Abstract: The method of forming a filter cake from a slurry comprising the steps of feeding the slurry into a filter housing, wherein the filter housing includes a plurality of vertical filter elements; pressing the slurry into the filter housing against the filter elements resulting in i) a filtrate passing through the filter elements and exiting out an exhaust port of the filter housing; ii) forming a solid cake on the filter elements; feeding a wash liquid into the filter housing while draining out the slurry by opening the slurry drain valve; closing the slurry drain valve and then continually feeding wash liquid through the cake and into the filter tube of the filter housing; stopping the feed of wash liquid; introducing a gas into the filter housing and draining out the wash liquid by opening a bottom drain valve; stopping the gas flow and opening a drain to exit most of the gas and remaining wash liquid; opening the bottom cake discharge valve; and back pulsing by a gas to break and to release the filter cake fr

Abstract: A method for processing wastewater includes the steps of introducing air and a liquid into a pump, and subjecting the air and liquid to high heat and pressure; delivering the heated and pressurized air and liquid from the pump to a gas and liquid separator to separate the air from the liquid; expanding the air from the gas and liquid separator through a nozzle to accelerate the air as it expands; injecting at least some portion of the wastewater to be processed into the air from the nozzle in an entrainment section downstream from the nozzle to entrain the wastewater into the air; passing the liquid portion from the gas and liquid separator through a valve to lower the pressure of the liquid to achieve flash evaporation of the liquid to produce water and steam; introducing the water and steam produced from the valve into the air and entrained wastewater in the entrainment section, to enhance entrainment of water into the air; and delivering the air and entrained wastewater from the entrainment section to an i

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for generating gaseous hydrocarbon fuel from a carbon based synthesis gas including a reaction chamber having a rotating shaft including a plurality of radial blades mixing and circulating carbon based synthesis gas and particulate catalyst upwardly generating gaseous hydrocarbon fuel, a stripping chamber located above the reaction chamber having a second axial rotating shaft including a plurality of radial blades driving hydrocarbon fuel radially outwardly, a source of hot stripping gas, an annular filter surrounding the stripping chamber and an annular gas collection chamber surrounding the filter. The blades in the stripping chamber are rotated independently at a greater velocity than the blades in the reaction chamber and the reaction is controlled by the temperature of the synthesis gas and the rotational velocity of the mixing blades in the reaction chamber.

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.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the precipitation of magnesium hydroxide in a standalone basis or in conjunction with the precipitation of calcium in different forms from saline streams. Methods are also disclosed for flue gas scrubbing in conjunction with the precipitation methods or in a standalone basis. Among the benefits of the disclosed methods is that their resulted spent saline stream and/or gas can be used, for instance, to feed seawater desalination plants and/or to enhance hydrocarbons recovery.

Abstract: A polymer for use in photoresist compositions is synthesized by effecting polymerization reaction to form a polymerization product mixture and subjecting the mixture to molecular weight fractionation by a liquid phase separation technique using a good solvent and a poor solvent. The fractionation step is iterated at least twice, and one iteration of fractionation includes adding a good solvent which is different from the good solvent added in the other iteration of fractionation.

Abstract: A method for harvesting potable water and energy from waste that comprises the steps of collecting the waste, separating the waste into a water fraction, a solid fraction, and a gas fraction, sterilizing the water fraction, converting the solid fraction into an energy resource; and scrubbing the gas fraction.

Abstract: A reactor which comprises a vessel (1) with a vessel bottom (2), a stirrer (3) arranged in the vessel, an emergency discharge valve (4) arranged in the vessel bottom for emptying the reactor in less than 600 seconds and at least one filtration device (5) arranged in the vessel bottom is suitable for the safe preparation of organic peroxides. The process for preparing an organic peroxide comprises the steps of preparing a solid hydroperoxide in the form of a suspension in the reactor, filtering the suspension through the filtration device (5) arranged in the vessel bottom (2) while retaining the solid hydroperoxide in the reactor and reacting the hydroperoxide with an alkylating agent, an acylating agent or a carbonyl compound.

Abstract: A green process and system are disclosed for utilizing a biomass filter aid in the filtration of a bio-oil. The process comprises filtering a bio-oil containing residual solids from a conversion reaction in the presence of the biomass filter aid to produce a filtered bio-oil. The biomass filter aid facilitates efficient removal of residual solids from the bio-oil. The spent biomass filter aid containing the residual solids may be recycled as a conversion feedstock or used as a combustion heat source in the biomass conversion system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing settleable solids and unsettleable solids from a partially closed flush system in a dairy milking operation whereby a first processing tank bottom removes settleable solids contained therein where the net current flow vertically in the process tank is less than the settling rate of the settleable solids contained therein. The process tank batch feeds a plurality of thickening tanks that are each allowed to settle for a period of time before transferring fluid is to a second separator. The method and apparatus uses the solids for feeding a digester.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an integrated desalination and salt plant for the production of a salt or slurry product of high purity. The reject stream from the desalination plant is used as the feed stream for the salt plant. The salt plant feed stream is filtered to effectively remove sulfate, which prevents scale formation in the salt plant equipment. The filtering may also reduce the level of calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, or other components of the feed which may also prevent scale formation in the salt plant equipment. The salt plant produces a high purity salt product without the use of chemical purification.

Abstract: Systems and methods for lowering levels of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants are provided. Economically viable systems and processes capable of removing vast quantities of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants from gaseous waste streams and sequestering them in storage-stable forms are also discussed.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method of separating solid dental waste from liquid dental waste including capturing the solid dental waste in a permanently filtration unit while the liquid dental waste passes through the filtration unit, transferring the filtration unit to a central storage container; storing the central container until the central container is shipped to a handling facility; and separating the solid dental waste from the filtration unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for extracting cakes resulting from pressurized filtration from a sealed tank (1) in which rotary filters (2) are provided, the tank being provided with a hopper (1b) for recovering solid particles and having an extension, in the lower portion thereof, in the form of a hatch (10) defined between at least two temporary blocking members (11, 12), characterized in that each temporary blocking member includes a rotary shaft (100) transversally arranged in the hatch and bearing at least one set (101, 102, 103) of two diametrically opposite radial fins having a global surface substantially corresponding to the cross-section of the hatch (10) and optionally at least one set of two radial forks (104, 105), as well as peripheral sealing means(102) mounted on the inner wall of the hatch opposite the end edge of said fins. The invention also relates to an associated extraction method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating lime mud slurry being generated in a causticizing process in a pulp mill in a disc filter, in which method the lime mud is fed in the filter, thickened on the filter discs and removed from the filter discs. The lime mud is treated in at least two stages in one and the same disc filter in such a way that the lime mud slurry entering the filter is fed onto only a part of the filter discs, on which lime mud is thickened and removed from the discs, and the removed lime mud is re-slurried in liquid, and the lime mud slurry thus obtained is fed onto a second part of the filter discs, on which lime mud is thickened and removed from the filter and led into a subsequent process stage. The invention also relates to an apparatus.

Abstract: A method for producing a fiber membrane of nanofibers that have both smooth and porous surface features. The method includes materials processing using polymer mixes with solvents and melt polymers with additives. The method includes nanomaterial incorporation onto a fiber structure after formation of the fiber structure. The fiber structure can be a part of a nanoparticle carrier material, a nanoparticle disposal medium, a lighting medium, and a catalysis medium.

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: A method to process grease trap waste or refuse and remove organic matter, and reclaim fats, oils, and grease (FOG) found in it. The process is initiated after dewatering the grease trap material to increase its concentration; the resulting sludge is then mixed with a solvent. The dissolved fractions of fats, oils, and grease are separated using mechanical methods. The solids are washed to further remove any traces of fats, oils, and grease. The solids, substantially free from organic content, are dried to remove any water and/or organic matter remaining, rendering inert solids that can be safely disposed of according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. All fats, oils, and, grease fractions are separated, containing no inert materials, and no water. The solvent is recuperated (recycled), allowing it to be used over again. The recuperated grease fractions, highly pure and homogeneous, constitute an excellent raw material for further oleo-chemical processes and applications.

Abstract: A method for disposal of desalination concentrated brine waste product from a desalination process provides that the desalination concentrated brine waste product is injected, along with a carbon dioxide waste product, typically into an imperviously capped porous rock formation, typically including a saline aquifer. The desalination concentrated brine waste product and the carbon dioxide waste product (i.e., which may be injected as a supercritical liquid) may be injected simultaneously or sequentially. The method provides for environmentally acceptable disposal of the desalination concentrated brine waste product and the carbon dioxide waste product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method to reclaim water. The water that may be reclaimed begins as untreated treatable water, which is water having solids, particulates, or minerals not originally in the water. Untreated treatable water is also natural water having solids, particulates, or minerals that are undesired. The invention provides for removal of the totally dissolved solids from the water by micronizing the water in a chamber having a first temperature, and condensing the water in a second chamber having an interior surface that is cooled to the ambient wet-bulb temperature of the surrounding environment. Reclaimed treatable water from this invention becomes usable water.

Abstract: A cyclonic debris evacuation apparatus and method for evacuating debris in a pumping system that forms between the plunger exterior and barrel interior. The apparatus is configured for use with a valve rod and has a cyclone component, cup component, ring component, and ring coupler component. The apparatus is also configured for use with a hollow valve rod and has a hollow valve rod coupler component, cup component, ring component, and ring coupler component. The cup component can be composed of a high density poly-fiber material that helps in creating a positive seal between the cup component and barrel interior during pumping operations, helping to direct solids into the cup component and thereby preventing them from travelling southward in the direction of the barrel and causing damage. In another embodiment, the cup component can include a specialized leading edge adapted to direct solids into the cup component.

Abstract: A local sewage processing unit is provided that receives sewage from a local source of sewage, extracts water from the received sewage that is suitable for re-use and includes a pump that is configured to pump sewage from a receiving section of the local sewage processing unit into a pressure sewer network, as required.

Abstract: The salt water distillation system includes a sprinkler to form a mist of salt water over a distillation plate. The distillation plate is heated by applying electrical current to a heating coil. The steam is transferred to a condensation chamber and condensed fresh water is collected. During the desalination process, salt impurities are deposited on the hot distillation plate. A sludge remover, i.e., a steam head and movable ram, is provided to clean the distillation plate of the salt impurities. An exhaust fan is provided to cool fresh water condensate and lower air pressure in the system. Heat transferred from the steam during condensation is used to pre-heat the salt water to increase efficiency of the system.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the use of a class of acetylenic surfactants to resolve or break water and oil emulsions. The surfactants are of particular advantage in resolving crude oil emulsions of the type encountered in desalter and similar apparatus designed to extract brines from the crude as they partition to the aqueous phase in the desalter. Also, the surfactants may be used to separate oil from oil sands and similar oil/solids matrices.

Abstract: A process for treating a sludge of biological solids has the steps of mixing an oxide-containing chemical with a pozzolanic material, reacting the mixture with the sludge so as to elevate a temperature of the sludge to between 40° C. and 140° C., pressurizing the blended sludge to a pressure of greater than 14.7 p.s.i.a., recycling a portion of the reacted sludge so as to increase a solids content of the sludge, and discharging at least a portion of the pressurized mixed sludge. The step of discharging includes flashing the pressurized mixed sludge across a restricting orifice so as to cause the liquid component to be evaporated.

Abstract: A cellulosic feedstock composition including an oil content of up to 15% of the composition, a cellulose content of 40-99% of the composition, a hemicellulose content of 2-20% of the composition, a lignin content of less than 15% of the composition, a nitrogen containing organic compound content of less than 20% of the composition, a protein containing organic compound content of less than 20% of the composition, a mineral content of less than 5% of the composition, a sand content of less than 5% of the composition, and a dirt content of less than 25% of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method for separating a fat component of a fluid-fat mixture extracted from a patient. More particularly, the method of invention places a sponge formed of a fluid-absorbing material, such as polyvinyl acetal, in contact with the mixture so as to absorb the fluid component, thereby separating the fat component of the mixture. The separated fat component can then be injected into a selected body portion of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel filter for filtration and recovery of suspended particles in water, which can filtrate the suspended particles in water simply and fast as well as recover the particles efficiently, and a method for filtration and recovery. The method involves the process of physically filtrating suspended particles in water using a filter comprised of soluble powder layered on a support and then dissolving the soluble powder of the filter in acid to recover the suspended particles filtrated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating solids from a fluid. The apparatus includes a first container for receiving solids and fluid and a second container adjacently disposed to the first container in fluid communication therewith. The apparatus includes a conveying member extending upwardly from the bottom of the first container and angling upwardly through the second container such that the conveying member transports solids that settle to the sloped bottom portion of the first container from the first container and through the second container. A conveyor member housing may be disposed in the second container so as to provide an enclosure about the conveyor member to prevent solids that are being transported through the second container by the conveyor member from being deposited into the second container while permitting fluid that separates from the solids during transport to pass from the conveyor member housing and into the second container.

Abstract: A process for transforming sludge into NPK type granulated fertilizer in which the energy consume is reduced a 90% thanks to the addition of a special filtration step in which the water content is reduced a 50% and the remaining water is evaporated by the exothermic reaction occurring in the process. Additionally, the process of the present invention includes mechanisms that allow some of the by products generated by some of the reactions, to adsorb crystallization water and reduce the humidity of the mass without using external energy.

Abstract: A novel method to filter stormwater in existing and new facilities. The system is generally an insert or series of inserts which include lightweight aggregate (“LWA”) in a manner such that the aggregate is retained in the insert. The insert includes openings to allow water to flow into the insert and through the LWA such that contaminants are captured by the aggregate and removed from the water which exits the insert.

Abstract: A method for separating and recovering ultrafine particulate solid material from a suspension or slurry of the solid material and a hydrocarbon liquid by precipitation or flocculation of a heavy fraction of the hydrocarbon liquid with an effective amount of a precipitation or flocculation agent such that the precipitated heavy fraction encapsulates the particulate solid material. The method further comprises coking the precipitated heavy fraction and grinding the coked product to an ultrafine size.

Abstract: Processes for separating a solid from a solids-liquids slurry under conditions that prevent ingress of molecular oxygen are advantageous where the presence of molecular oxygen would otherwise reduce efficiencies, contribute to limited product yields, and potentially compromise safe operation of the process or downstream unit operations. Among the various embodiments disclosed herein, is a process utilizing filter columns as solid-liquid separators in combination with crystallization and reslurry unit operations to recover a product component from an initial feed mixture of miscible components. Embodiments of the disclosed processes may include the separation and purification of a product component using a crystallizer in series with a filter column followed by a chemical reactor, using a reslurry drum in series with a filter column, and using a combination of crystallizers and/or reslurry drums in series with at least one filter column.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the separation of a particulate-fluid suspension are provided. An apparatus for the separation of a particulate-fluid suspension can include an enclosed vessel having two or more sections disposed coaxially along a common longitudinal centerline, wherein a first section has a first cross sectional area, and a second section has a second cross sectional area. A plurality of apertures can be disposed about the second section. The apparatus can have a cylindrical surface, parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the apparatus, disposed within the first section. A fluid distribution channel having a plurality of apertures can be disposed either about an exterior surface or an interior of the apparatus. A plurality of fluid conduits can provide fluid communication between the fluid distribution channel and the plurality of apertures distributed about the second section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for efficiently filtering slurry suspensions in a vessel including a nozzle flange near the vessel, when solids in the slurry suspensions being treated in the vessel are filtered for cleaning or for other purposes and subsequently subjected to reslurrying, dissolving or dispersing operation. A method for producing suspensions, solutions or dispersions comprising separating solids from slurry suspensions and then slurrying, dissolving or dispersing the solids again by adding a solvent, characterized in that the above described solids are separated in the same vessel as the one in which the operation to obtain the above described slurry suspensions has been performed and/or inside a flange directly connected to the same vessel.

Abstract: A method and system of treating wastewater that can provide operating flexibility is disclosed. The system is operated with a sequencing batch reactor, which is typically cycling to any of fill, react, settle, decant, and idle stages, to treat the wastewater. The system can further utilize a membrane filtration system to further treat water from the sequencing batch reactor and produce suitable water. A solids-reducing system can be connected to the sequencing batch reactor and reduce an amount of biodegraded solids by converting the character or distribution of microorganisms population in the biomass.

Abstract: A material processing method produces a fiber product by anaerobic digesting of input material such as dairy flush to produce a gas product and a liquid and solid fiber product, by thereafter separating liquid components and solid fiber components of the liquid and solid fiber product, and by thereafter aerobic conditioning of the solid fiber components to derive the fiber product useful as a soil amendment in the manner of peat moss.

Abstract: There is provided apparatuses and methods for eluting microorganisms from filter media. The apparatus includes a housing for receiving filer media suspected of containing microorganisms and means for exposing the filter media to a pressurized buffer solution. By passing the buffer solution through the filter media tinder pressure, microorganisms trapped in or on the filter media are eluted therefrom.

Abstract: A method of removing suspended solids from a gasification process water stream includes, in an exemplary embodiment, providing a gasification process water stream containing process derived suspended solids, settling at least a portion of the suspended solids from the process water stream in a settling apparatus, providing a filter apparatus having a plurality of filter elements, and removing a portion of the settled solids from the settling apparatus. The method also includes precoating the filter elements with the settled solids removed from the settling apparatus, directing a portion of the process water stream from the settling apparatus to the filter apparatus, and filtering the portion of the process water stream directed from the settling apparatus through the precoated filter elements to remove suspended solids particles to form a filtrate.

Abstract: A method of disposing of waste material in a waste stream, including positioning a porous foamed glass member characterized by an open-cell interconnected pore network in contact with a volume of liquid to be purified and removing an amount of an undesired material from the volume of liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing settleable solids and unsettleable solids from a partially closed flush system in a dairy milking operation whereby a first processing tank bottom removes settleable solids contained therein where the net current flow vertically in the process tank is less than the settling rate of the settleable solids contained therein. The process tank batch feeds a plurality of thickening tanks that are each allowed to settle for a period of time before transferring fluid is to a second separator. The method and apparatus uses the solids for feeding a digester.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the wet-mechanical treatment of a substance mixture, particularly of refuse of all types, comprised of inert substances, water and of organic substances having a water-soluble and bioconvertible portion, whereby water is used as a solvent, washing agent and separating agent.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from a fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation physics allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The filtered fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant particulate matter retained by the filter media may be removed by the instantenous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a concentrator for further treatment.

Abstract: A process for partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon gas or liquid, involving the steps of partial oxidation and removal of soot by forming a slurry having water and carbon from the gaseous oxidation product, and separating part of the water from the slurry to obtain a soot composition having less water, wherein the separation is performed by means of a decanter centrifuge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating lime mud slurry being generated in a causticizing process in a pulp mill in a disc filter, in which method the lime mud is fed in the filter, thickened on the filter discs and removed from the filter discs. The lime mud is treated in at least two stages in one and the same disc filter in such a way that the lime mud slurry entering the filter is fed onto only a part of the filter discs, on which lime mud is thickened and removed from the discs, and the removed lime mud is re-slurried in liquid, and the lime mud slurry thus obtained is fed onto a second part of the filter discs, on which lime mud is thickened and removed from the filter and led into a subsequent process stage. The invention also relates to an apparatus.

Abstract: A horizontally-extending shear tank having a plurality of blades spaced along a horizontally extending elongated shaft disposed in the tank for shearing floc in a water treatment system. A method of collecting a swath magnetic floc, transferring the floc to the horizontally-extending shear tank, shearing magnetic seed from the floc to produce a slurry swath, and transferring the slurry swath to a magnetic device to separate the magnetic seed for recycling.

Abstract: A method to process grease trap waste or refuse and remove organic matter, and reclaim fats, oils, and grease (FOG) found in it. The process is initiated after dewatering the grease trap material to increase its concentration; the resulting sludge is then mixed with a solvent. The dissolved fractions of fats, oils, and grease are separated using mechanical methods. The solids are washed to further remove any traces of fats, oils, and grease. The solids, substantially free from organic content, are dried to remove any water and/or organic matter remaining, rendering inert solids that can be safely disposed of according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. All fats, oils, and, grease fractions are separated, containing no inert materials, and no water. The solvent is recuperated (recycled), allowing it to be used over again. The recuperated grease fractions, highly pure and homogeneous, constitute an excellent raw material for further oleo-chemical processes and applications.

Abstract: A method for separating particulate matter from a fluid includes feeding a fluid containing a particulate matter into a chamber of a vessel through an inlet, the chamber being at least partially bounded by a peripheral wall and the chamber also communicating with a first outlet and a second outlet. The vessel is rotated such that at least a portion of the particulate matter settles out of the fluid against at least a portion of the peripheral wall. At least a portion of the particulate matter settled against the peripheral is subsequently disturbed so that at least a portion of the particulate matter is resuspend within the fluid. The method further includes removing at least a portion of the fluid having the resuspended particulate matter therein through the first outlet and removing through the second outlet the fluid from which the particulate material has settled out.

Abstract: The present invention provides a used paper diaper processing method comprising: a swell suppressing step for immersing a used paper diaper in a swell suppressant solution to suppress the swelling of the polymer with high water absorbability; a breakup step for breaking up the paper diaper subsequent to the swell suppressing step while stirring the same immersed in a processing liquid, into a cover material breakup substance and an absorbing material breakup substance; a cover material breakup substance removing step for removing the cover material breakup substance; a filtering step for filtering the processing liquid containing the absorbing material breakup substance and excreta to separate and remove the absorbing material breakup substance; and a liquid discharging step for discharging the processing liquid containing excreta into a sewage treatment facility; and an absorbing material breakup substance recovering step for recovering the absorbing material breakup substance separated and removed by the fi

Abstract: Vegetable sources of cancer chemoprotective agents have been identified which are extraordinarily rich in glucosinolates, metabolic precursors of isothiocyanates. The vegetable sources are used to provide a dietary means of reducing the level of carcinogens in mammals.