Abstract: This invention provides a resist recycling apparatus and the method for resist recycling. A resist recycling apparatus includes a viscosity control tank being supplied with wasted resist liquid, a solvent tank supplying a solvent to the viscosity control tank, a viscometer measuring viscosity of the resist in the viscosity control tank, a control portion calculating the resin density of the resist according to the viscosity measured by the viscometer and the temperature of the resist, determining an amount of solvent to supply to the viscosity control tank according to the difference between the calculated resin density and a predetermined resin density, and a filter for removing dust from the resist.

Abstract: An automatic system and process for effectively, reliably and economically reconditioning for direct reuse various waste water, and particularly that in the poultry and other food processing industries, without the use of added chemicals and filter-aid compounds. The system includes water filtration and purification units, the purification unit consisting of an ultra-violet sterilizer. The integrity of the reconditioned water is continuously monitored in-line by sensors, which information is directly correlated to correspond to associated levels of solids and microorganisms. This invention presents a fully automated process to provide reconditioned water essentially free of microorganisms and of acceptable clarity to meet current United States Department of Agriculture regulations for food processing reuse.

Abstract: A water treatment method uses a removable, disposable cartridge having an internal mesh structure. A disposable heater heats water fed to the cartridge. Precipitated solids collect on the mesh surface provided temperature and residence times are appropriately maintained. The heat breaks down the bicarbonate hardness of the water thereby depositing carbonates on the mesh surface and heavy metals will be codeposited due to the resultant change in pH. The cartridge has a head-space for collecting entrained gases such as volatile organic compounds, chlorine and air. Water sterility is achieved by heating the water over an appropriate period of time. Turbidity is removed within the cartridge due to settling induced by the low fluid velocity controlled by a controller and by a filter provided at the outlet of the cartridge. The filter will become blocked when bicarbonate hardness is carried over forcing a user to replace a spent cartridge.

Abstract: A process wherein the use of a degradation-enhancing reactant or a precursor thereof, e.g., an oxidizing agent, can effectively increase the rate of reaction for the degradation of polymers in an aqueous environment and thereby facilitate the disposal of same. For example, in one aspect, the process comprises contacting a solubilized polymer and a degradation-enhancing reactant, within an aqueous environment, and subsequently reacting the polymer under conditions that are effective to provide at least one environmentally benign degradation product from the polymer.

Abstract: Abrasive components and clear fluids are separated from an aqueous chemical mechanical slurry used for planarization of semiconductor materials, to permit the reuse of the clear liquid effluent in non-process applications as well as for gray water for irrigation, process cooling water, or as make-up water for a reverse osmosis system, or safe disposal in the industrial waste stream, as desired. A solids detection device determines the concentration of abrasive solids in the aqueous waste effluent stream, and a diverter valve receives and diverts the entire aqueous waste effluent stream to at least one reuse water collection tank when the abrasive solids concentration is below a desired threshold, and diverts the entire aqueous waste effluent stream to at least one concentrate water collection tank when the abrasive solids concentration is greater than or equal to the threshold. With the additional use of ion exchange, the resulting water stream can be reused in high purity water applications.

Abstract: The purification system includes an electrodeionization device which can comprise one or a plurality of stages. The electrodeionization device can be constructed with a resilient sealing member forming a water-tight seal between rigid thermally and dimensionally stable compartment spacers. The construction of the electrodeionization device allows hot water cycling, which, in some cases, improves its efficiency and performance. Moreover, the hot water cycling may be used to sanitize the device to a pharmaceutically acceptable condition and, preferably, to meet at least minimum requirements according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia guidelines by inactivating any microorganisms.

Abstract: A water treatment method uses a removable, disposable cartridge having an internal mesh structure. A permanent heater heats water fed to the cartridge. Precipitated solids collect on the mesh surface provided temperature and residence time are appropriately maintained. The heat breaks down the bicarbonate hardness of the water thereby depositing carbonates on the mesh surface and heavy metals will be codeposited due to the resultant change in pH. The cartridge has a head-space for collecting entrained gasses such as volatile organic compounds, chlorine and air. Water sterility is achieved by heating the water over an appropriate period of time. Turbidity is removed within the cartridge due to settling induced by the low fluid velocity controlled by a controller and by a filter provided at the outlet of the cartridge. The filter will become blocked when bicarbonate hardness is carried over forcing a user to replace a spent cartridge.

Abstract: The invention is a filter device for removing water from sludges, slurries, or other suspensions, and may include a hydraulic press and/or a membrane and vacuum system for applying a pressure to the sludge or slurry, heating elements for heating and drying the sludge or slurry, vibrating elements for agitating the sludge or slurry, and air injectors for agitating and drying the sludge or slurry.

Abstract: A method of treating industrial wastewater using casein includes an optimization step whereby treatment operating variable are optimized through statistical methods on experimental designs.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to automatically monitor and control a perfusion hyperthermia treatment using a system including one or more programmed computers, and mechanical and sensor subsystems. The system includes a fluid path between a patient and an external fluid-treatment subsystem, wherein control of the external fluid-treatment subsystem includes feedback from sensors coupled to the patient. The resulting integrated system provides automated monitoring and control of the patient, the external fluid-treatment subsystem, and the treatment. In one embodiment, the fluid passing between the patient and the external fluid-treatment subsystem is blood. In one embodiment, an apparatus and method are provided for using a computerized system for a perfusion hyper/hypothermia treatment of a patient which obtains a body fluid having a temperature. A plurality of temperature signals representative of temperatures at each of a plurality of patient locations on or within the patient are coupled to the computer system.

Abstract: Hydrocyclone and process for removing foreign substances from a liquid to be cleaned. The hydrocyclone includes at least one inlet for the liquid to be cleaned, at least one accepted stock outlet for the cleaned liquid, and at least one reject opening for foreign substances removed from the liquid to be cleaned. The at least one reject opening includes at least one stoppage-hazard zone, and a color layer is coupled to an exterior wall of the hydrocyclone. The color layer changes appearance in accordance with different temperatures. The process includes introducing the liquid to be cleaned into a hydrocyclone through at least one inlet, discharging cleaned liquid from the hydrocyclone through at least one accepted stock outlet, and discharging the foreign substances from the hydrocyclone through at least one reject opening.

Abstract: A thermal treatment system for supplying thermally conditioned or purified water for human or animal consumption, industrial processes, environmental containment, or removal of foreign species. The water purifier includes a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between outgoing thermally conditioned or purified water and incoming makeup water; a water heater is connected to the heat exchanger so as to receive pre-heated incoming makeup water, where the water heater subsequently heats the incoming preheated makeup water to a set-point temperature in the case of thermally conditioned water and for purified water also holds the water for a period of time sufficient to inactivate selected organisms to a predetermined level. The heat exchanger has one or more treated water outlets for supplying thermally conditioned or purified water at selected temperatures.

Abstract: A system for the retrieval and initial conditioning of sample gas for “on line” analyzers or filling of gas sample cylinders. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system configured to obtain a representative gas phase sample from a process gas containing entrained liquid, or a process gas which generally is highly susceptible to partial condensation of some gas phase components. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches an assembly including a phase separation membrane and housing configured to facilitate the removal of entrained liquid from a sample gas stream. Accuracy of the sample is enhanced, and compositional changes are avoided by first extracting a sample from the process gas followed by removal of entrained liquid it may contain, with the entrained liquid removal being conducted at the prevailing process gas pressure and temperature.

Abstract: An extracorporeal circulation apparatus capable of maintaining hypothermia for a prolonged period when used in the selective cooling method. The extracorporeal circulation apparatus used in the selective cooling method includes (1) a diluent supply unit for cooling a diluent and metering the diluent into a blood vessel; (2) a blood concentration unit for metering a diluted blood out from a blood vessel and concentrating the diluted blood thus drawn out by filtering the diluted blood; and (3) a blood supply unit for heating the concentrated blood and metering the concentrated blood into a blood vessel, wherein a flow rate of the injected diluent flow rate, Vd and a flow rate of a filtrate, Vb are so controlled that a relationship 0.1 Vd≦Vb≦Vd is maintained.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for reduction of flow resistance in pipes and ducts where a fluid or a powder is flowing in single or multiphase. In the method, the flow resistance is reduced by applying an electrical field on the pipe or duct wall. Also, the strength of the field is regulated according to measurements of the flow regime before and after the unit which exposes the fluid or powder to the electrical field. The fluid may be a pure fluid, colloidal fluid or contain inclusions in the form of particles.

Abstract: A waste treatment system comprises a first heat exchanger positioned before one or more reactors. The reactors discharge treated sludge to a second heat exchanger. The first and second heat exchangers share a heat transfer medium wherein the heat from the treated sludge is transferred to the incoming sludge. The treated sludge is cooled to reach an optimal temperature range before entry into a digester. The system also is adapted to allow a pipe cleaning device or “pig” to clean the heat exchangers by being forced through the heat exchangers by pressurized and pasteurized wastewater.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the degree of treatment of a material by a reactive fluid is monitored by reacting the unreacted fluid to produce a signal, eg. heat, and measuring the signal so produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the purification and/or treatment of suspensions, which include at least one or more precious metals and/or rare earths or other elements in the form of a precipitate or solid and/or also in dissolved form, which includes the following steps:

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the degree of treatment of a material by a reactive fluid is monitored by reacting the unreacted fluid to produce a signal, eg. heat, and measuring the signal so produced.

Abstract: Described is a method and device for servicing the water of a swimming pool 1 by adding a disinfectant. The disinfectant is added by circulating the water through a branched circuit of the pool using a constant flow stirring pump 5. The operation of the pump is determined by the temperature of the water detected by temperature sensor 30 located within the branched circuit. The operating time of the pump is determined according to preset programs of a control box 3 which divide the operating time into time slot units of similar duration spread over several time ranges. The disinfectant addition can be carried out by pebble support 64 or by electrolysis within the branch circuit. Also, if the temperature drops below a minimal freeze risk value or above a maximal value, the pump is continuously operated and a warning is generated.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating water to produce potable water includes a filter connected to an inlet of a heating unit in turn connected at an outlet to an input of a container with cooling components for separating out heavy water. The heavy water separator is coupled at an outlet to a tank having cooling and heating components and an ultraviolet radiation source for irradiating the water sample from the heavy water separator with ultraviolet radiation during a freezing and subsequent warming of the water sample. A storage vessel and a silver ionizer are disposed on a downstream side of the ultraviolet treatment tank. Various operations, including timing and water transfer, heating cooling and irradiating, are controlled by a programmed computer. Temperature sensors are disposed in the heating unit, the heavy water separator and the irradiation tank for monitoring temperatures of the water in the heating unit, the container and/or the tank.

Abstract: An improved conductivity based servo-proportioning system for hemodialysis machines. The servo-proportioning system calculates the actual conductivity contributions of the individual chemical components of the concentrate being utilized, to determine the conductivity set points. If an Acidified and Bicarb operation is being performed, then the servo-proportioning system calculates a conductivity set point at both an intermediate and final stage of the servo-proportioning system. If only acetate is being performed, then only the acetate individual chemical components are calculated. If the Na and/or Bicarb concentrations are to be varied, then the conductivity is calculated for the changed Na and/or Bicarb concentrations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing bacteria-free iodine-species-containing drinking water for farm animals under continuous dynamic water flow, comprising dissolving solid iodine into a first water flow to produce a saturated iodine species-containing aqueous solution at a pre-selected temperature; blending the saturated solution with a second water flow to produce a diluted iodine species bacterium-free aqueous solution; and providing the diluted solution as drinking water to the animals. Preferably, the iodine is dissolved in the first water flow to provide a saturated iodine species at a pre-selected temperature at a known concentration, which saturated solution is then blended into a mean water flow. The continuous flow of iodine species-containing water is fed to a farm animal drinking water distribution network with reduced risk of back-contamination by bacteria-containing water through the network.

Abstract: An apparatus is adapted to centrifuge and furthermore automatically handle a container (10) for separating a component, such as fibrin monomer, from plasma. The container (10) comprises a cylindrical member (11) and a piston (25) displaceable therein and comprising a tubular piston rod (12), which extends through the top wall. The piston (25) divides the cylindrical member (11) into a first chamber positioned above said piston (25) between said piston and said top wall and a second chamber positioned below said piston (25). The apparatus comprises a supporting turntable (1) with means for releasably retaining the cylindrical member (11), said supporting turntable being connected to a first activating mechanism (5) for rotating the supporting turntable (1) with the container (10) about the central axis thereof. The apparatus comprises furthermore a rotatably journalled piston activating mechanism (13, 15, 16) adapted to activate the piston by means of a second activating means (21).

Abstract: An adaptive control method for producing high purity water, the method having the ability to produce high purity water on a continuous basis having a resistivity in the range of 0.8 to 4 megohm-cm. The method comprises the steps of providing a feedwater to be purified and providing a first reverse osmosis unit having a first high pressure side and a first low pressure side and having a first permeate produced at the first low pressure side. The pH of the feedwater to be introduced to the high pressure of the first reverse osmosis unit is monitored before introducing the feedwater to the high pressure side of the first reverse osmosis unit. Also, the feedwater is maintained in a temperature range of 45.degree. to 80.degree. F. A second reverse osmosis unit is provided having a second high pressure side and a second low pressure side for producing high purity product water.

Abstract: A pathogen reduction system for a sludge treatment process that employees multiple reactors operating in a batch mode to reduce pathogen levels in the sludge while providing a continuous flow of pathogen reduced sludge to a digester. In addition, the present invention entails an efficient heat exchanger for heating and cooling the sludge being treated in the above process. In particular, the heat exchanger is of the counterflow type and includes a helical coil confined in an annular chamber for transmitting one media and wherein the helical coil is spaced so as to form another helical flow channel that is defined by the annular chamber and the helical coil itself. Consequentially, one media is directed through the helical coil while another media is directed through the flow channel that is defined in part by the helical coil.

Abstract: A system for deactivating organisms in a food product employs a first electrode; an insulator section coupled to the first electrode, wherein the insulator section includes an insulator pinch, an opening, and a transition region interposed thereinbetween, and wherein the opening has a larger cross-sectional area than the insulator pinch, the insulator section including a cavity, passing through the insulator pinch, the transition region, and the opening, wherein the food product is contained during deactivating of organisms; and a second electrode coupled to the insulator section, wherein the first electrode is positioned on a first side of the insulator pinch, and the second electrode is positioned on a second side of the insulator pinch, whereby an electric field formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, when a voltage is applied across the first electrode and the second electrode, passes through the insulator pinch.

Abstract: A process and device for treatment of water circulating in a conduit, which water carries microorganisms that must be eliminated and ions susceptible of leading to the formation of deposits on the internal wall of the conduit. To this end, there is injected in the water to be treated effective quantities of ozone and carbon dioxide. Particularly useful to treat the water conduits of a hospital building.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improved in-line contaminant removal from engine lubricating oil are provided which employ gravity to achieve a desired flow rate of oil. The invention is adapted for use with an existing engine oil lubrication system and continuously processes a side stream that after processing, is returned to the engine oil. During processing, the oil is first filtered and then drained and deposited upon the upper central surface portions of a heated dome whereon the oil forms a thin film from which relatively low boiling volatile impurities (especially water) are rapidly separated in a gaseous state. The gas is vented through a pressure relief valve to the manifold while the recovered reconditioned oil is collected and recycled.

Abstract: A device for producing fibrinogen includes a platen having a surface configured for heat exchange with a container, which is adhered to the platen by device of a vacuum and heat exchange allowing both cooling and heating to occur along the boundary between the container and the platen. The platen is operatively coupled to a device of rocking the platen about a horizontal axis and the container allows scavenging of a cryoprecipitate fibrinogen from the blood product for subsequent utilization.

Abstract: Systems and methods for heating, reacting, and/or treating a stream containing oxidizable matter. Recycle reactor is used alone or in conjunction with plug-flow reactor. Density differences in the recycle reactor facilitate flow within the recycle reactor without substantial external heat exchange.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulation of aeration in a biological filter of the type comprising conveyance means (3) bringing water to be filtered into the lower part of the filter, a filter bed (2) acting as a support to the biomass, means of distributing an oxygenated gas (5, 5a) in the filter bed (2), a layer of filtered water (7) above the said filter bed, a nozzle for (4) of discharging the filtered water in the upper part of the filter, characterized in that it consists of taking account of the efficiency Ct with which the biomass uses the distributed oxygen to regulate the said distributed oxygenated gas flow and/or its concentration in molecular oxygen, in order to optimize the quantity of molecular oxygen distributed by the said distribution means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically adjusting electrolytic production or feeding of a sanitizer such as halogen for treating a water body such as a swimming pool or spa. A microprocessor is responsive to sensors monitoring pH and temperature of the water body to predict demand for sanitizer which varies dependent on pH and temperature and direct a controller which automatically modifies the ON time during an ON/OFF cycle for the sanitizer production system in response to changing demand resulting from changing measurements in temperature and/or pH of the swimming pool water. The controller also modifies an ON/OFF cycle for a circulating pump when demand predicted by the microprocessor exceeds the capability of the sanitizer producer or feeder under an existing ON/OFF pump cycle.

Abstract: The automatic grease separator receives wastewater containing grease and other light fluids, separates the water portion from the light fluids portion, and stores the light fluids portion. A computer is used to control the operation of separator functions including automatic transfer of light fluids from the separator to grease containers and automatic shut-down of the separator when its capacity is exceeded. Warning devices which indicate malfunction or the need for maintenance also are controlled by the computer. The grease separator uses grease level sensors based on capacitive level sensing. These sensors are insensitive to coating of the sensors by grease and oil. The grease and other light fluids are maintained in a fluid phase by the thermostatic-controlled addition of hot water. This feature provides an added element of safety by eliminating the need to heat the separator by a resistant heater which introduces the possibility of a grease fire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing bacteria-free iodine-species-containing drinking water for farm animals under continuous dynamic water flow, comprising dissolving solid iodine into a first water flow to produce a saturated iodine species-containing aqueous solution at a pre-selected temperature; blending the saturated solution with a second water flow to produce a diluted iodine species bacterium-free aqueous solution; and providing the diluted solution as drinking water to the animals. Preferably, the iodine is dissolved in the first water flow to provide a saturated iodine species at a pre-selected temperature at a known concentration, which saturated solution is then blended into a mean water flow. The continuous flow of iodine species-containing water is fed to a farm animal drinking water distribution network with reduced risk of back-contamination by bacteria-containing water through the network.

Abstract: A method of separating water from an aqueous emulsion using a minimum of energy includes heating the aqueous emulsion in a sump, conveying concentrated emulsion from the sump to a heat exchanger so as to pass therethrough back to the sump, circulating water vapor and non-condensable gases from the sump through a compressor to raise its temperature and passing the heated water vapor and non-condensable gases through the heat exchanger to condense and heat the concentrated emulsion therein and evaporate water therefrom, a thermostat filled with water and water vapor, together with first and second pressure switches respectively communicating with the sump and the external atmosphere and the heat exchanger and the external atmosphere, maintaining a temperature differential between 0.5.degree. and 3.degree. C. between the aqueous emulsion in the sump and the temperature of the compressed water vapor and noncondensable gases.

Abstract: A system for treating human waste in remote or portable toilet facilities, including a holding tank that stores waste; a heat reservoir that receives waste from the holding tank, heats the waste to kill fecal coliform bacteria therein present, and routes the heated bacteria-free waste back through the holding tank. The holding tank maintains the heated bacteria-free waste separate from the contaminated waste but passes residual heat from the bacteria-free waste to the untreated waste. In one embodiment, a centrifuge receives the bacteria-free waste from the holding tank, separates the liquid waste from the solid waste, and discharges the liquid waste from the system. In one embodiment, the waste is pumped through the system to be heated in incremental portions.

Abstract: This is a method of treatment of materials with the use of a sacrificial metal and reducible ions which comprises steps ofa) contacting the material to be treated with the surface of the said sacrificial metal, wherein the said material to be treated is included in an aqueous solution or emulsion or suspension; andb) inducing treatment processes at the surface of the said sacrificial metal by providing said reducible ions included in an electrolyte, wherein the said reducible ions react with the said sacrificial metal to form oxidation-reduction products comprising dissolved or suspended reduced species and dissolved or suspended species from oxidizing the said sacrificial metal.The method can be used for treatment of water, groundwater, including in-situ, wastewater, polluted gases, solid waste, and other materials.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining hemodynamic parameters during an extracorporeal hemotherapy, in which the blood arrives via the arterial branch (20) of the extracorporeal circuit (9) of the hemotherapeutic device (7), which is in fluid communication with arterial section (21) of a fistula (6), into dialyzer (10) or into a filter of the hemotherapeutic device and is recirculated via the venous branch (22) of the extracorporeal circuit (9), which is in fluid communication with venous section (23) of fistula (6). The temperature T.sub.A prevailing in the arterial branch (20) of the extracorporeal circuit (9) is measured under a changing blood flow, the temperature T.sub.V of the venous branch (22) of the extracorporeal circuit being kept constant. From the determined value pairs of the arterial temperature T.sub.A and of the extracorporeal blood flow Q.sub.B, those parameters of a predetermined function T.sub.A (Q.sub.

Abstract: A water treatment method uses a removable, disposable cartridge having an internal mesh structure. A permanent heater heats water fed to the cartridge. Precipitated solids collect on the mesh surface provided temperature and residence time are appropriately maintained. The heat breaks down the bicarbonate hardness of the water thereby depositing carbonates on the mesh surface and heavy metals will be codeposited due to the resultant change in pH. The cartridge has a head-space for collecting entrained gasses such as volatile organic compounds, chlorine and air. Water sterility is achieved by heating the water over an appropriate period of time. Turbidity is removed within the cartridge due to settling induced by the low fluid velocity controlled by a controller and by a filter provided at the outlet of the cartridge. The filter will become blocked when bicarbonate hardness is carried over forcing a user to replace a spent cartridge.

Abstract: The invention is a process for increasing the system thermal capability of a splash filled cooling tower where cooling water is circulated and splashed against splash bars during the cooling process. The process comprises contacting the circulating water of the cooling tower with a nonionic surfactant composition in an amount effective to increase the system thermal capability of the cooling tower.

Abstract: Ions (e.g. lithium) can be removed or recovered from brines containing those ions and optionally one or more other ions (e.g. other alkali metal ions) by the use of a temperature-swing, ion-exchange process and apparatus employing an ion-exchange material. The process and apparatus depends on a change in the selectivity coefficient of an ion exchange material for the ions desired to be recovered with a change in temperature, resulting in desirable ions being relatively selectively released at one temperature and undesirable ions being relatively selectively released at another temperature. The process of the invention can be used to effect the separation of any ion (or set of ions) from another ion or from a set of ions wherein the selectivity coefficient for one ion (or set of ions) has a substantial temperature dependence, compared to that for the other ion (or set of ions).

Abstract: Oxidation reactions occurring in a plug flow reactor under conditions approximating supercritical water conditions are controlled by injecting a process stream of water and two reactants in non-stoichiometric proportions into the reactor and causing the process stream to flow through the reactor. Water is injected at one or more points downstream from the inlet to lower the temperature of the process stream and additional reactant injected to re-start the reaction. The quench and re-start process is repeated until substantially all oxidizable material in the process stream has be oxidized.

Abstract: A water distribution system facilitates automatic corrosion control. The operator enters a set of values of parameters associated with water in the system. The system automatically and repeatedly measures the temperature and pH of the water. The system then computes a target pH for the water, according to a function which depends on the temperature and the other parameters, and on an index of corrosion. The system then varies the pH of the water, so as to minimize the deviation between the measured pH and the target pH. The system performs this process repeatedly, to maintain the desired properties of the water. In particular, the operator can easily and automatically control the water so as to make it either more corrosive or more scale-forming, in such a manner as to minimize the dissolution of lead or copper into the water while limiting the tendency of the water to form scale.

Abstract: The measurement of blood flow in a dialysis shunt is obtained by injection of an indicator material into a venous line leading from dialysis equipment to the shunt. The blood flow in an arterial line leading from the shunt at a location downstream of the venous line to the dialysis equipment is monitored by an arterial line sensor for the presence of the indicator material. A detector connected to the sensor provides a dilution curve in response to the presence of the indicator material and the blood flow in the shunt is calculated from the area under the dilution curve. The locations of the arterial and venous lines in the shunt can be reversed to obtain a measurement of blood recirculation from the venous line into the arterial line.

Abstract: To avoid deposits on the restrictor that channels extractant into a collector, a heated capillary tube pressure release restrictor, has a thermally insulated outlet end in a collecting trap substantially colder than the capillary tube. The restrictor is heated between the insulation and the capillary tube by Joulean heating. The solvent in the trap is at a pressure of 5 to 200 psi above atmospheric pressure. The thermal resistance of the insulation is selected to reduce the heat added to the extractant to a minimum and yet cause the temperature of the extractant to be in a range within which it is sufficiently hot so it does not freeze when added to the collection solvent but not so hot as to reduce partitioning of the extract and extractant before the extractant leaves the collection solvent. It has a thermal conductivity no greater than 60 BTU's per hour, per square foot, per inch for a one degree Fahrenheit difference.

Abstract: Filtering apparatus including two or more passages acting in parallel, each having an extended filter which passes through inlet and outlet ports preferably sealed by substantially solidified plugs of the flowable substance such as polymer being filtered. The flow of such substance through an initially open passage can be terminated so as to permit filter advance under conditions of zero pressure drop whilst flow through the other passage or passages continues. In an additional or alternative mode, flow from a common inlet into a passage is terminated and a secondary outlet conduit in that passage is opened. This creates a counterflow caused by the pressure of substance from the other passage or passages which cleans the filter. Either or any passage or conduit is sealed or valved by a substantially solidified valve plug made of the flowable substance being filtered, said plug being extrudable subsequently when the passage or conduit requires opening to flow.

Abstract: The amount of electrical power delivered to a dialysate heater in the dialysis machine is maximized without substantially exceeding a predetermined maximum allowed power consumption for the dialysis machine. The instantaneous power consumed by the machine is measured and compared to the maximum allowed power consumption. The excess of power beyond the instantaneous power consumed up to the maximum allowed power consumption is then made available to the heater. The worst case power consumption limitations of the dialysis machine components do not adversely affect the heat available from the heater. The rate at which dialysis treatments may progress may increase or the time required for dialysis treatments may decrease.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating sewage sludge having the steps of providing sludge at a desired rate, mixing the sludge with at least one alkaline additive at a proportionate rate to the sludge to raise the pH of the mixture to at least a desired level, providing a pasteurization chamber having a means to heat the contents of the chamber, continuously delivering the sludge and alkaline additive mixture to the inlet opening of the pasteurization chamber, heating the pasteurization chamber to maintain a minimum temperature of the sludge and alkaline additive mixture in the pasteurization chamber, continuously conveying the sludge and alkaline additive mixture without any substantial agitation of the mixture for a desired duration through the pasteurization chamber such that the thixotropic mixture does not become watery, and continuously discharging the sludge and alkaline additive mixture from the discharge opening of the pasteurization chamber, whereby harmful pathogens are destroyed in the sludge.

Abstract: Process for determining the sylvine saturation in which the salt concentration in the solid matter-free crude solution through temperature determination at a temperature T.sub.M >T, and subsequently after contacting with KCl at a temperature T.sub.NS >T and heating to T.sub.M, is measured again, and from this data a saturation temperature T.sub.S is obtained. The temperature difference T.sub.S -T serves as a measure for the sylvine saturation degree. In this manner, the sylvine saturation degree can automatically be measured in intervals of seconds and can serve as a control value for the addition of crude salt in a hot solution process.