Abstract: A method and installation for forming and maintaining a slurry are disclosed. The method withdraws a slurry from a reservoir and directs it at a heap of solid material from which the slurry is drained into the reservoir, the slurry containing additional solid material from the heap to increase its specific gravity. The volume of slurry in the reservoir and its specific gravity are controlled. The installation comprises a support having a support surface which slopes to permit slurry to drain therefrom A reservoir receives slurry draining from the support and has a liquid feed. A pump withdraws the slurry from the reservoir and pumps it to a spray nozzle for spraying slurry at a heap of material on the support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation and delivery of ozonated water to at least one user point, according to which a storage buffer tank is provided for the ozonated water, and an upstream ozonation loop is provided, making it possible to feed the tank with ozonated water, the upstream ozonation loop comprising a component for controling the flow of water flowing in the loop. A fresh-water supply line is also provided, connected by its downstream part to the upstream ozonation loop and fitted with a component for interrupting the freshwater flow, the loop portion located between the tank and the connection point of the fresh-water supply line being fitted with a component for interrupting the recirculation flow upstream of the tank.

Abstract: A continuous method is provided for dissolving a solid oxidizer into an aqueous solution which yields a stream of the aqueous solution having a constant or near constant concentration of solid oxidizer. The method of the present invention includes (a) disposing a bed of solid oxidizer into a container; (b) introducing an aqueous solution below the top surface of the bed; and (c) removing any solution above the top surface of the bed while maintaining a constant or near constant level of aqueous solution above the bed. Preferably, step (c) is performed at about atmospheric pressure. This method can be achieved with a feeder that includes a tank for containing a bed of solid oxidizer and a disperser for introducing the aqueous solution into the tank. A sensor/control unit is provided for sensing a combined bed and aqueous solution volume within the tank and maintaining the combined volume within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A method for automatically controlling the level of dissolved oxygen in water, comprising the steps of mixing air or oxygen and nitrogen gas and so as to be dissolved in retained water in a closed type tank. The retained water is circulated by a pressure pump, activated by a ceramic pipe and an infrared ray irradiation device and then injected into the water in the closed type tank. The mixing ratio of the air or oxygen and nitrogen gas mixed with the retained water is adjusted, and the pressure in the pressure tank is changed, and the injecting pressure of the gas injection nozzle is changed. Sludge or the like are removed from the water by filtering, the oxidation-reduction potential of the water is adjusted to a desired level, the water is sterilized by an ultraviolet ray irradiation device, and brought back to the closed type tank; and the retained water in the closed type tank is taken out.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for delivering activated microorganisms to an environment to be treated. The apparatus has a bioreactor containing microorganisms, a supply of organic and inorganic nutrients and a controller. The controller maintains the conditions of the bioreactor so as to maintain the microorganisms in the exponential phase of growth. The controller also doses a portion of the fluid in the bioreactor to the environment to be treated. The invention also provides a method for the biological treatment of wastes and an organic and inorganic composition used to feed the microorganisms in the bioreactor.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing dialysate concentrate includes a vessel, a controllable valve for regulating water flow to the vessel, a first sensing device for detecting when the liquid has reached a lower level, a second sensing device for detecting when the liquid has reached an upper level, a controller selectively responsive to one of the sensing devices, and a positionable switch for selecting to which of the sensing devices the controller is responsive.

Abstract: A filter for a carpet cleaning device and method for using therefor includes a casing and a partition that extends into the casing to define a primary chamber and a secondary chamber within the casing. A main siphon with an inverted U-shape is mounted in the partition. One end of the siphon extends into the primary chamber while the other end of the siphon extends into the secondary chamber. An auxiliary siphon is located within the secondary chamber, and a pump is attached in fluid communication with the auxiliary siphon. During operation, a wastewater/debris stream is transported into the filter. The stream collects in the primary chamber and establishes a primary fluid level therein. As the primary fluid level rises, carpet fibers and other insoluble debris settle in the primary chamber. Once the primary fluid level is even with the siphon, wastewater fluid is transported from the primary chamber to the secondary chamber and establishes a secondary fluid level therein.

Abstract: This method uses the on/off sequences of an aeration system of treatment basins. The sequences are imposed by the running of a treatment process, to estimate the respiration of biomass, the latter being measured during non-aeration phases. There is an initial determination, from the concentration of dissolved oxygen, of the change in the amount of oxygen contained in the aeration basin. There is a subsequent determination of the amount of oxygen leaving the aeration basin, the amount of oxygen entering the basin during the non-aeration phase being regarding as zero. Next is a determination, on the basis of the information collected in the above steps, of the respiratory capacity of the purifying biomass. There is then a determination of the mass of suspended matter in the purifying biomass and calculation, from the respiratory capacity of the biomass and from the sludge concentration, of the amount of oxygen consumed per unit mass of biological sludge and per unit time.

Abstract: A dissolved gas flotation apparatus and process for removing oils and other contaminants from produced water generated in the production of crude petroleum and natural gas. The invention is particularly designed for offshore applications, where space is limited and natural gas is readily available. The invention includes a vessel for receiving and maintaining a liquid level therein and a circulating pump for introducing tiny flotation gas bubbles into the vessel. Natural gas is used as a blanket gas for the vessel and as a source of gas fed into the pump, wherein the gas is mixed with the pumped liquid. The liquid/gas mixture is transferred into the vessel, wherein the gas releases from the liquid, thereby forming tiny, finely dispersed gas bubbles.

Abstract: A computerized system for monitoring, and controlling various parameters and processes of basket centrifuges is presented. The computer control system actuates at least one of a plurality of control devices based on input from one or more monitoring sensors so as to provide real time, continuous, operational control of parameters related to feeding, filtering, washing, and dewatering.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus provides treatment of water to remove, for example, hydrogen sulfide and iron, dissolved or dispersed in ground water. The system is provided with water from a conventional well and pump and includes a venturi-type aerating device which may be supplied air by a compressor. The air and water mixture are supplied to a first aerating tank through a spray nozzle which reduces the aerated water flow to a mist of fine droplets. A draw tube adjacent the bottom of the first tank provides the water to a treatment tank which is partially filled with a chemically active filtration media. The treatment tank is also equipped with a draw tube which draws off the treated water at the bottom of the tank and provides it to a third, deaerating tank wherein the air separates from the water and is purged to the atmosphere. Reduction of hydrogen sulfide content from 30 ppm to less than 5 ppm has been achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing dialysate concentrate includes a vessel, a controllable valve for regulating water flow to the vessel, a first sensing device for detecting when the liquid has reached a lower level, a second sensing device for detecting when the liquid has reached an upper level, a controller selectively responsive to one of the sensing devices, and a positionable switch for selecting to which of the sensing devices the controller is responsive.

Abstract: An apparatus for associating a solution at an infinitely-variable level and/or flow rate with respect to an agent including an agent amount indicator that promotes agent-solution association adaptable for use in a chlorinator, or comparable component, of a fluid treatment plant. An embodiment configured according to the invention includes a chamber with an inlet and a vertically-inferior outlet. The level and flow of fluid in the chamber is regulated by a weir mounted on the outlet. Fluid in the chamber passes through an agent the retainer maintained in the chamber and washes over the agent, dissolving and depleting the agent. A magnetic follower on top of the agent urges the agent toward the bottom of the retainer. As the agent becomes depleted, the follower approaches the bottom of the retainer until it attains a predetermined distance from a sensor which activates a low-agent-supply alarm. If the alarm remains activated for a predetermined amount of time, a second alarm is activated.

Abstract: A system for making use of rainwater falling on houses and buildings, which comprises a means for removing a predetermined quantity of initial precipitation from the rainwater collected form the roof surface of the building; and a purifier receiving the subsequent rainwater from which the initial precipitation has been removed. The purifier includes a filtering tank, a sterilization tank, and a supply tank connected to the sterilization tank. The filtering tank has a physical filter and a pH adjusting agent, the sterilization tank contains a primary reactive catalyst for producing active oxygen species, and the supply tank supplies aqueous hydrogen peroxide to the primary reactive catalyst. The system also has a storage tank that stores the purified rainwater supplied from the purifier. The storage tank contains a secondary reactive catalyst for decomposing and eliminating residual active oxygen species remaining in the purified rainwater supplied from the purifier.

Abstract: A waste and wastewater treatment and recycling system separates blackwater and greywater at their respective sources and includes a waste separation system for decomposing the blackwater into water vapor and carbon dioxide gas, a wastewater treatment system for circulating, aerating, and separating the greywater into precipitated solid matter and treated water, and a filtration, disinfection, and water recycling system for filtering and disinfecting the treated water to form recyclable water. The precipitated solid matter is transferred to the waste separation system and the recyclable water is passed through a membrane filtration system to form potable water. A monitoring system monitors and controls operation of the waste separation system, the wastewater treatment system, and the filtration, disinfection, and water recycling system.

Abstract: A method is provided to automatically control an infeed gate of a centrifuge to regulate the rate of incoming charge and thereby maintain a desired building rate for a charge wall being formed along inner sidewalls of a rotating centrifugal basket by measuring the charge wall thickness which forms, determining a fill rate at which the charge material enters the basket, and comparing the determined rate to a desired fill rate. Closure of the infeed gate is also controlled to gradually approach a minimum flow rate. A method is also provided for sensing an unstabilizing wobble of the centrifugal basket and closing the infeed gate in response. The automatic control of the opening and closing of the gate not only improves the capacity of the centrifuge, but also allows for remote operation.

Abstract: A method and device for separating a fluid from a formation into several fluid components in a well is disclosed. The method and device include feeding the fluid into a mainly horizontal section of pipe located in a down-hole, mainly horizontal section of the well, such that the fluid is set to flow at a speed through a length of the mainly horizontal section of pipe such that the fluid components are separated and a boundary layer is formed between the fluid components. The fluid components with a lower density are formed in a top part of the mainly horizontal section of pipe and fluid components with a higher density are formed in a bottom part of the mainly horizontal section of pipe. The fluid components with the lower density and the fluid components with the higher density are removed through separate outlets of the mainly horizontal section of pipe.

Abstract: A process for treating alkaline solutions obtained from lithographic printing plate processing comprises admixing at least one alkaline solution and at least one acidic solution in the presence of at least one aqueous solution to obtain a discharge solution having a pH in the range of about 5.0 to 11.5. Another process for treating alkaline solutions obtained from lithographic printing plate processing comprises admixing at least one alkaline solution and at least one aqueous waste water solution to obtain an aqueous alkaline solution, and admixing the resultant aqueous alkaline solution with at least one acidic solution to obtain a discharge solution having a pH in the range of about 5.0 to 11.5, and to control systems for such processes, and methods of controlling such processes. The alkaline solution has a pH greater than 7.0, preferably greater than about 12.5, and the acidic solution has a pH less than 7.0, preferably less than about 2.5.

Abstract: A floating skimmer is used for automatically removing oil and other floating matter from the surface of liquid surrounding the skimmer, preferably in a basin or sump. Floats around the periphery and above the general body of the skimmer provide flotation while the unit is at rest. Two liquid removal devices are provided, one to remove the most dense liquid (generally oil) accumulated in the skimmer sump. A gasketed, hinged, floating weir rests on the fluid level in the skimmer sump and when liquid is removed from the sump by either the first or second device or a combination of both, the weir falls back, creating a cascade action which attracts the surface of surrounding liquid into the skimmer sump. Instrumentation is included to provide information for automatic operation and status reporting of the skimmer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Spring Water Delivery System and in particular to a system for bulk delivery of potable spring water to a customer's home. This system includes a bulk water supply truck equipped with a pumping system and an onboard ozone generator for delivery of potable tank water to a customer's supply tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of immiscible liquids from liquid influent has a containment vessel. An influent channel extends toward the bottom of the vessel so the influent is discharged vertically upward, a downwardly curved deflection plate is mounted above and aligned with the discharge end of the influent channel, and a plate with a downward slope from a central location extends toward the periphery of the vessel in a lower portion of the vessel than the deflection plate. This permits the influent to move radially outwardly thus slowing the influent and providing a residence time for gravitational separation of lighter immiscible liquids from the influent. A gap between the downward slope plate and the discharge end of the influent channel permits gravitational release of trapped immiscible liquids. A transfer tube, a sensor, and a pump are provided to pump the separated immiscible liquids out to a remote location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of photopolymer printing blocks, which are utilizable for producing printed matter by flexography, typography or dry offset, of the type including a stage for polymerizing areas by exposure to ultraviolet rays; a stage for engraving non-polymerized areas by immersion and brushing in an engraving bath contained in an engraving tank, the bath becoming loaded with dissolved particles or particles in suspension during the engraving stage; and a separation of the constituents of the engraving bath, with the liquid obtained at the time of separation being injected back into the engraving tank, characterized in that the separation consists of filtration, during which the particles are progressively eliminated. The invention also relates to an engraving device for carrying out the process.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for waste water treating system including a working tank, waste water treatment apparatus in the working tank by which organic waste in the waste water is treated. A discharge outlet is provided from the working tank. A waste water holding tank is located upstream of the working tank. A first transfer pump between the working tank and the holding tank is provided to transfer waste water from the holding tank to the waste water tank. A second transfer pump is provided to discharge waste water from the working tank through a discharge outlet. A sensor is provided to sense the values of physical characteristics of the waste water in the tanks and to issue signals indicative of the different values. The time of operation of at least one of the transfer pumps by the control computer is varied in accordance with the value indicated by the signal issued from the sensor.

Abstract: Liquid waste generated aboard a maritime vessel is separated into oily and non-oily components for separate treatment to obtain flow streams having different waste contents. Those of the flow streams having waste content reduced by the treatment are discharged overboard while the other flow streams having concentrated waste content are subject to incineration.

Abstract: Noxious odors and water pollution commonly associated with the raising of hogs, cattle or poultry under confined conditions are eliminated by replacing the conventional waste lagoon and waste spreading fields with a wastewater treatment plant. The treatment plant extracts manure from the wastewater, then dries and burns the manure along with collected waste gases. The liquid waste portion is filtered, deodorized and then recirculated to the growing buildings as flushwater.

Abstract: An improved dual-stage pump system is provided for the accurate pumping and filtering of viscous fluids. Two hydraulically activated pumps are provided in series with a filter and reservoir disposed in-line between the two pumps. The reservoir acts as a source bottle for the second pump and allows the first pump to pump the viscous fluid through the filter at a rate independent of the dispensing rate of the second pump. By operating the first pump at a rate independent of the second pump, back pressure at the filter is avoided. Each hydraulically activated diaphragm pump is equipped with an improved diaphragm that is pre-formed to the geometries of the process fluid cavity thereby eliminating any inaccuracies in the operation of the pumps due to expansion of retraction of the diaphragm during pump operation.

Abstract: A filter system employs a pressure differential to draw liquid from a first liquid vessel through a filter media to a filtered liquid chamber. A pressure assembly generates a reduced pressure in the chamber. One embodiment of the filtration apparatus includes a liquid vessel above a filtered liquid chamber. A laterally extending fluid-pervious support forms a septum between the liquid vessel and the filtered liquid chamber. The support can be a perforate plate and supports filter media. The apparatus includes a wheel element mounted in spaced relation to the perforate plate and at least a portion of which is located in the vessel. An indexing mechanism, illustratively employing a pneumatic actuator selectively rotates the wheel element for indexing the media.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for delivering and recycling a liquid such that a substantially air bubble-free liquid flow can be supplied to a process machine and a liquid flow that contains air bubbles can be recycled back into a liquid reservoir for venting away the air bubbles. The method and apparatus is not only capable of supplying air bubble-free liquid to a process machine, but also capable of saving a costly process liquid from being purged out into a waste tank in order to eliminate air bubbles entrapped in the liquid.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and an apparatus, of treating wastewater containing chemical substances, which comprises passing, into a continuous phase of water to be treated that has been formed by supplying raw water from an upper part of a tower, a supercritical fluid, from a lower part of the tower, to the upper part thereof, to bring the water to be treated and the supercritical fluid in countercurrent contact with each other, thereby separating the chemical substances from the water to be treated. These method and apparatus make it possible to treat wastewater containing chemical substances at a medium concentration, for which conventionally an effective physical or chemical treatment method is not found, efficiently without involvement of any secondary pollution.

Abstract: A system is described for the treatment of aircraft toilet waste water to permit discharge of the treated water to the atmosphere during flight, utilizing the pressure differential that is created between the aircraft's cabin pressure and the external atmosphere. The system includes a filter to remove suspended solids and other contaminants from the waste water, and may also include means to purify the water to potable water standards and means to recirculate the treated water for reuse on the aircraft.

Abstract: A purification apparatus and method for enabling the purification of the lake and pond waters, is installed as a fluidized bed sewage system directly on the raw water area. The apparatus takes in the raw waters in the lake and pond and purifies the water. The purified water is fed back to the raw water area by the pump.With this purification apparatus, the salt materials such as phosphate in the lakes, and the overall area of the waters can be purified while preventing the generation of phytoplanktons.

Abstract: An automatic control apparatus for effecting the continuous removal of contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a process fluid, such as water used to wash print towels or the like. The apparatus includes a pump for circulating wash water from a washer to a treatment tank. A diffuser is provided for air stripping the contaminants from the wash water in the tank. The diffused gas is exhausted through a vent in the tank, and a contaminant emissions concentration sensor detects the composition of VOCs in the exhaust. A controller signals the pump to vary the circulation based on the emissions concentration detected by the sensor. The wash water is continuously recirculated to the washer until a predetermined emissions concentration is reached. A drain in the tank releases the treated wash water to the environment.

Abstract: A filtration unit is provided with a self-cleaning mechanism which backflushes a screening element therein when it becomes blinded by solid material. A reservoir enables a head of screened liquid to be built up above the screening element. Upon blinding of the screening element, a subsequent rise in the pressure at the inlet of the filtration unit is detected by way of a rising fluid level in a vertically extending chamber. The above causes the opening of a discharge valve which enables a discharge flow to rapidly empty the reservoir through the screening element in a reverse direction, thereby clearing the screen. The clearing operation is carried out entirely hydraulically by the action of the screened fluid and thus no brushes, rakes or scraping devices are required.

Abstract: Oil is separated from an aqueous mixture by first feeding the oil-water mixture into a separation tank and allowing the mixture to separate by gravity so that the oil rises to the surface, forming a layer above the aqueous phase; then removing the layer of oil from the surface. The lower aqueous phase, typically containing residual oil in emulsified form, is removed through an outlet near the bottom of the tank and transferred to a second tank, forming a pool therein. The water is removed from the second tank by the action of an air-operated pump through a float-controlled ball valve to an external filter for removal of residual oil.

Abstract: Magnetic powder and substrate material are separately recovered from finely chopped wastes of magnetic recording media consisting of a polymeric substrate and a magnetic layer present thereon in which finely divided magnetic powder is dispersed in crosslinked or uncrosslinked polymeric binder by treating the finely chopped wastes of magnetic recording media in a solution consisting of the potassium salt of a polyunsaturated fatty acid, or a biodegradable cleaning agent comprising phosphates, surfactants and a complexing agent, and one or more organic solvents or water while being subjected to mechanical action, and separately removing the magnetic powder from the substrate material by washing or sedimentation or in a magnetic separator.

Abstract: A method of removing sludge from a continuously supplied sedimentation tank which discharges through a pipe having a substantially vertical section and an outlet at or just above the fluid level of the tank by supplying pulses of gas to the base of the vertical section of the tank to lift the sludge therein and discharge it from the pipe outlet in which the pulses are continued until the sludge thickness diminishes to a value which is determined by measuring one or more conditions of the sludge, the conditions including the measurement of the drop in level of the sludge at the pipe outlet after discharge due to an air pulse compared with that before discharge and/or the measurement of pressure of the shock wave produced against time and the time taken for this is stabilised to a predetermined value and/or the measurement of the amplitude of the pressure induced in the sludge after commencement of an air pulse and the time taken for this to reduce to a predetermined amplitude.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for purifying water-insoluble particles is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of continuously recirculating a fluid aqueous suspension of the water-insoluble particles between a filtration system and a suspension reservoir; continuously conducting ultrafiltration of the recirculating suspension at the filtration system to separate an aqueous permeate containing the water-soluble impurities from the recirculating fluid aqueous suspension; continuously discharging the permeate generated by ultrafiltration; adding water to the recirculating fluid aqueous suspension undergoing ultrafiltration at approximately the same volumetric rate per hour as permeate is being discharged; monitoring the purity of the recirculating fluid aqueous suspension; and recovering the purified fluid aqueous suspension after the recirculating fluid aqueous suspension has reached a predetermined purity condition. An apparatus is also disclosed for carrying out the above process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel intermittent slow sand filter and a method of using the intermittent filter. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel slow sand filter which remains effective, even when intermittently operated, and which can be periodically cleaned without disturbing the action of the intermittent filter.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining the condition of cutting fluids in a machine tool sump and for the removal of tramp oil from the cutting fluid has a pump to draw cutting fluid from the machine tool sump and transfer the fluid to an auxiliary tank where the fluid outlet is directed to drive a turbine wheel for rotation of a shaft and simultaneously aerate the cutting fluid. Drums on the shaft are partially submerged so as to be wetted by the tramp oil content. Wiper blades bear against the drum surfaces to strip the tramp oil from the drums as they rotate. A collecting trough is positioned below the wiper contact line to receive the tramp oil as it is stripped from the drum and drain it off to a waste container. In this manner, the cutting fluid is in constant circulation, even when the machine tool is idle.

Abstract: A filter is pressed down in a collection tube holding separated blood as a lower solids mass and an upper liquid mass defining with the lower mass an interface. The filter has a sleeve fittable in the tube and having a lower end covered by a membrane that fits snugly in the tube. A vertical level of an upper surface of the upper liquid mass in the tube is detected and a pusher is engaged with an upper end of the sleeve to push the filter downward in the tube. Downward pushing of the filter is stopped when the upper end of the sleeve is at a predetermined spacing above the vertical level of the liquid upper surface. A vertical level of the interface is also detected and downward pushing of the filter is also stopped when the membrane is at the vertical level of the interface. Thus two separate events can trigger stopping of the downward pushing: reaching the interface or reaching a certain fill level in the sleeve.

Abstract: Systems and methods obtain a platelet suspension with reduced number of leukocytes by centrifugally separating whole blood into red blood cells, a suspension of platelets, and an intermediate layer comprising leukocytes. The systems and methods convey the suspension of platelets from the centrifugal separation chamber to a filter, while maintaining the intermediate layer containing leukocytes inside the centrifugal separation chamber. The systems and methods filter remaining leukocytes from the platelet suspension in the filter.

Abstract: A uniform area shower for use with a disc filter. The disc filter includes at least one disc and moving showers that periodically remove a precoat layer of solids from the surface of the disc. In one embodiment the uniform area shower comprises a oscillating shower that is pivotly mounted and travels radially over the disc. In an alternative embodiment the uniform area shower comprises a traversing shower that mounts to a carriage and travels radially over the disc. Each shower includes a controller controlling the drive mechanism to vary the speed of transport of the shower across the surface of the disc such that time spent by the shower cleaning the disc at each radial cleaning position is generally proportional to the radial distance of the cleaning position from the center of the disc so that a wash liquid is applied to a uniform area of the interior and exterior of the disc.

Abstract: Apparatus to increase the level of oxygen ingested by livestock by oxygenation of the livestock water supply includes an enclosed tank having a top and having an inlet for admitting water from a supply of water and an outlet for discharging water from the tank. The tank has a first inlet port for introduction of compressed air into the tank from an air compressor. The tank has a second inlet port for allowing introduction of hydrogen peroxide. A float is located in the tank to selectively control the introduction of compressed air into the tank by activation of the air compressor when the water level reaches a preselected high point as the water in the tank absorbs oxygen from the air pocket above the water level. The float also opens a valve in an overflow tube disposed within the tank and keeps the valve open until the float reaches a predetermined low point as water is forced out the overflow tube by compressed air entering the tank.

Abstract: A rotor for collecting and centrifuging biological fluids in a range of volumes. The rotor includes an elastic impermeable diaphragm which defines at least a portion of a variable-volume processing chamber, where the fluid is centrifuged. The rotor includes a rigid mounting member, to which the diaphragm is mounted and which is held and spun by a chuck. Preferably, this rigid mounting member includes a boundary wall which together with the elastic diaphragm defines the chamber. The boundary wall may be a substantially imperforate circular wall which extends to the periphery of the processing chamber but defining one opening, preferably near the axis of rotation, permitting a conduit or conduits to pass therethrough so as to be in fluid communication with the processing chamber. The rotor may include a separate structure for controlling the flow of liquid out of the chamber into the conduit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control method and apparatus for the coordination of a number of automated liquid-solid separators with an in-line pump between a fluid feed tank and liquid-solid separators. The control method and apparatus develops on-line control signals for the process control of predetermined manipulated process variables. The present invention provides excellent separation control for fluid tanks in which fluid inlet rates vary.

Abstract: The method and apparatus mixes two immiscible liquids A and O to form a dispersion and then pre-separates the dispersion into two fractions (A+o) and (O+a) in a spout. These two fractions are fed separately into a decanter with two separate compartments which continue to maintain the two fractions as separate. Within the two separate compartments the two fractions are further separated into two flows, A, O, a, and o, such that four flows exit the decanter.

Abstract: Systems and methods rotate a chamber, in which whole blood is centrifugally separated into packed red blood cells, a plasma constituent, and an interface between the packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent. The interface carries platelets and mononuclear cells. The systems and methods include an interface control unit. The interface control unit is operative in a first state to enable removal of platelet-poor plasma in a first container for use as a diluting liquid. In a second state, the interface control unit retains mononuclear cells in the chamber, while removing platelet-rich plasma from the chamber, bypassing the platelet-poor collection container, thereby maintaining its platelet-poor character. In a third state, the interface control unit enables the removal of mononuclear cells from the chamber in a path that leads to a second container, where the mononuclear cells are collected.

Abstract: A rotor for collecting and centrifuging biological fluids in a range of volumes. The rotor includes an elastic impermeable diaphragm which defines at least a portion of a variable-volume processing chamber, where the fluid is centrifuged. The rotor includes a rigid mounting member, to which the diaphragm is mounted and which is held and spun by a chuck. Preferably, this rigid mounting member includes a boundary wall which together with the elastic diaphragm defines the chamber. The boundary wall may be a substantially imperforate circular wall which extends to the periphery of the processing chamber but defining one opening, preferably near the axis of rotation, permitting a conduit or conduits to pass therethrough so as to be in fluid communication with the processing chamber. The rotor may include a separate structure for controlling the flow of liquid out of the chamber into the conduit.

Abstract: This invention comprises a process and apparatus for producing purified drinking water from surface or ground fresh water sources using no chemical pre-treatment or coagulants, by usage of a positively-charged filtration media to attract the typically negatively-charged suspended solids present in the water source. The process, which can be portable, includes a filtration system having a filtration/recirculation/backwash component and a disinfection step. The process further includes a system controller which receives electrical signals from float controls to control the filtration, recirculation, and backwash steps. This process produces drinking water which meets or exceeds the guidelines set by the World Health Organization for turbidity and microbiological content.

Abstract: An intermittently operating slow sand filter uses the damming of water in a raised pipe to provide a constant level of water in a slow sand filter container. The container includes a water inlet and outlet, and is partially filled with sand or other filter material. A pipe from the water outlet in the slow sand filter is raised upward to the desired level of water over the sand before descending to a water reservoir. Water backs up in the pipe and the container to the desired level above the top of the sand, even when the flow of water is intermittent. The schmutzdeuke forms at the top of the filter medium. The water level in such a manually operated slow sand filter, using fine quartz sand as the filter medium, and at ambient temperatures (about 21.degree. C.) is maintained above about 1 cm above the top of the filter medium and below about 8 cm above the top of the slow sand filter.