Abstract: A Air Bubble Barrier blockade is a new invention that can be used in a oil spill response as a ‘blockade’ or ‘barrier’ to prevent oil from entering a area to be protected. The Air Bubble Barrier works by releasing a wall of air bubbles 133 from below the water surface, usually from a Bubble Pipe system 137 and anchored on the floor of a body of water floor, so that the rising air bubbles 133 form a up-current which reverses or halts the surface current thereby preventing or slowing surface pollutants such as oil from entering a area, while also making skimming or suctioning easier and putting oxygen back into the water.

Abstract: A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water. The system is self-contained within a standard shipping container, with all components disposed in-line within the shipping container. Float is removed from the flotation tank with a skimmer that drives float downstream onto a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt conveys float away from the flotation tank, in the downstream direction, and deposits the float in a collection tank. Clean water may be drawn from the flotation tank continuously, while float may be removed periodically.

Abstract: A method for removing ionic, organic and elemental mercury from aqueous streams such as wastewater streams from hydrocarbon processing. The method comprises four primary removal steps. First, a mercury precipitant is added to the stream to convert dissolved ionic species of mercury water-insoluble form. The majority of these precipitated solids, as well as other forms of particulate mercury, are subsequently removed by means of gas flotation. Following the flotation step, additional particulate and precipitated ionic mercury removal is accomplished with media filtration and finally, activated carbon acts to remove the remaining dissolved ionic mercury species as well as elemental and organic forms of mercury.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flotation water treatment plant comprising at least: an inlet zone (31) for the water to be treated, which is coagulated and flocculated beforehand; a mixing zone (32), for mixing pressurized and then depressurized water with said water to be treated; a flotation zone (35) separated from said mixing zone by a wall; a clarified-water take-up zone (36) provided in the lower part of said flotation zone (35). According to the technique shown here, said mixing zone accommodates (32) at least one spray nozzle (40, 91, 92) for spraying said pressurized water, said spray nozzle (40, 91, 92) lying close to a panel (33), at least part of which has perforations (331), said panel separating said inlet zone (31) from said mixing zone (32).

Abstract: This application relates to a circular clarifier for separating and removing separable matter, such as suspended solids, from a liquid. The invention may be used, for example, for separating return activated sludge from clarified liquor using a gas flotation process. The clarifier includes a plurality of fluid feed ports for introducing influent into selected treatment cells of the clarifier in a timed sequence, thereby achieving batch flotation of solids or other separable matter in a continuous infeed process. A plurality of spaced-apart, rotating flocculent handling assemblies traverse the treatment cells for sequentially conveying flocculent into spaced-apart, radially extending collection troughs. All of the flocculent handling assemblies may be driven by a single drive means. Each flocculent handling assembly includes a submerged beach and a scraper assembly including a scraper blade which extends upwardly from the beach. The beaches provide a shear plane underneath the surface layer of flocculent.

Abstract: Disclosed is an economical process for the purification of water containing soluble and sparingly soluble inorganic compounds using single-stage or two-stage membrane processes that integrate membrane water purification with chemical precipitation softening and residual hardness and silica removal from the membrane concentrates using ion exchange resins and silica sequestering media, respectively. The purified water recovery is not adversely affected by design and/or operational deficiencies in the chemical precipitation softening system that may result in higher residual hardness and silica in the supernatant from the clarifier.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for introducing gas bubbles 30 (usually air bubbles) into a liquid stream 14 to coalesce material such as unwanted bits, or particles, of hydrocarbons that lie in the liquid stream along with wanted dissolved bits of metal, for removal of the hydrocarbons. The apparatus is constructed to produce a large number of bubbles of an optimum range such as 60 to 100 ?m which best coalesce the hydrocarbons. A controller (110) receives the outputs of sensors such as pressure and flow rate sensors (P, F) and uses them to make changes in other parameters such as the pressure of air introduced (at 116) into the liquid stream and the pressure in a third conduit 46 of the liquid-bubble stream.

Abstract: A method for removing immiscible fluid from contaminated water includes at least one chamber; an injection line in fluid communication with an inlet of the one chamber; bubble generation means in fluid communication with the injection line for injecting gas bubbles into the injection line and allowing mixing in the injection line of the gas bubbles and the contaminated water to form an inlet fluid; an inlet weir within the chamber adjacent the inlet; an immiscible fluid weir within the chamber; a trough for collecting the immiscible fluid and allowing the immiscible fluid to flow out of the at least one chamber through an immiscible fluid outlet; and a cleaned water outlet generally at the bottom of the chamber.

Abstract: A process for removing hydrocarbons such as oil from produced water entrains high concentrations of very small gas bubbles within produced water inside a vertically-oriented primary separation tank by means of aerators immersed in the water inside the tank. Oil droplets coat the gas bubbles which form a buoyant oil-rich froth phase overlying a gas-rich liquid phase. The froth phase flows out through a discharge port in a preferably conical upper section of the primary tank, for disposal or recovery of oil as appropriate. Solid contaminants not borne by the froth phase may be intermittently settled out of the liquid phase and removed for treatment or disposal through a discharge port in a preferably conical lower section of the primary tank. Clean processed water is drawn a medial region of the primary tank for re-use as appropriate. In a preferred embodiment, the froth phase passes into a secondary separation tank for further separation of contaminants by means of gravity and/or supplemental aeration.

Abstract: A dissolved air flotation clarifier for removing impurities from a liquid to be clarified. The dissolved air flotation clarifier includes a housing having an inlet for receiving a liquid to be clarified. The housing further includes a reaction zone, a clarification zone and an effluent channel. The reaction zone has at least one saturated water distributor and at least one dissolved air flotation nozzle operably connected to the at least one saturated water distributor to receive saturated water from the at least one saturated water distributor. The dissolved air flotation nozzle is configured to release micro-bubbles from a saturated water so that the micro-bubbles can mix with the liquid to be clarified to remove impurities from the liquid to be clarified.

Abstract: A process using an electrical signal for electrokinetic floatation of solids and semi-solids in paint sludge water includes collecting the paint sludge water into a tank. The process further includes generating the electrical signal from a bottom of the tank to separate the solids and semi-solids from the water in the paint sludge water to induce electrokinetic floatation of the solids and semi-solids to a top surface in the tank. After separating the solids and semi-solids from the water, the process includes removing the solids and semi-solids from the tank.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a separation process. An aerated inlet mixture of fluid and solids is fed to a flotation separation vessel and is separated into an upper float layer and a lower clarified layer. The upper float layer is withdrawn from the vessel when the height of the upper float layer exceeds the height of an overflow conduit and forms a concentrated solids effluent The lower clarified layer is withdrawn from the separation vessel as a clarified fluid effluent. The separation process is performed continuously using a control process that maintains a relatively stable distribution between the lower clarified layer and the upper float layer. The control process is a closed loop process that monitors the instantaneous height of the vessel contents and computes an error function based on the instantaneous height and a set-point height The error function is used to periodically adjust the outlet flowrate of the clarified fluid effluent. The resulting process has improved stability (e.g.

Abstract: A water treatment system using a high pressure advanced oxidation process with unreacted ozone reusing is disclosed, which are able to increase a decomposition speed of a pollutant by reusing a high pressure advanced oxidation process which uses an ozone and photocatalyst and a photo-oxidation reaction of a ultraviolet ray. The capacity of the expensive ozone generator can be reduced as compared to the conventional advanced oxidation process which uses a large capacity ozone generator in which almost ozone is discharged into the air. In addition, it is possible to decrease the load of the off-gas ozone removing apparatus for removing the off-gas ozone which is discharged into the air.

Abstract: A method of delivering feed, for example a paraffinic solvent treated bitumen froth, to a separation vessel, for example a froth separation unit (FSU). The feed is delivered from one or more side inlets that may be substantially normal to, and flush with, the wall of the vessel. In contrast to certain conventional feed systems used in gravity separators which use a distributor plate to widely distribute the feed with a vessel, the feed is delivered such that it flows down the inside wall of the vessel. This feed delivery is characterized by a Richardson number of greater than 1.0. Such feed delivery is particularly useful where the feed has particles with a bi-modal size distribution to be separated from an overflow stream. The gentle flow serves to mitigate the upward flux of the smaller particles, for example mineral solids, by being trapped below the larger particles, for example precipitated asphaltene aggregates.

Abstract: A method for pre-separation of multi phase fluids of liquid-liquid phase and/or liquid-gas phases and/or gas-liquid phases, is disclosed, wherein one or more of the phases is suspended in water with bubble /drop/particle sizes in the sub micron and micron area and/or fine particular organic or inorganic matter is present in one or more of the phases, and where the device is placed in or in connection to a cyclone or flotation tank. The method is characterized by the fluid phases being made to flow through a tube which forms a spiral shape, in order to bring about an initial phase separation (coalescence) in the spiral shape, and the phases being led continuously tangentially out of the spiral shape in a cyclone- or flotation chamber wherein the further separation is generated. An apparatus to accomplish the method and applications thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect of the presently described embodiments, the system comprises an inlet to receive at least a portion of the fluid containing algae, a curved channel within which the fluid containing algae flows in a manner such that the neutrally buoyant algae flow in a band offset from a center of the curved channel, a first outlet for the fluid with algae within which the band flows, and, a second outlet for the remaining fluid.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the separation of liquid-liquid phase and/or a liquid-gas phase where one or more of the phases is suspended in water and has a bubble/drop/particle size in the sub micron and micron range, and/or fine particular organic or inorganic material is present in one or more of the phases. There is also disclosed a method and use for the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing nanocrystals. The method comprises providing a mixture comprising nanocrystals, contaminants and a first solvent in which the nanocrystals are soluble, and using chromatography to reduce the amount of contaminants in the mixture. The method optionally comprises isolating the nanocrystals after chromatography. The method allows for the production of nanocrystal compositions having a total amount of surfactant associated therewith, the amount of surfactant comprising an amount of bound surfactant and an amount of free surfactant in the solvent, the amount of free surfactant being less than about 1% of the total amount of surfactant in the solvent. The present invention, accordingly, also relates to such compositions and corresponding composites of nanocrystals in organic polymer matrices.

Abstract: A treatment system to efficiently remove lead from dust contained in extracted cement kiln combustion gas while reducing facility and running costs. A treatment system 1 comprising: a probe 3 for extracting a part of combustion gas, while cooling it, from a kiln exhaust gas passage, which runs from an inlet end of a cement kiln to a bottom cyclone; a classifier 5 for separating coarse powder from dust contained in the combustion gas extracted by the probe 3; a wet dust collector 6 for collecting dust from the extracted gas containing fine powder discharged from the classifier 5; and devices 12, 13 for feeding sulfurizing agent for sulfurizing lead contained in the kiln exhaust gas to the wet dust collector 6, and others. From the sulfurizing-agent feeders 12, 13 are preferably added the sulfurizing agents to a circulation liquid tank 7 or a pump 9 for circulating slurry.

Abstract: A protein skimmer having a water column chamber and a fixed deflector. The fixed deflector including a plurality of blades that impart a swirling action on water flowing through the deflector. The deflector further providing an even distribution of bubbles within the water column chamber during protein filtering operation. The deflector including a central hub that aids in maintaining the velocity of water flowing through the deflector.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing of liquids using compressed gases or compressed air are disclosed. In addition, methods and systems for mixing of liquids are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of concentrating particles in a liquid-particle dispersion feed by adsorptive bubble separation by intimately contacting a gas with a pressurized stream of liquid in a chamber to form an aerated dispersion that retains at least some of the kinetic energy from the pressurized stream, and removing at least some of the kinetic energy from the aerated dispersion to form a dense foam. A liquid-particle dispersion feed is then injected into the dense foam to form a gas-liquid-particle dispersion. The gas-liquid-particle dispersion is injected into a flotation chamber at a point below a surface of a liquid contained therein, where the gas-liquid-particle dispersion forms bubbles of a gas-particle agglomerate, and the bubbles are released from the feed liquid depleted in hydrophobic particles and rise to the surface to form a floating froth enriched in particles.

Abstract: An in situ system used for treating an oil and gas well drilling fluid and treating water after a well is completed. The system includes a fluid treatment unit used in a reserve pit and a water treatment unit disposed next to the pit. The fluid treatment unit includes a floating electrocoagulation unit in the reserve pit for destabilizing contaminates in the fluid and dropping out stable precipitates. The clear treated fluid is then pumped, using a submersible pump, to the water treatment unit. The water treatment includes a number of components including a pre-filter, an activated carbon filter and a heat exchanger for first treating the fluid. The filtered and heated fluid is then piped into a reverse osmosis unit for removing salt and any remaining minerals found therein. From the reverse osmosis unit, approximately 70 to 80% of the filtered water is cleaned and piped to a clean water storage tank for reuse.

Abstract: A contaminate separation apparatus for use in separating contaminant materials from cellulose and/or paper fibres in a paper recycling process includes a reservoir for receiving a waste paper slurry therein. The reservoir is provided with an inlet opening for the input of the slurry, one or more fibre discharge outlets or passages, and at least one waste outlet positioned vertically above the fibre discharge outlet opening. An agitator provided in a lower portion of the reservoir generates differential flow currents within the reservoir, to selectively divert plastics, waxes, adhesives and/or other sticky waste materials outwardly towards the waste outlet, while providing a flow of suspended paper and/or cellulose fibres to one or more of the fibre discharge outlets.

Abstract: A contaminate separation apparatus for use in separating contaminant materials from cellulose and/or paper fibres in a paper recycling process includes a reservoir for receiving a waste paper slurry therein. The reservoir is provided with an inlet opening for the input of the slurry, one or more fibre discharge outlets or passages, and at least one waste outlet positioned vertically above the fibre discharge outlet opening. An agitator provided in a lower portion of the reservoir generates differential flow currents within the reservoir, to selectively divert plastics, waxes, adhesives and/or other sticky waste materials outwardly towards the waste outlet, while providing a flow of suspended paper and/or cellulose fibres to one or more of the fibre discharge outlets.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enhanced electrocoagulation processing using enhanced membrane aeration are disclosed for effluent treatment. The apparatus has an enrichment means for establishing an ion rich air/gas stream and a membrane aerator for receiving the ionized air/gas stream and effluent to be treated. An ionized air/gas rich effluent feed stream flows out of the membrane aerator and is received at an electrocoagulation processing assembly for diffused ion enhanced electrocoagulation treatment.

Abstract: An injector for a flotation cell, comprising a feed channel for feeding a fiber suspension flow to the flotation cell, a flow distribution element for distributing the fiber suspension flow fed to the injector into partial flows, a mixing apparatus for mixing air with the fiber suspension flow, and at least one air input point for sucking air to be mixed with the fiber suspension flow into the injector. The feed channel, the flow distribution element and the mixing apparatus are in the injector arranged with respect to one another such that a flow direction of the fiber suspension flow in the feed channel is substantially opposite to a flow direction of the fiber suspension flow through the flow distribution element and the mixing apparatus.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for removing contaminants from wastewater on a vessel using electricity. The wastewater treatment system may inject wastewater with one or more disinfectants or ionized gases, or both, to remove at least a portion of contaminants from the wastewater. The water treatment system may produce disinfectants from saltwater using one or more disinfectant generators and return the byproducts to a water body. The wastewater treatment system may also pass wastewater through an electrical coagulation unit in which an electrical current may be emitted into the wastewater, whereby flocculants are formed and cause suspended solids and other materials to settle out of the wastewater. The wastewater treatment system may include a secondary treatment system for further reducing concentrations of contaminants. In addition, the wastewater treatment system may include a solid waste treatment system for incinerating solids produced by the wastewater treatment system.

Abstract: A gas hydrate slurry dewatering apparatus adapted to feed a raw as into a cylindrical main body of dewatering column so gas to attain pressurization and so suction any gas from the interior of a drainage chamber disposed around the cylindrical main body so as to attain depressurization. An internal tube (8) as a constituent of a dewatering apparatus (6) in which the gas hydrate slurry (S) is introduced is provided with a separating section (7). A drainage chamber (10) is formed by the internal tube (8) and, disposed with a given spacing therefrom, an external tube (9). An exhaust blower (B2) and a drainage pump (P2) are connected to the drainage chamber (10). A gas feed blower (B3) for a raw gas (G1) is connected to the internal tube (8). A differential pressure detector (x1) is provided for detecting any pressure difference between the interior of the internal tube (8) and the interior of the drainage chamber (10).

Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method of operation for the pretreatment of wastewater to remove and concentrate fats, oils, grease and settled solids using vacuum flotation and a clarifier and returning the pretreated wastewater to the source structure, tank or sewer system. The vacuum flotation process is enhanced by injecting hydrogen peroxide to increase the dissolved oxygen concentration and a cationic emulsion polymer as a coagulant to the wastewater prior to removal into the vacuum flotation tank by vacuum pumping.

Abstract: The inventive nozzle comprises a first releasing stage (1) for producing a pre-release by absorbing from 5 to 20% of available pressure, a second releasing stage (2) wherein a substantial release is carried out and the pressurised water passes from a saturation pressure to an output nozzle pressure, an intermediate chamber (3) in the form of a transition chamber in which the pressurised water approaches the saturation pressure by absorbing from 5 to 30% of the available pressure and an outlet tube (3) consisting of a sudden release and cavitation confinement tube whose minimum length (1) substantially corresponds to a distance separating the end of said tube on the second release stage side from a readhesion point of jets to the tube wall at the angle of divergence (alpha) thereof ranging from 3 to 12 DEG before readhesion.

Abstract: A method of wastewater treatment is described. The method includes: (i) receiving wastewater; (ii) performing a first type of treatment on wastewater to produce wastewater having a first property which is capable of changing; (iii) preventing the first property from changing; (iv) performing a second type of treatment on wastewater; and wherein the first property includes at least one property selected from a group consisting of biochemical oxygen demand (“BOD”) level, dissolved oxygen level, solid content and nutrient level.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for reconditioning a used food processing fluid. The reconditioned fluids can be used in an upstream or downstream food processing application.

Abstract: A cyclonic flotation system may be used to separate oil, grease, solids and other suspended matter from produced water by a combination of flotation and centrifugation in a separator cyclone. The cyclonic flotation system has a higher capacity-to-footprint ratio compared to conventional apparatus resulting in reduced weight and cost. The system is motion independent and suitable for use on floating structures such as offshore platforms and vessels.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for more effectively dissolving a gas into a liquid stream. A gas is introduced into a liquid stream, at atmospheric pressure, to create a mixed/dissolved stream. The mixed/dissolved stream is then pressurized to an elevated pressure and directed into a hydrocyclone where the gas is further dissolved and more thoroughly distributed in the liquid thereby creating a more intimately mixed/dissolved stream. The intimately mixed/dissolved stream is then directed to a pressure retention vessel where the liquid is held at a predetermined pressure for a predetermined time period for effectively treating, disinfecting and/or clarifying said intimately mixed/dissolved stream. The treated intimately mixed/dissolved stream can then be directed to further processing steps.

Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus comprises a fluid vessel defining first and second fluid chambers. A fluid inlet is provided for delivering a fluid to be treated into the first fluid chamber. One or more nozzle assemblies are provided for fluid communication between the first and second fluid chambers, wherein said nozzle assemblies are adapted to facilitate mixing of a gas with said fluid. The second fluid chamber is adapted to accommodate a fluid treatment process therein, including a floatation treatment. One specific use of the fluid treatment apparatus includes separating oil from water, particularly water produced from a subterranean formation.

Abstract: The inventive nozzle comprises a first releasing stage (1) for producing a pre-release by absorbing from 5 to 20% of available pressure, a second releasing stage (2) wherein a substantial release is carried out and the pressurised water passes from a saturation pressure to an output nozzle pressure, an intermediate chamber (3) in the form of a transition chamber in which the pressurised water approaches the saturation pressure by absorbing from 5 to 30% of the available pressure and an outlet tube (3) consisting of a sudden release and cavitation confinement tube whose minimum length (1) substantially corresponds to a distance separating the end of said tube on the second release stage side from a readhesion point of jets to the tube wall at the angle of divergence (alpha) thereof ranging from 3 to 12 DEG before readhesion

Abstract: A protein skimmer having a water column chamber and a fixed deflector. The fixed deflector including a plurality of blades that impart a swirling action on water flowing through the deflector. The deflector further providing an even distribution of bubbles within the water column chamber during protein filtering operation. The deflector including a central hub that aids in maintaining the velocity of water flowing through the deflector.

Abstract: A process is described for treating effluents from oil production units for discharge or reutilization, to remove oil and other soluble toxic contaminants such as sulphides, benzenes, toluenes, xylenes and polyaromatic hydrocarbons, before discharging or reusing this effluent, especially in an offshore environment. This process for effluent treatment includes a step of changing the thermodynamic equilibrium conditions of an oil-in-water emulsion, followed by a step of separating the oil and the water, to be carried out in an offshore oil production unit.

Abstract: A combined degassing and flotation tank for separation of a water influent containing considerable amounts of oil and gas. A rotational flow is created in the tank which forces the lighter components such as oil and gas droplets towards an inner concentric cylindrical wall where they coalesce and rise to the surface of the liquid and are removed via the outlet. The heavier parts are forced down where the heavy particles sink to the lower part where they can be removed as a sludge. The water is discharged via an outlet in the lower part of the tank. The combined degassing and flotation tank is particular suited for use in oil production at sea for removal of oil and gases from water streams before the water is returned to the sea.

Abstract: A method for the removal of contaminants from a contaminated water stream, by pretreating the contaminated water stream to yield a pretreated water stream, wherein pretreating comprises passing the contaminated water stream to at least one electrocoagulation cell wherein coagulation of contaminants is promoted, yielding an electrocoagulated stream; and separating coagulated contaminants from the electrocoagulated stream. An electrocoagulation reactor comprising a plurality of electrodes positioned parallel to each other and provided with a means of energizing each electrode; a fluid inlet for an inlet stream comprising contaminated water; a fluid outlet for an outlet stream comprising electrocoagulated products; a flow distributor system; and a gas distribution system for injecting a gas into the electrocoagulation reactor. An electrocoagulation system for treating a contaminated water stream, the system comprising at least one electrocoagulation reactor.

Abstract: A system and method for remediating a body of water and collecting suspended and dissolved solids therefrom are provided. The system includes a water-impervious lining positionable in a depression in or adjacent a body of water. The lining and depression define a treatment vessel, which includes a treatment portion, an outlet portion for containing treated water, and an outflow weir between the treatment portion and the outlet portion. Water to be treated is transported from the water body to the treatment portion. An entrapment element is delivered and mixed into the transported water, the entrapment element for capturing suspended and dissolved solids in the transported water and effecting a separation between the captured solids and water cleansed therefrom. The captured solids can be removed from the treatment basin, and the cleansed water can move through a channel in the outflow weir into the outlet portion.

Abstract: A method and system for recovering grease from wastewater is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes receiving wastewater comprising an aqueous phase and an organic phase, wherein the organic phase comprises solids and grease; pretreating the wastewater to produce a waste sludge stream comprising water, solids, and grease, wherein a substantial amount of the solids and grease from the wastewater are extracted into the waste sludge stream; separating the waste sludge in a first separation stage to provide a first separation phase consisting essentially of solids, and a second separation phase comprising an immiscible liquid mixture of grease and water; and separating the second separation phase to provide a third separation phase consisting essentially of water and a fourth separation phase consisting essentially of grease.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating water from oil-based drilling fluid includes an separation tank, a chemical treatment apparatus having one or more de-oiling polymer preparation tanks, and a dissolved air flotation unit. Slop mud is directed into the separation tank where surfactant is added to separate the drilling fluid from oily water. The drilling fluid is drained for further processing. The oily water is removed by an outlet arrangement from the separation tank and directed to an initial treatment line. One or more de-oiling polymers are added to the oily water in the initial treatment line and mixed therewith. The mixture may then be directed to the dissolved air flotation unit where dissolved air is released into the bottom of the mixture. The dissolved air adheres to suspended solids in the mixture and lifts them to the top surface as a froth. The froth is skimmed from the top surface of the mixture and collected.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided below for the treatment of wastewater. According to various embodiments, treatment of wastewater is accomplished using the oxidative power of ozone gas and the interaction between ozone gas, FOGS, and large amounts of surfactants already present in wastewaters to be treated. According to various embodiments of the invention, a combination of oxidation and UV disinfection is used to provide a fact acting treatment for wastewater. These methods and systems generally enable reduced footprint in relation to the volumes treated, reduced cost, and increased efficiency. Various alternative embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid jet flotation apparatus 1 is disclosed. The apparatus 1 comprises a tank 10 containing a liquid having a relatively lower region and a relatively upper region and a conduit 2 having a liquid inlet 5 through which a particle-containing liquid is introduced to the conduit 2 as a jet. The conduit 2 also includes a gas inlet 6 through which gas is drawn into the conduit 2 by the jet, the liquid and the gas forming a foam bed that is displaced through the conduit 2 and out through an outlet 24 remote from the inlet 5. The outlet 24 is positioned to discharge the foam bed from the conduit 2 into the tank 10 in an upward direction and in a relatively upper region of the tank. This enhances the separation of value particles in the froth from waste particles in the body of liquid. Further, the reduced pressure at the outlet 24 of the conduit 2 enhances the draw and thereby the volumetric throughput through the conduit 2.

Abstract: A vortex grit trap comprising a generally vertically extending tank of circular cross-section including a separation zone having an inlet and an outlet for liquid flow to and from the tank, and in which liquid is circulated about a longitudinal axis of the tank, and, a grit collection zone positioned beneath the separation zone in use, the trap being characterized by a generally circular tank divider centered on the vertical longitudinal axis of the tank and extending transverse thereto, the divider defining a notional boundary between the separation and collection zones of the tank and being of smaller diameter than the adjacent region of the tank so as to define with the adjacent tank wall an annulus through which grit passes from the separation zone to the collection zone in use, and, means for generating a cloud of gas bubbles migrating in use upwardly through substantially the whole of said annulus whereby substantially all grit passing from the separation zone into the collection zone passes through the

Abstract: A flotation separation apparatus for separating particles in suspensions, feeds slurry containing the particles through an inlet (10) into a contactor (16) where gas is fed through an inlet (12) to mix with the slurry, for example in a downwardly plunging jet (14), to form a gas-liquid bubbly two-phase mixture under pressure from an outlet restriction in a throttling duct (18). The mixture is passed through a flow manipulator configured to induce a high energy dissipation rate, for example by way of a Shockwave formed in a diverging section of the throttling duct (18) reducing the size of the bubbles and brining those bubbles into intimate contact with particles in the mixture which is released into a separation cell (21) where a flow manipulating draft tube (20) is provided to reduce turbulence in the mixture. Alternative apparatus and methods for inducing the high energy dissipation rate and for reducing turbulence in the mixture are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for separating biological particles are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating impurities from a liquid stream includes a feed tank for containing an untreated liquid, a mixer for generating and mixing bubbles throughout the wastewater, and a settling tank for allowing the wastewater to settle for removal of impurities through dissolved gas floatation. The mixer includes a housing and a rotor rotatably mounted within the housing. The rotor is electrically isolated and the peripheral wall of the housing is electrically isolated and the rotor preferably has bores formed in its peripheral surface to produce cavitation to aid in mixing of fluid within the mixer. A power supply is coupled to establish a relatively positive electrical charge on the rotor and a relatively negative electrical charge on the wall of the housing. The charge causes electrolysis to occur within the fluid, which forms small low surface tension gas bubbles on the rotor and housing wall.