of solution and activated sludge in a denitrication stage (DER) with an anoxic medium; aeration to obtain an aerobic medium; separation of the purified waste water from the activated sludge in a resettling basin (RSB); recycling (C) of the activated sludge to the anaerobic preliminary stage (APS).

Abstract: A design for a RBC (rotary biological contactor), wherein there is provided a plurality of support members enveloped in a chamber, configured so as to support microorganisms or cells. Specifically, the support members are corrugated sheet media which include drain holes formed therein. The corrugated sheet media are supported within a rotating infusion unit which is positioned so as to rotate within an outer jacket. The RBC also includes a system to vary the nutrient environment of said microorganisms or cells, including means to vary the temperature and/or atmosphere within the jacket and infusion unit.

Abstract: A BOD-containing wastewater also containing unacceptable levels of phosphorous, nitrogen or mixtures thereof is introduced into and mixed with recycled activated sludge in a first aeration zone including at least one partially submerged rotatable biological contactor under conditions whereby the overall dissolved oxygen content of the mixed liquor in the first aeration zone is about 0.7 to about 1.5 mg/l so as to cause microorganisms capable of storing phosphates under oxidizing conditions to release soluble phosphates into the mixed liquor, the mixed liquor from the first aeration zone is transferred to a subsequent aeration zone and aerated under conditions whereby the overall dissolved oxygen content of the mixed liquor is greater than about 1.

Abstract: An attached growth biological reactor for the growth and harvesting of filamentous fungi. The reactor contains a rigid cylinder which is partially submerged and rotated in a biological medium containing nutrients for fungal growth and which as been inoculated with a filamentous fungal medium. The filamentous fungi attaches itself to and grows upon the cylinder wherein it is removed by use of a doctoring blade. The reactor can be operated in a continuous mode by continuously supplying oxygen and nutrients to the reactor.

Abstract: Methanotropics are grown in a bioreactor containing a solid support. They decompose halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons found in ground water. The growth of the bacteria and the methane concentrations in the biomass reactor are controlled to significantly enhance the degradation of the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Process and apparatus is disclosed for removing pollutants from a waste gas stream comprising culturing in a rotary biocontactor a biomass capable of assimilating the pollutants and producing harmless metabolites. The waste gas stream is brought into contact with the biomass within the biocontactor. The biocontactor includes a plurality of discs mounted for rotation within the biocontactor. The waste gas stream in passing over the exposed biomass on the disc results in the pollutants being absorbed by the biomass. In turn the biomass assimilates the pollutants and produces harmless metabolites. The gas stream with a substantial percentage of pollutants removed therefrom and containing any gaseous metabolites is exhausted from the biocontactor.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a rotor, plurality of spaced transverse ribs disposed along the axis of the rotor and a plurality of longitudinal ribs having the shape of an impeller of a pump, the plurality of longitudinal ribs being mounted on each of said transverse ribs. The plurality of longitudinal ribs and transverse ribs constitute a biological contactor, thereby causing wastewater to be treated by passing through the biological contactor. The longitudinal ribs are obliquely installed in an appropriate angle with the perpendiculars of the exterior tangent arc of the contactor like the impeller of a pump, thereby making wastewater pass efficiently through the space between the ribs with centrifugality by rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A process for treating organic sewage comprises the steps of mixing sewage containing organic pollutants with activated sludge under aerobic conditions, bringing the mixture of the sewage and activated sludge into contact with polyvinyl pyridine, thereby producing floc, and separating the floc from the liquid based on the difference in specific gravity.

Abstract: This device brings microorganisms into contact with liquids as required, for example, in the treatment of sewage. The device comprises a hollow main shaft into which the inner ends of coiled process elements or process tubes are inserted and fixed. Each tube is coiled in increasing diameters at right angles around the shaft. The shaft is placed in a tank partially immersing the tubes such that when the shaft rotates the open end of each tube, into which liquid enters, alternatively passes through the liquid and the surrounding atmosphere, then the liquid, and so on. Liquid picked up during previous revolutions rotates through the tubes and eventually discharges into and through the hollow main shaft to a receiving wheel. In this way, discrete volumes of liquid pass sequentially through the tubes and are brought in contact with the microorganisms on the inner surface of the tubes.

Abstract: An air-driven rotary contact filter for biological cleaning of waste water has spiral channels mounted on a perforated rotatable center pipe having its axis of rotation disposed below the surface of the water whereby the filter is partially submerged with inlets to the channels at the central mixing chamber of the rotor below the water surface and some of the outlets at the periphery of the rotor above the water surface, so that when air is blown axially into the center pipe water is displaced on one side of the rotor whereby the channels will rotate due to the greater weight of water on the other side of the rotor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the settleability of suspended wastewater solids is provided for a wastewater treatment system comprising a primary clarifier apparatus, a compartmentalized, sequential secondary biological treatment apparatus such as a rotating biological contactor tank, and a secondary clarifier, wherein a portion of waste sludge from the clarifier is diverted to compartments of the rotating biological contactor tank to enhance the flocculation of the suspended waste solids. The diverted sludge particles serve as flocculation nuclei which promote settleability and lower turbidity once the effluent reaches the secondary clarifier.

Abstract: An improved wastewater treatment process is provided which utilizes a rotating biological contactor (RBC) containing at least two stages as the secondary treatment phase. In such RBC, biological oxidation of carbonaceous and nitrogenous matter is accomplished simultaneously in a partially submerged aerated RBC arranged for multiple stage treatment. Wastewater being charged to the RBC is preliminarily subjected to particulate separation and admixing with biologically treated and the clarified effluent from the RBC at a rate sufficient to produce a wastewater feed to the RBC system which has approximately acceptable standards of SBOD.sub.5 and NH.sub.3 -N. The process also features a high flow rate of the diluted wastewater through the RBC.

Abstract: Simple and inexpensive hollow reactors in the form of spirals of corrugated plastic tubes, which are coiled in the same direction and clamped in large numbers adjacent to each other in a drum-like cage for use in biological waste water purification. This drum-like cage is mounted so that it can rotate in a waste-water-filled tank, in such a way that only the outer spiral turns project above the water level. During rotation in the opposite direction, each emerging tube end admits air, which on further rotation is trapped as a bubble in the spiral and is transported because of its inertia to the underwater spiral end. In this process the liquid contained in front of it in the tube is displaced and an equal volume is admitted at the inlet opening from the surrounding waste water. The air emerging from the inner spiral end rises upwards in individual bubbles between the spiral reactors.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment reaction vessel is operated with repeated sequences of aeration and non-aeration, using a single vessel or multiple vessels alternately, activated sludge which is acclimated for BOD reduction, nitrification or biological denitrification and phosphorus removal is absorptively reacted with influent wastewater, and the combined flow is passed into subsequent absorptive reactor volumes, reducing the BOD such that the effluent BOD is less than twenty percent that of the influent.

Abstract: A process of treating effluent from a pulp or paper-making operation to decolorize the effluent is provided in which a white-rot fungus is germinated and grown and is then induced into a secondary metabolic state. The white-rot fungus is then immersed in the effluent where the fungus' active ligninolytic system decolorizes the effluent. The rate of fungal activity and the active lifetime of the fungus is increased by the addition to the effluent of at least one member of the class consisting of nutrient nitrogen, nutrient minerals, and a detergent.

Abstract: An industrial waste anaerobic digestion process takes place in a digester having separate sections within the digester, in which the acid forming and gas forming phases of the digestion process can occur separately under conditions optimized for each phase. A rotating biological contactor is provided in each section for increasing the liquid/gas interface to facilitate the anaerobic reaction. A series of partitions is provided in each section to create zones in which the waste concentration is extremely high and on which the biota can react at maximal reaction rates. The CO.sub.2 produced in the acid forming phase is used in both acid and gas forming sections to mix and achieve pH adjustment, and the methane can be used in the gas forming sections for mixing. A thermophilic chamber in the center of the tank is surrounded by the mesophyllic chamber to minimize and utilize conductive heat loss.

Abstract: An industrial waste anaerobic digester is disclosed having separate sections therein, in which the acid forming and gas forming phases of the digestion process can occur separately under conditions optimized for each phase. A rotating biological contactor is provided in each section for increasing the liquid/gas interface to facilitate the anaerobic reaction. A series of partitions is provided in each section to create zones in which the waste concentration is extremely high and on which the biota can react at maximal reaction rates. The CO.sub.2 produced in the acid forming phase is used in both acid and gas forming sections to mix and achieve pH adjustment, and the methane can be used in the gas forming sections for mixing. A thermophilic chamber in the center of the tank is surrounded by the mesophyllic chamber to minimize and utilize conductive heat loss.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the capacity of an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant which utilizes microscreens in conjunction with rotating biological contactors that are placed in the primary settling tank, the aeration tank and the final clarification tank. A rotatable microscreen is placed upstream of the primary settling tank and downstream of the final clarification tank. The result is a more efficient and less energy consuming system which reduces the organic loads. Preferably, the microscreening preceding the biological treatment stage will have a mesh size in the range of about 50-200 mesh and the microscreen placed after the biological treatment stage will have a mesh size in the range of 6-44 microns. Additional benefits are obtained in recycling the treated water which is passed through the rotating biological contactor as well as utilizing it to aid in rotating the contactor.

Abstract: In the treatment of high strength wastewater containing anaerobically digestible nutrients and organic substrates, the water is passed through a sealed reactor housing and the pressure in the headspace over the water is reduced under controlled conditions to provide for optimum operating conditions.

Abstract: A process of degrading chloro-organics contained in liquid waste or effluent utilizes a white-rot fungus as the active ingredient in the chloro-organic degradation. The white-rot fungus is grown in the presence of certain nutrients including nutrient nitrogen and is then caused to enter a secondary metabolic state through nitrogen starvation. The fungus is then immersed in the liquid containing chloro-organics for a time period sufficient for the fungus to degrade the chloro-organics. At least periodically during the degradation period, the fungus is exposed to an oxygen enriched atmosphere. The efficacy and active lifetime of the fungus may be increased by the addition to the liquid of at least one member of the class consisting of nitrogen, a mixture of nutrient minerals, and a biological detergent.

Abstract: In a plant for the mechanical-biological treatment of sewage, an immersion element is rotatably mounted within a settling tank so that the element rotates about a horizontal axis. The immersion element includes a perforated outer tube and an inner tube spaced concentrically within the outer tube. The opposite ends of the tubes are connected by plates so that the immersion element forms an enclosed space filled with support elements for biological growth. The outer tube is formed of sheet metal and holes, elongated in the rotational direction, are punched out of the sheet metal with the punched material forming outwardly directed projections. The immersion element is rotated by a drive motor and during rotation at relatively high speeds the projections from the outer tube extend above the water level and draw air into the sewage and form a sewage-air mixture rotating at high speed.

Abstract: A method for treating waste fluids to remove selected chemicals such as minerals and metals wherein a bacterial culture that will attach to a selected chemical is transferred to a nutrient medium for a time period sufficient to produce satisfactory bacterial cell growth. The bacterial cells are then attached to a porous fiber webbing supported in a suitable container and the nutrient medium is then withdrawn from the container and waste fluid introduced into the container for a period of time sufficient to attach the chemical to the bacterial cells. The waste fluid is then removed from the container and the chemical separated from the fiber webbing.

Abstract: A method for environmentally upgrading waste water containing formates, cyanides and ammonia is disclosed. Formates and cyanides are biodegraded by aerobic bacteria immobilized on the disks of a rotating disk contactor. Ammonia is air stripped.The present method eliminates the steam stripping stage of conventional processes as well as the lime addition and precipitation stages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a rotating biological contactor. The weight of the biomass on the rotating members is monitored so that in the event that materials which are toxic to the biological slime is present in the waste water, the rate of weight loss from the rotating members can be determined and the flow of waste water to the rotating biological contactor can be controlled. To prevent back-up of the system, the waste water may be diverted to a diversion basin.

Abstract: Process for bio-processing of waste water with bio-rotors submerged in the water, with the substrate growth surface constituting the rotor. The rotor is dimensioned relative to the water volume so that the amount of water is 1 to 10 liter of water per m.sup.2 substrate surface, preferably 2 to 8 liters per m.sup.2 substrate surface. The material of the rotor has a specific surface of 150-400 m.sup.2 per m.sup.3 material outer volume (preferably 200-350 m.sup.2 per m.sup.3). When this latter ratio results in water volumes in excess of the submerged rotor volume, the volume of the basin is increased but with one or more shields being arranged in the basin to prevent the water from bypassing the rotor.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus comprising a tank, a shaft mounted for rotation in said tank, means for rotating said shaft and a plurality of frame assemblies. The shaft has a plurality of rows of bayonette lugs. Each frame assembly is adapted to be secured to a separate row of lugs, and is adapted to mount contactor media thereon. Means for securing each frame assembly to a separate row of lugs is provided.

Abstract: Cyanides, thiocyanates and metal cyanide complexes present in an aqueous solution can be biologically degraded by certain mutant strains of the species Pseudomonas paucimobilis. Such microorganisms are useful in the biological treatment of cyanide-containing wastewaters.Pseudomonas paucimobilis mudlock was deposited at the ATCC on Nov. 3, 1982, and granted accession No. 39204.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for biological treatment of waste waters achieving biological oxidation of organic matter, biological nitrification and denitrification of nitrogenous compounds and biological removal of phosphorus and clarification of the treated waste water in a single reaction tank in a single suspended growth sludge system without the use of traditional compressors, mixers, recirculation pumps, piping and valving and without the use of the traditional clarifier.

Abstract: A rotary system composed of two worms (1 and 2) which are built together and interconnected at their central coils by a pipe conduit (4), said worms having their respective coils oppositely directed to one another and consisting of spirally coiled pipes rotatable about a horizontal axis (3), is used for flushing and aerating a medium which is disposed in the pipes and coated with microorganisms. The microorganisms take up nutrients from waste water (6) in a biological purification process, one worm (1) with part of its periphery immersed in the water (6) lifting quantities of water towards its center, the other worm (2) lowering the water to the original level. This provides for alternate flushing and aeration, and the weight of the water in said second worm (2) provides a torque which contributes towards driving the system.

Abstract: Bio-oxidative treatment of aqueous waste by means of a partially submerged rotating biological contactor (or RBC) is improved by suffusing the rising submerged quadrant of an RBC with air furnished within the RBC perimeter. Air is distributed along and outward from the rotational axis and is released between discs of the RBC. Some of the air so released is trapped by protrusions on the discs. Rotation of such RBC is accomplished or at least aided by differential buoyancy imparted by such air suffusion and trapping.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for the conversion of pollutants contained in effluents and effluent sludges, particularly of harmful substances and especially of excreta, into harmless substances with one or more hollow bodies rotatably arranged in a conversion pool or sludge aerating pool, which bodies emerge at one side of the pool completely out of the water or sludge and become completely immersed at the other side and whose part which is uppermost at the emerging side is lowermost at the immersion side, and vice versa. There is the danger, with such hollow bodies, that over time sludge settles in the hollow bodies. An anaerobic fermentation may take place in this settled sludge, during which the harmful substances rot but do not decompose.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and apparatus for the treatment of wastewaters using a rotating biological contactor in combination with an adsorbent.

Abstract: An improvement for the aeration of the water and combining the aeration with the cleansing of the water by a biological cover, in which one or several circular disks rotate in a clarifying reservoir about a horizontal shaft. These carry at their circumference annularly bent funnels which extend in part above the water surface and continuously converge in direction from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. Above the water surface air enters through the inlet opening into the funnel and below the water surface water enters into it. Because the funnel converges continuously, both water and air are accelerated and compressed in the funnel. The compression assures that the amount of oxygen which is soluble in the water and can be accepted by the same from the air, is substantially increased. The biological cover forms on the disks and on the outer surface of the funnel.