Abstract: In the Invention is directed to a method and apparatus for dewatering sludge wastes discharged from a factory such as pulp factory. Sludge wastes are first dewatered by a preliminary dewatering device such as a pre-thickener of a rotary screen type, sludge discharged from the preliminary dewatering device is then supplied to a main dewatering device such as a screw press. Waste liquid discharged from the preliminary and main dewatering devices are supplied to an agglutinating reaction tank together with a macromolecular agglutinating reagent and agglutinated substances in the agglutinating reaction tank are treated by the main dewatering device. The agglutinated substances formed on the bottom surface of the agglutinating reaction tank can be treated by a second main dewatering device other than the main dewatering device. A necessary amount of the macromolecular agglutinating reagent supplied to the agglutinating reaction tank can be reduced without deteriorating the dewatering efficiency.

Abstract: A single dose of additive contributes to three consecutive fine coal unit operations, i.e., flotation, dewatering and reconstitution, whereby the fine coal is first combined with water in a predetermined proportion so as to formulate a slurry. The slurry is then mixed with a heavy hydrocarbon-based emulsion in a second predetermined proportion and at a first predetermined mixing speed and for a predetermined period of time. The conditioned slurry is then cleaned by a froth flotation method to form a clean coal froth and then the froth is dewatered by vacuum filtration or a centrifugation process to form reconstituted products that are dried to dust-less clumps prior to combustion.

Abstract: The device of the present invention removes suspended solids from a liquid medium, such as particles in an oil-based sludge. The device includes a filter chamber having an inlet for introducing liquid into the chamber, with the liquid containing suspended solids. The chamber also has an outlet for releasing filtered liquid which is substantially free from suspended solids. The liquid coming into the chamber is forced through a filter element to remove the suspended solids therefrom. The removed solids are compressed in the chamber by a reciprocating piston. When a sufficient quantity of suspended solids accumulate within the chamber, a discharge valve is opened and the compressed solids are discharged from the chamber. The device is operated automatically by a computer, which controls a series of operation cycles, including normal filtering operation, compression of solids, purging of solids, and cleansing of the filter element.

Abstract: A solute can be separated from a solute/solvent solution by dissolving a gas-forming material into said solution and then adjusting the temperature, pressure and solute concentration of the resulting solution such that a Joule-Thompson free expansion of the gas-forming material released from the solution will produce a three-phase separation of the components of said solution.

Abstract: The dewatering of sludge is improved by utilizing a water-soluble cationic copolymer in the aqueous phase of a water-in-oil emulsion wherein the copolymer has been prepared by (i) preparing an aqueous solution of a non-ionic monomer and a portion of the cationic monomer, (ii) emulsifying the aqueous solution in a hydro-carbon oil to form a water-in-oil emulsion, (iii) adding the balance of the total intended cationic monomer to the emulsion while substantially no polymerization is occurring, and (iv) polymerizing the monomers.

Abstract: A method for recovery of printing ink wastes is provided which greatly minimizes pollution problems attendant to the disposal of ink wastes, while permitting formulation of usable ink products from the wastes. The method involves first creating a flowable stream of material including the ink wastes, and directing this stream to a hydroheater (16) along with incoming steam. In the hydroheater (16), the ink wastes are subjected to elevated temperatures and pressures, and intense shear, creating a homogeneous, flowable output. This output may then be dried and powdered, and the powder may be reconstituted as a black ink suitable for commercial printing operations. If desired, the hydroheater (16) output may be treated in a filter press (252) to obtain a filter cake (258), and this cake (258) may be subsequently subdivided and treated with ink carriers to form a processing ink.

Abstract: A filter press plate shifter assembly provided with a shifting housing having a tunnel-like center part which passes over the filter plates and housing parts positioned adjacent opposite side rails. The housing parts are rollingly supported on rods which extend along the side rails. One housing part mounts a rotary pneumatic motor and a drive roller which drivingly engages the rod to control movement of the shifter assembly along the press. Each side housing part mounts a pneumatic plate shifter for permitting the endmost plate in the closed stack to be individually and sequentially shifted away from the stack into an open position when discharge of filtrate is desired. The shifter housing mounts a bumping device which cooperates with the endmost plate in the stack to effect vertical bumping thereof relative to the support rails to assist in loosening sticky cake which adheres to the plate.

Abstract: The local reclamation system includes an accumulation tank for a soiled solution. A tank outlet valve selectively allows a flow of the solid soiled solution into the remainder of the system. A blend conduit leads from the outlet valve. An oxidizing supply selectively provides an oxidizing agent to said soiled solution downstream of the outlet valve in the blend conduit. A blend pump receives the soiled solution with oxidizing agent to promote the flow of the soiled solution through the system and a more uniformed disposal of the oxidizing agent throughout the solution. A six stage filter section selectively removes particulate matter. A biologic stage promotes a sterile reclaimed solution and a solution accumulator accumulates and stores the solution. Repeated injections of oxidizing agents occur before filter stage sections and pumps. The reclaimed solution can be reused or discharged without penalty.

Abstract: A highly energy efficient process for removing hydrocarbons from polymer slurries is disclosed. The process includes feeding a hydrocarbon-containing polymer slurry to a flash tank to flash a portion of the hydrocarbon from the slurry. Thereafter, the resulting slurry is fed to a fluid bed dryer wherein additional hydrocarbon is stripped from the polymer. Subsequently, the resulting polymer powder is transferred to a powder silo wherein further hydrocarbon is removed from the polymer utilizing a heated purge gas flowing countercurrent to the polymer powder. The polymer output preferably has a low hydrocarbon content, on the order of 100 ppm or less.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for treating waste sulfuric acid generated from a process for producing titanium dioxide pigment by treating titanium slag with sulfuric acid. The waste acid is treated in a first step with a calcium-containing material to produce a gypsum suspension which is filtered and from which a filtrate is recovered. The filtrate is treated in a second step with a calcium-containing substance and clarification solids from the treatment of the titanium slag with sulfuric acid. A precipitate is produced in this second step which is subsequently filtered. The precipitate is suitable for disposal in a landfill.

Abstract: A method for melting snow containing solids and chemical contaminants and washing the solids is disclosed therein. The method includes the steps of heating the snow mixture within a hopper to melt the snow into water, gravitationally separating the solids from the water, agitating the water and solids to wash and separate chemical contaminates from the solids, discharging the water/contaminant mixture from the hopper for further treatment, and discharging the decontaminated solids. A cleansing agent may be added during the washing step to facilitate separation of the chemical contaminants from the solids.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of tank bottom wastes employing a flash tank fed with hot, pressurized tank bottom wastes and separating a vapor component and heavier bottoms then fed to a stripping reactor along with hot gas producing an overhead vapor with a solid remainder. Such remainder is alternatively fed to a pyrolyzing reactor at elevated temperatures producing vapors with a solid residue. The vapor streams are used with a regenerative heat exchanger to heat said tank bottom wastes to a temperature appropriate for entering the flash tank. Certain recycled material is employed as fuel.

Abstract: Solid materials, such as soils, containing contaminants are treated with hydroxyl radicals, in the gas phase. The hydroxyl radicals are created by hydrogen peroxide or ozone, preferably a combination of hydrogen peroxide, ozone and UV light. A decontamination unit for on-site use in the treatment of contaminated solid materials, such as contaminated soil is a totally enclosed closed-loop system.

Abstract: A process for the production of a durable granular or pelletized sludge product is disclosed whereby a minimal amount of high calcium oxide material is utilized for pathogenic stabilization, the resulting material being further processed through an agglomeration stage. A portion of the agglomerated material is further processed in a moisture reduction or drying stage and recycled back to the agglomeration stage for percent solids adjustment and promotion of agglomeration. An apparatus for performing the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A garbage disposal system for household garbage which includes a crushing and shearing unit for the process to separate the liquid from the solid and to shear the solid into refuse strips, a screw friction machine to supply the heat source for a scrap metal recovery unit to collect scrap metal from refuse strips, a drying and a high-temperature heating process to heat refuse strips into dry state, a compressing process to compress refuse strips into refuse blocks, and a cement blocking process to make refuse blocks into caissons for sea water concrete or tidal land construction. Waste liquid filter and waste gas filter are used to filtrate impurities from waste liquid or gas.

Abstract: In a treatment or processing or sewage sludge in the sense of recycling, where the sewage sludge is to begin with dried (T), subsequently converted (K) under anaerobic conditions at approximately 250.degree. to 350.degree. C. and finally is sintered at at least 1250.degree. C. in successive steps, it is proposed to perform all process steps including the conveyance of the commodity to be processed between the individual processing steps successively in continuous passage in a closed system. Only the vapors are removed in this system in the drying stage (T) and the conversion gases in the conversion stage (K) and they are condensed; the heat quantity contained in the flue gas generated during the sintering process (S) is utilized for heating to begin with the conversion stage (K) and after that the drying stage (T).

Abstract: Oil, water, and sludge are separated from a mixture thereof to provide waste oil, usable water, and concentrated sludge. The sludge can be further reduced in volume to facilitate disposal. The invention includes a system having a vessel with a coalescer supported therewithin to form an upper oil containment chamber at the top of the vessel, a contaminated water inlet chamber at one side, a lower sludge containing chamber at the bottom, and a treated water outlet chamber at the other side. The coalescer includes a number of corrugated plate members disposed parallel to one another and inclined respective to the horizontal. The corrugations of the plate members, when viewed in horizontal cross-section, form a sinusoidal wave pattern. There being a wide, long, thin, inclined, sinusoidal passageway formed between the plate members that extend from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dewatering an aqueous coal slurry includes imparting high shear forces to the aqueous coal slurry in the presence of a peptizing agent to render coal particles hydrophobic by stripping clay from the coal particles and peptizing the clay in the aqueous medium of the slurry. The slurry is separating to recover coal particles and the aqueous medium is draining medium from the hydrophobic surface of the coal particles.

Abstract: Contaminated soils are treated in that an aqueous slurry of the soil is separated into a coarse fraction and a fine fraction, the fine fraction is subjected to flotation, the resulting froth is dewatered and then carried away as a pollutant concentrate, and the underflow from the flotation is dewatered and is then carried away as purified soil. An emulsified oily vegetable oil is used as a collector agent for the selective flotation or an emulsified light mineral oil is used as a collector agent for the selective flotation and a light mineral oil is stirred as a conditioning agent into the fine fraction before it is subjected to the selective flotation.

Abstract: Drill cuttings are cleaned of oil-based drilling mud and oil using a cleansing agent, such as a C6-C10 carboxylic acid, that is preferentially oil soluble at one pH and preferentially water soluble at another pH. The oily cuttings are treated with the carboxylic acid and then washed with an aqueous, alkaline washing solution, which converts the carboxylic acid to its water soluble salt and, with vigorous agitation, lifts most of the oil from the cuttings. In other embodiments, the process is used for cleaning oil-contaminated soil, sand, and gravel, and for separating the oils from the solids in oily sludges.

Abstract: A method for recovery of printing ink wastes is provided which greatly minimizes pollution problems attendant to the disposal of ink wastes, while permitting formulation of usable ink products from the wastes. The method involves first creating a flowable stream of material including the ink wastes, and directing this stream to a hydroheater (16) along with incoming steam. In the hydroheater (16), the ink wastes are subjected to elevated temperatures and pressures, and intense shear, creating a homogeneous, flowable output. This output may then be dried and powdered, and the powder may be reconstituted as a black ink suitable for commercial printing operations. If desired, the hydroheater (16) output may be treated in a filter press (252) to obtain a filter cake (258), and this cake (258) may be subsequently subdivided and treated with ink carriers to form a processing ink.

Abstract: A process for disposing of sanitary sewage sludge by producing a pumpable slurry of sewage sludge and low grade solid carbonaceous fuel and burning said slurry as fuel in a partial oxidation gas generator, furnace, or boiler. The aqueous slurry of sewage sludge is concentrated by removing water by means of a conventional belt filter press or presses. Prior to and/or immediately after said concentrating step particles of low grade solid carbonaceous fuel e.g. lignitic coal, peat, wood and cellulose-containing materials are mixed with the slurry of sewage sludge. The dewatered slurry of sewage sludge and low grade solid carbonaceous fuel is hydrothermally treated in three stages and excess water is separated by flash evaporization and/or centrifuging.

Abstract: A process for disposing of sanitary sewage sludge by producing a pumpable slurry of sewage sludge and solid carbonaceous fuel e.g. coal, petroleum coke, rubber. The slurry is burned as a fuel in a partial oxidation gas generator, furnace, or boiler. In the process, an aqueous slurry of sewage sludge is concentrated by removing water by means of a conventional belt filter press or presses. The dewatered slurry of sewage sludge is hydrothermally treated and cooled and depressurized. The viscosity of the slurry of sewage sludge is reduced to less than about 2000 centipoise by shearing. The sheared sewage sludge is then ground together with a solid carbonaceous fuel to produce a pumpable slurry which is burned with a free-oxygen containing gas in a partial oxidation gasifier, furnace, boiler, or incinerator to produce a hot raw effluent gas stream. In a preferred embodiment, the effluent gas stream is cleaned and purified and non-contaminating ash and slag are separated.

Abstract: A method for efficiently thickening and dewatering a slurry sludge in a short period of time without the necessity of a vast site, which comprises the steps of: stirring a slurry sludge added with a coagulant in a stirring tank to convert the slurry sludge into a floc; supplying the floc and a superantant liquid, which are produced in the stirring tank, onto an inlet side of an inclined endless travelling filter cloth of an endless travelling filter cloth type dewatering unit, which comprises a dewatering tank and the above-mentioned inclined endless travelling filter cloth arranged in the dewatering tank; continuously travelling the thus supplied floc, on the endless travelling filter cloth, toward an exit side thereof; thickening the floc on a portion of the endless travelling filter cloth, which portion is located in the supernatant liquid in the dewatering tank, and dewatering the thus thickened floc on a portion of the endless travelling filter cloth, which portion is located above the surface of the sup

Abstract: A solute can be separated from a solute/solvent solution by dissolving a gas-forming material into said solution and then adjusting the temperature, pressure and solute concentration of a resulting single phase composite liquid such that a Joule-Thompson free expansion of said composite liquid will produce a three phase separation of its components.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filtering procedure by which the solid matter and the fluid contained in a sludge are separated in a box filter. The sludge is passed in the filter into a filtering space (2) between two opposite filter cloths (3), where the fluid is separated, whereupon the cake (13) of solid matter produced is dried by passing a stream of air through it. The essential feature of the invention is that the drying is performed by passing a stream of air into the cake (13) first from one side and then from the opposite side of the filtering space (2) in such manner that the air flows in opposite directions through the cake during these drying phases. Penetrating through the filter cloth (3) into the cake, the air causes the cake to be detached from the cloth. When the filtering space is opened, the cake thus detached and dried can be removed directly without specific detaching efforts.

Abstract: Drilling mud is rapidly decomposed by admixing one or more enzymes with the mud to selectively degrade one or more polymeric organic viscosifiers therein. A method of cleaning up a well site drilling mud pit containing drilling mud is provided. Also provided are a composition and method of removing residual drilling mud from a wellbore and around the well face.

Abstract: A method for removing hydrocarbon impurities, particularly oil, from water comprising the steps of applying pulverized hydrocarbon gilsonite or a slurry thereof to a body of water containing the impurities, mixing the gilsonite and hydrocarbon to form a mixture, allowing the mixture to separate from the water and coagulate and removing the solution, followed by recovering the oil using existing cracking techniques. The invention also comprises additional steps of purifying the hydrocarbon gilsonite and aerating the same before application to the water to improve the oil absorption and buoyancy qualities of the gilsonite.

Abstract: A pressurized feed material (30) in aqueous suspension is oxidized in a supercritical temperature reaction zone (20) in an upper region of a vertically elongated, cyclindrical walled, closed pressure vessel (10) to form an oxidized super fluid phase (46) which is removed from the upper region of the vessel and a brine (44) containing precipitates and other solids which are collected in and removed from a subcritical temperature zone (16) in the lower region of the vessel. The wall (12) of the cylindrical pressure vessel (10) is scraped by rotatable scraper means (60) which upon rotation will dislodge precipitated solids from the wall (12).

Abstract: Product, method and apparatus for producing separated components from scum are taught. The separated component is a vegetable-based oil or animal-based oil comprising principally stearic and linoleic acid. The method comprises the steps of collection or harvesting of the scum, heating of the scum, grinding in a low speed unit, filtering through a screen, vibrating or preferably centrifuging and odor control of the scum.

Abstract: A solute can be separated from a solute/solvent solution by dissolving a gas into the solution to produce a single phase composite liquid, lowering the temperature of the composite liquid to a certain temperature and then performing a Joule-Thompson free expansion on the composite liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of fecal matter from a toilet system in a fast moving vehicle during travel of the vehicle. The liquid components of the fecal matter are dehydrated to recover water. The water is disposed of by either discharging the water to the environment of the vehicle or by re-using the water in systems of the vehicle. The remainder of the fecal matter is introduced into a collection vessel of in the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for cleaning solids contaminated with solvent-soluble contaminants. The system, which includes both process and apparatus, comprises the use of at least two successive cleaning zones, each of which includes a slurrying stage and a centrifuge separation stage, wherein the solids to be cleaned and the solvent used for cleaning flow in countercurrent relationship to each other between the successive zones.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a method of treating mine water to remove ferric hydroxide comprises:combining acidic mine water with a predetermined amount of a fatty oil to produce a mixture;agitating the mixture for a first predetermined period of time to agglomerate solid ferric hydroxide and oil;allowing the agitated mixture to settle within a vessel for a second predetermined period of time to cause agglomerated ferric hydroxide and oil to rise to an upper level of the agitated mixture to provide a settled mixture of agglomerated hydroxide and oil floating atop remaining liquid therebelow; andseparating the agglomerated ferric hydroxide and oil at the upper level of the settled mixture from the remaining liquid.The process can also be conducted under such conditions that most all of the zinc follows the ferric hydroxide into the agglomerate phase.

Abstract: The invention is a screening device suitable for screening a liquid material having solid matter suspended in it, which comprises a number of sets of discs, the discs of each set being rigidly mounted on a shaft, with the discs on each shaft being separated from one another axially, means mounting the shafts about parallel axes, with the discs of adjacent shafts being interleaved with one another and means to cause the shafts to rotate independently in the same rotational sense such that successive shafts rotate progressively faster to cause the solid matter suspended in the liquid material to be moved in a direction from the slowest shaft to the fastest shaft. The device is used particularly in sewage processing plants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing trap waste and the like into its component solids and liquids treatable in a sewage treatment plant includes a cooker, a solids separation system, and a digester. The cooker liquifies and renders trap waste obtained from, for example, restaurant traps by maintaining the waste at an elevated temperature and an elevated pressure to sterilize and separate the trap waste into solid and non-solid portions thereof. The solid separation system removes the solid and particulate matter from the liquified trap waste for disposal, preferably after washing the solids with treated water from the sewage treatment plant. The separated non-solid portion of the rendered trap waste is then communicated to a digester for either aerobic or anaerobic degradation; the digest is thereafter treated to remove additional solids. The remainder of the treated trap pumpings can then be processed in a sewage treatment plant with munipal or industrial sewage.

Abstract: For a separation into a purified fraction and a polluant concentrate, contaminated soils are ground in a drum to which loose pieces acting like grinding elements have been added and with a net energy input of 4 to 16 kWh per 1000 kg throughput. The speed is 50 to 90% of the critical speed ##EQU1## The suspension discharged from the drum is separated by sieving into a relatively coarse fraction and a relatively fine fraction. The relatively coarse fraction is discharged as a purified fraction and the relatively fine fraction is desludged. The separated sludge is dewatered and is subsequently delivered as a polluant concentrate. The desludged remainder of the finer fraction is dewatered and is subsequently delivered as purified soil.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes and apparatus for the elutriation of particles of a Ziegler-Natta type alpha-olefin polymerization catalyst, based on transition metal compound(s) and preferably also comprising magnesium compounds, by means of an elutriation liquid which is a non-polar liquid, for example a hydrocarbon chemically inert in relation to the catalyst. A preferred process comprises the following stages:preparation of a homogeneous suspension of the catalyst in the elutriation liquid, andelutriation of the catalyst by means of the suspension and the elutriation liquid in one or two elutriation columns (F1),(F2), separating the large and fine catalyst particles respectively.The apparatus comprises a tank (M2) for the preparation of the catalyst suspension and the elutriation column or columns (F1),(F2).

Abstract: Method of treating liquid by sedimentation in which reagents are injected into a flow of untreated liquid and there is created in the flow a colloid mixing and stabilization area; the flow is passed into an intermediate aggregation area and then into a sedimentation area equipped with separator plates from which clarified liquid is taken; characterized in that insoluble granular material which is more dense than the liquid is injected into the liquid in predetermined proportions in the mixing area where the flow is made turbulent, turbulence is induced in the intermediate aggregation area to maintain the granular material in suspension, virtually all of the granular material is brought into the sedimentation area, the sludge recovered in the sedimentation area is removed, the granular material is removed therefrom (D) and is recycled after cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method incorporating a sorter, cyclone and thickener for removing sludge from water, and includes the step of separating the inorganic constituents or matter in the sludge, such as stones, gravel, sand, etc., from the organic constituents or matter thereof, such as wood, roots, etc. The inventive method is also suitable for processing sediment that contains decaying organisms.

Abstract: Processes and techniques are described for treating waste water (domestic and industrial) to remove organic matter and heavy metals. Clay and flocculating agent are added to the waste water to cause separation of a sludge. The sludge is fired at high temperature in particle form to produce ceramic particles. Organic matter is oxidized; heavy metals are bound within the ceramic particles and cannot leach out. The ceramic particles are useful as aggregate (e.g., in concrete) and in landscaping.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of electro-dewatering sewage sludge and other high water sludges. The sludge is passed through a conveyor means that is electrically charged. The anode has metal bristles or wires that protrude into the sludge mass. Water that migrates to the cathode is removed by conventional means. The dried sludge, which is attached to the bristles, is removed by vacuum means. About 30 percent of the sludge mass can be dewatered per pass.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes and apparatus for the elutriation of particles of a Ziegler-Natta type alpha-olefin polymerization catalyst, based on transition metal compound(s) and preferably also comprising magnesium compounds, by means of an elutriation liquid which is a non-polar liquid, for example a hydrocarbon chemically inert in relation to the catalyst. A preferred process comprises the following stages:preparation of a homogeneous suspension of the catalyst in the elutriation liquid, andelutriation of the catalyst by means of the suspension and the elutriation liquid in one or two elutriation columns (F1), (F2), separating the large and fine catalyst particles respectively.The apparatus comprises a tank (M2) for the preparation of the catalyst suspension and the elutriation column or columns (F1),(F2).

Abstract: The invention relates to the purification of polymers, particularly resorbable polyesters, using shear fields produced mechanically or by fluid dynamics.

Abstract: A semi-automated procedure for the isolation of Islets from the pancreata of different species is described. Pancreatic tissue first is treated to free the Islets from other pancreatic tissue. Enzyme digestion generally is used at least partially to achieve this effect. After separation of the Islet suspension from pancreatic debris, the suspension is subjected to multiple filtration to separate the Islets, which then are recovered from the filter.

Abstract: A plant for the aerobic biological transformation of organic waste materials, in which the stirring screws which control the agitation and the forward movement of the material being treated are immersed in the biomass, and thus operate actively, when moving in the direction opposite the movement of said material, while, in the opposite course, i.e., in the direction which is concurrent with the movement of the material, they are extracted from the biomass, with the axis of the stirring screws being inclined at an appropriate angle, which is preferably between 10 and 60 degrees, with respect to the vertical, with the material being moved towards the unloading area by the displacement in the loading area of the screws, which are inclined and rotating in the raising direction of the biomass.

Abstract: An aqueous solution of hexafluorosilicic acid containing 2 to 15 wgt % H.sub.2 SiF.sub.6 is worked up. To this end, the solution is admixed with particulate CaCO.sub.3 or Ca(OH).sub.2 consisting to an extent of at least 70% of particles having a size of more than 8 .mu.m, but to an extent of at most 15% of particles having a size of more than 2 mm, or with CaCO.sub.3 in admixture with CaO or Ca(OH).sub.2. The calcium compound is used in a quantity sufficient to establish a molar ratio of Ca.sup.2+ /SiF.sub.6.sup.2- of 2.8 to 3.5, and the reaction is effected at a temperature higher than 50.degree. C. After a period of 0.6 to 2.5 hours, the reaction product is filtered.

Abstract: Passing a sample of a liquid dispersion or emulsion of solid or immiscible liquid particles through one or more filters having a selected pore size less than 5000 A permits separation of the dispersed phase by particle size and/or separation of the dispersed phase from the continuous phase. The process is applicable to obtaining samples of dispersed particles, particularly latex, for analysis.

Abstract: Suspended ash in wastewater is efficiently concentrated and removed by mixing the ash suspension with thermally conditioned sludge. The solids in the resulting ash/sludge mixture are easily settled and dewatered by conventional means.

Abstract: Wastewaters which contain carbon black and ash and originate from high temperature processes and in which the carbon black is present in a very finely divided state and partially in a colloidal state are treated and disposed of by a process in which the wastewater is treated with calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide and an organic flocculant and subjected to a two-stage filtration and the resulting filter cake containing carbon black and ash is subjected to an aftertreatment with an aqueous iron salt solution.