Abstract: A method for treating sludge from sugared fruit concentrates is disclosed. The method comprises treating a homogenized dipersion of the sludge in a phase separator followed by filtration-precipitation and separation.

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 centrifuge, for example a decanter type centrifuge, comprises a bowl (10) rotatable about a longitudinal rotational axis (Y), an inlet (14) for feeding into the bowl a slurry to be separated, and a helical scroll conveyor (12) rotatably mounted about the rotational axis and adapted to be rotated within the bowl at a different speed from that of the bowl in order to scroll particles adjacent to the bowl wall to a solids discharge end of the bowl. The decanter further comprises a plurality of walls (23) at least partly submerged in the centrate and defining passages therebetween. By providing a plurality of passages, through which the centrate to be clarified can travel, particles (e.g. solids) to be separated from the centrate have a short distance to travel under centrifugal force before entering the boundary layer at the walls of the passages. This enables more of the fine particles in the centrate to be separated out.

Abstract: The device comprises a closed chamber (1) equipped with an inlet pipe (3) for the aerated liquid, an outlet pipe (4) for the deaerated liquid, and an air evacuation pipe (5); and a rotor having a shaft extending into the chamber. The shaft carries means (7) for centrifugation of the liquid and means (8,9,10) for intensive agitation of the centrifuged liquid.The device works according to the following process: continuously, the liquid is introduced into the closed chamber and it is vigorously centrifuged there in with the aid of mechanical means (7) and simultaneously subjected to intensive agitation with the aid of second mechanical means (8,9,10).The released air gathers freely at the center of the chamber whence it is evacuated, as the deaereated liquid is evacuated through the outlet pipe.

Abstract: A rotary centrifuge for the separation of substances at different density having an outer cylindrical housing and a worm within the housing and the worm and housing driven at different rotational speeds, the housing having an opening for the discharge of the heavier fraction with the opening controlled by an external control element preferably stationarily supported and connected by a linkage to a movable valve member for controlling the opening, preferably a ring which moves axially to change the size of an annular discharge gap between the ring and a circular discharge opening in the end wall of the drum, but the opening can also be in the form of axial radial facing openings controlled by a movable valve member.

Abstract: A frontal separator method and apparatus for separating particles from fluids, such as microorganisms from juice, and for providing a sample of juice having a concentrated number of microorganisms therein for ease of detection thereof, comprising a hollow, rotatable, perforated, cylindrical rotor mounted inside of a spaced-apart outer case with an annular separation chamber therebetween. The fluid with particles to be separated therefrom is fed into the separation chamber, the fluid flows through the holes in the rotor and exits through an outlet port while the particles exit from a waste port of the separation chamber. The outer casing preferably also rotates with the rotor, and the holes, which have a diameter substantially greater than that of the particles, are preferably at an angle to a radius of the rotor.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for using a horizontal, continuous process auger centrifuge to separate the granulated material of a container from whatever liquid residue remains within the container. Though this technology is suitable for many diverse applications, a primary objective is the continuous separation of the recyclable plastic of a motor oil container from the remaining reusable motor oil within the container after the container has ostensibly been emptied. It is an objective of the method to accomplish this separation in an economically advantageous manner which uses neither a solvent nor a wash process, and which reclaims the oil in a suitable state for reprocessing. In a second method, a rinsing mechanism is employed by which a residual liquid waste, such as soap, may be concentrated and separated in a first rinse stage without introducing the residual liquid waste in dilute form into the waste water treatment process.

Abstract: A three stage centrifuge especially adapted to the separation of oil, water, and solid particles in an emulsion. As an example, the centrifuge may be used to separate sediment and water from a petroleum product such as crude oil. The three stage centrifuge includes a rotatable bowl that spins the emulsion to separate the fluid oil and water into separate pools within the bowl. The solid particles are also moved radially outward within the rotatable bowl by centrifugal force. A conveyor auger contacts the solid particles and discharges the solids from the rotatable bowl through a solids discharge port. Oil discharge tubes contact the oil pool confined between oil baffle plates on the conveyor auger and allow the oil to be discharged from the rotatable bowl. Water weirs contact the water pool and allow the water to be discharged from the rotatable bowl.

Abstract: A continuous flow FFF process for the separation of samples of particles which uses a modified channel structure to reduce the relaxation effect, reduce sample adhesion to the wall, and where possible eliminate the stop-flow procedure and thus greatly increase the speed and stability of operation, said modified channel comprises a thin channel whose thickness is reduced at the inlet end for a substantial distance beyond the inlet, such as the conventional triangular or near triangular piece, and then broadened out at the outlet end of the channel.

Abstract: A solvent-containing biological material specimen is dried in a vacuum chamber with solvent evolving during the drying cycle being condensed in a refrigerated cold trap. During the drying cycle, communication of the drying chamber with the vacuum pump with which the chamber is evacuated, selectively is established or interdicted in response to raising or lowering of the vacuum condition in the chamber with respect to an initially set predetermined vacuum condition. Evolving of solvent from the specimen proceeds during interdiction by way of "cryopumping" due to the differential in pressure between the chamber and the refrigerated trap. Thus maximized solvent recovery in the trap is achieved, and carry over of solvent to the vacuum pump wherein its presence would be contaminating of the pump oil is for practical purpose eliminated.

Abstract: A filter system for separating and binding biomolecules contained in a solution includes a first filter means for selectively passing components of the solution that are smaller than the biomolecules, thereby concentrating the biomolecules in the solution. Also included is a binding membrane means having an affinity for the biomolecules for binding the biomolecules to the binding membrane means, with the binding membrane means being located where the biomolecules are concentrated by the first filter means. In the preferred mode, the binding membrane means is chosen to selectively bind the biomolecule of interest. According to a preferred method of the invention, biomolecules from a sample volume are bound to a binding membrane by urging the sample volume against a biomolecule-binding support membrane that is in contact with a cut-off filter membrane such that the sample volume will pass through the biomolecule-binding support membrane before passing through the cut-off filter membrane.

Abstract: A method of operating a drum centrifuge having a foraminous drum rotatable about an axis it is centered on comprises first filling a charge of a suspension into the drum while rotating it about its axis so that the charge forms an annular stratified body having an inner surface and the liquid phase of the body passes radially outward and leaves behind the solid phase as a filter cake and then refilling at least one additional charge of a suspension into the drum onto the filter cake while rotating the drum as in the preceding filling step to add the solid phase of the additional charge to the cake already in the drum. Then at least periodically the radial position of the inner surface of the body in the drum is detected and the dry point when the liquid phase has substantially passed radially out of the drum is ascertained to generate outputs corresponding to the detected radial positions and the times same are detected.

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: A continuous process for the separation of small particles from larger particles in a biological preparation passes a liquid stream of the preparation through a first filter or screen, which retains larger particles, passing smaller particles in the liquid. The large particles have retained on their surfaces wetting water, in which are entrained some of the small particles. The large particles are directed to a liquid having a concentration of smaller particles lower than the concentration of smaller particles in the wetting water, and mixed therein. The smaller particles separate from the larger particles in the mixed suspension, which is then directed to a second filter or screen, for further separation. The smaller particle/liquid stream may be recycled to the biological preparation stage, the liquid suspension for the large particles, or to a separator means where the smaller particles are separated off from the liquid stream.

Abstract: A pressure-fed apparatus for the separation of solids and liquids from a suspension has a fine-apertured rotatable screening drum, inlet means to introduce a flow of suspension into the interior of the screening drum under pressure. Feed means comprising a plurality of nozzles eject the suspension tangentially onto the inner surface of the screening drum and from a position directly adjacent the said inner surface. Suspension may be ejected with or against the direction of rotation of the drum.

Abstract: A method for the automatic operation of a centrifugal drier comprising a rotary screening basket having a cylindrical wall and which is operated cyclically in successive cycles, each cycle comprising the steps of rotating the basket to generate a centrifugal force, charging a product to be dried into the rotating basket through an open valve, the centrifugal force causing the product to form a layer of increasing thickness along the cylindrical wall, closing the valve to discontinue charging the product when the layer thickness has attained a first control value lower than that of the layer thickness corresponding to an imposed value of the charge in the basket, then measuring the maximum thickness of the layer, comparing said measured maximum layer thickness with a second control value corresponding to said imposed value of the charge in the basket, and generating a new value for the first control value as a function of the difference between the measured maximum layer thickness and the second control value.

Abstract: A nonclogging rotary disk filter is disclosed. The invention has relief holes provided in rotatable disks such that oil, other liquids, and gases may be separated from a liquid while the discs are rotated at high speeds. The relief holes are located close to the rotatable shaft supporting the disks. When the disks are rotated at high speeds, ligher liquids, oil, and gas bubbles tend to migrate to the area near the shaft which has relatively low centrifugal forces. In a gravitational field, the relief holes allow the lighter liquids, oil, and gas bubbles to migrate upwardly through the disks for removal. The disks are rotated fast enough to establish a barrier layer in a liquid over a working area of the disk surface having a surface velocity greater than 15 feet per second.

Abstract: A method of use is disclosed of a device that causes phase separation of whole blood, using much lower centrifugal forces. As a result, leukocytes are separated from blood cells having specific gravities of 1.09 g/ml or higher. The method preferably uses a separation chamber arranged so that its long dimension or axis is parallel, not perpendicular, to the spin axis, and a valve that allows automatic removal of the ligher phase(s).In one aspect, the method separates a lighter phase from a heavier phase, for example, lymphocytes from whole blood, using a centrifugal force of reduced amount. In another aspect, DNA is extracted readily from the separated lighter phase since it is less likely that the lighter phase will be contaminated by erythrocytes as occurs in conventional separation techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus (30) is disclosed for effective drying of material, such as vegetables, by centrifugal force. The apparatus (30) includes a series of conveyor assemblies (52-58) distributed on a rotating shaft (34). A gear ring (76) can be held stationary while the shaft rotates to move conveyor belts (70) within the apparatus to simultaneously load material to be dried while dried material is removed from the other end of the apparatus. When the conveyor belts are loaded, the shaft and conveyor assemblies can be rotated at a higher rotational velocity to dry the materials for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting liquid from a sludge/conditioning agent mixture which comprises a first endless belt (10) of filter material; a second endless belt (12) of filter material; and rollers (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 13, 14, 15) for the belts (10, 12). That part of the belt (10) between the rollers (20, 23) is defined as a gravity de-watering zone; the part of the belts (10, 12) between the rollers (21, 13, 14, 15) is defined as a pressure de-watering zone. Filtrate is collected in a tray (17); liquid is collected in a tray (35). Monitoring means monitors a characteristic of the filtrate and the liquid to enable a rate of change in the characteristic of the filtrate/liquid to be determined. The apparatus functions at its optimum at a loading rate for the mixture which is just less than that which causes extrusion of the liquid in the pressure de-watering zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for the effective centrifugal washing and/or thickening of paper pulp, using a perforated cylinder. A stock head box, located within the cylinder, applies a thin sheet of pulp on the interior the cylinder, at a high rate (e.g. about 20 meters per second), at a first arcuate position. The cylinder is rotated at high speed (e.g. 100 rpm, to provide an acceleration on the order of about 10 gs), whereby centrifugal force causes liquid in the pulp to move radially outwardly through the openings in the screen cylinder. The pulp is withdrawn from the interior of the cylinder by a vacuum roll or the like at a second arcuate position less than 360.degree. from the first position. The withdrawn pulp is moved by a screw conveyor or the like away from the cylinder in a dimension generally parallel to the axis of rotation, and the withdrawn liquid passes through channels in a drum surrounding the perforated cylinder, and is engaged by an impeller, and flows to a volute for removal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gentle process for the separation of enol ethers from mixtures containing water-soluble alcohols by extraction, wherein an aqueous solution of a base is used as the extraction agent in a phase ratio of the amounts of the aqueous phase: enol ether/alcohol mixture of at least 0.5:1 and the extraction is carried out in several stages or continuously with a theoretical number of stages of at least two. The process is particularly suitable for separating off enol ethers which readily decompose during distillation.

Abstract: In a filter centrifuge with a filter medium, a filter cake is formed following the introduction of a suspension. In a first filtration phase the suspension is exposed to centrifugal filtration a first filtration which dewaters by the inertia forces. In a second filtration phase, the cake is subjected to compressed gas filtration using frictional forces generated by a gas flow. In the second filtration phase, gas at atmospheric pressure flows through the filter cake and filter medium and is exhausted from a filtrate collector space. This space is composed of a gas space and a filtrate liquid space. To obtain flow through the solid cake at an increased pressure difference, it is proposed to provide the filter centrifuge in a pressure housing with a superatmospheric pressure controlled by a difference in filtrate liquid levels in the filtrate liquid space and the annular space following the filter. This liquid control prevents the penetration of filtrate liquid into the gas exhaust line.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a photographic process waste liquor in which the photographic process waste liquor stored in an evaporating device is heated and concentrated by evaporation with use of a heating device provided in the evaporating device, in that the evaporating device is provided with a precipitate separating device capable of separating a precipitate generated in a concentrated liquid to be formed through concentration by evaporation; a circulation system to feed again the concentrated liquid to the evaporating device through the precipitate separating device; and a discharging device for discharging the precipitate separated at the precipitate separating device.By use of the apparatus for treating photographic process waste liquor, thermal decomposition of the precipitate generated by concentration by evaporation of the photographic process waste liquor and generation of bad odor can be inhibited.

Abstract: A system for continuously separating lighter and intermediate density matter, such as plasma rich in platelets from whole blood moves blood through a diverging centrifugation gap between inner and outer walls of a rotor rotating about a central axis within an outer housing. The centrifugation action creates layered flow along an intermediate section. However by crating trailing wakes in the gap between the rotor and housing, localized remixing patterns tending to move in the opposite direction are induced in the layered matter. Platelet rich plasm may then be extracted through adjacent platelet concentrate ports on the inner wall of the rotor. An interior passageway system passes the platelet rich plasma to a platelet concentrate reservoir. Recirculation of blood in the rotor-housing gap between the output and input, and pumping action provided by the diverging centrifugation gap, aid in enhancing throughput and concentration levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removing radioactive ruthenium from an aqueous solution, comprising oxidizing the ruthenium in the aqueous solution of ruthenium tetroxide, extracting the resulting ruthenium tetroxide with a halogen-free aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon solvent, allowing the ruthenium tetroxide to be reduced in the solvent, and separating the precipitated solid ruthenium dioxide.

Abstract: A continuous discharge centrifuge can separate a slurry into a solid and liquid portion. The centrifuge has a housing and a rotor mounted in the housing to spin at a predetermined rate. The centrifuge has a spaced plurality of filters peripherally mounted on the rotor for separating the liquid portion by admitting it under centrifugal force. Also included is a spaced plurality of passage columns mounted between adjacent pairs of the filters. The columns can engage the outside of filters and conduct the solid portion upon the filters between it and the passage columns.

Abstract: A clarifying filter-centrifuge comprises a rotatable driving shaft, a closed drum driven by the shaft, a cover which closes the drum at an end face thereof, and a filter diaphragm mounted in the cover and extending normal to an axis of rotation of the shaft. The drum includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve coaxial with the outer sleeve and having a thrust body. The driving shaft includes a hollow shaft and an inner shaft axially displaceable in the hollow shaft. The drum is connected to the hollow shaft. Suspension is fed axially into the inner sleeve and flows through distributing channels into the interior of the outer sleeve and then through the filter diaphragm. The cover is displaceable for discharging separated solids from the centrifuge.

Abstract: Solid organic substrates, such as sewage sludge, peat, and biomass, are dewatered in a three-stage process comprising mechanical dewatering of the substrate, followed by combination of the dewatered substrate with an organic solvent, followed by removal of the water-solvent mixture. The dried product is a granular, free-flowing substance suitable for incineration in relatively low-cost equipment. Conveniently, solvent will be recovered from the water-solvent mixture by conventional means, such as distillation, and recycled to the solvent mixing stage.

Abstract: A filter centrifuge has a feeler arm which contacts the free surface of the centrifuge contents to signify by the angular displacement of the arm, the thickness of the layer of contents in the filter drum. On the contact surface of the filter arm, at least one sensor is provided which is responsive to a characteristic of the material constructed by the arm for signalling the nature of the material.

Abstract: A centrifuge apparatus and a method of filtration are described. The centrifuge has radial and lateral filtration surfaces and separate discharge chambers for each. The lateral filter is located at an imperforate radial distance from the radial filter. This distance forces the filtration to occur through the radial filter and develop the filter cake rather than pass through the lateral filter which has no developed cake. The use of separate, laterally-disposed withdrawal chambers at different radial heights allows accurate control over the hydraulic filtration forces acting across the filter surfaces.

Abstract: A centrifugal apparatus for removing salts from herbicide solutions is provided comprising an outer cylindrical casing for enclosing a vertically rotatable spin basket. The outer cylindrical casing consists of a top wall, vertical side walls and a bottom wall with open passages for throughflow of spent filter media from said spin basket. The top wall supports a means for applying filter media against the internal walls of the spin basket, a means for spraying feed slurry against the internal walls of the spin basket, a means for spraying solvent against the internal walls of the spin basket, and a vertically rotatable plowing means. The vertical side walls support an internal upper collection trough for collecting liquid overflow from the spin basket when the spin basket is rotated, and with the bottom wall of the casing forms an internal lower collection chamber for collecting filtrate which flows through the spin basket when the spin basket is rotated.

Abstract: A non-blinding filter system for batch centrifuges utilizes a high speed injection nozzle to input wet particulate matter in the form of a slurry into a batch centrifuge in a manner that maintains turbulence within the slurry during the filling operation. Submicron particulate fines are suspended in the filtrate and settle out less rapidly than larger diameter particulate matter, thus a layer of coarser material can be laid over the filter media before the majority of the filtrate passes therethrough. A plurality of metering orifices retard the extraction of the filtrate such that the submicron particles are not forced through the layer of coarser material to the filter media with blinding consequences.

Abstract: A cell for placing solid matter on a piece of slide glass in such a manner that it is rotated in a centrifugal separator, which is formed integrally by mold forming of synthetic resin thereby to be disposable, and a base plate of a cell portion has an elasticity so as to be easily engaged with a hook provided on a holder in which the base plate is held.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for improving the effectiveness of the removal of zirconium from an aqueous, zirconium-containing nuclear fuel and/or fertile material solution in nitric acid in a liquid-liquid extraction process.Accordingly, the object of the invention is to improve the removal of zirconium from the reprocessing solutions and, at the same time, to simplify the course of the process. The invention seeks to improve decontamination of the uranium product and the plutonium product while, at the same time, reducing the outlay involved.According to the invention, this object is achieved in that, in a process step carried out before the first extraction of the nuclear fuels and/or fertile materials, the zirconium is converted from the dissolved state into a filterable or centrifugable solid phase by the use of an adsorbent from the group of inorganic ion exchangers and is removed from the aqueous solution together with the adsorbent.

Abstract: In apparatus for removing water and impurity components from sand, there are provided a rotary member having an opening at one end for charging and discharging sand and a filter for passing water. The rotary member is supported by a support and driven by a variable speed motor. Piston-cylinders or the like are provided for tilting the support. In a modified embodiment, two of the rotary bodies are juxtaposed with their openings faced each other. A peripheral wall of the rotary member is provided with a member of perforations for discharging water separated from sand.

Abstract: In known worm centrifuges comprising a solid bowl and a sieve bowl, a cleaning and predewatering of the solids/liquid mixture occurs in the solid bowl when dewatering solids/liquid mixtures and an after-dewatering of the solids occurs in the following sieve bowl. In general, a relatively good cleaning and dewatering effect is achieved with such previously-known worm centrifuges comprising a solid bowl. According to the invention, the after-dewatering effect in the sieve bowl can be quite substantially increased in that the conveyor worm is provided with agitator elements in the region of the sieve bowl, the agitator elements immersing into the solids layer. As a result thereof, in particularly, a circulation of the solids layer is achieved in the sieve bowl in a very advantageous manner and, as a result thereof, the after-dewatering of the solids before discharge from the worm centrifuge is very substantially improved.

Abstract: A cassette has a foraminous lower portion which is shaped to receive a button or pellet of agar and is capable of being placed in the bottom of a fluid container for use in a centrifuge. After the cassette portion is placed in the container, a fluid containing cells is poured in the container which is then centrifuged causing the cells to adhere to the agar. The fluid is then poured out, the cassette lower portion removed from the container and an upper foraminous cassette portion is used to cover the lower portion and enclose the agar with adhered cells.

Abstract: An improved method and system for reclaiming waste printing ink is disclosed. The inventive method is characterized by the initial heating and agitation of a quantity of undiluted waste ink. Such heating and agitation is carried out at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to (a) volatilize water, and/or other liquids contained therein; and (b) reduce the viscosity of the waste ink to a viscosity which is suitable for subsequent processing. After the period of heating and agitation, the waste ink is centrifuged to separate paper lint and other fibrous particulate contaminants from the ink. The reclaimed clarified ink is then blended with virgin ink at a ratio which provides a press-ready reclaimed ink/virgin ink blend. The system of the present invention provides a system of vessels, lines, valves, pumps and attendant apparatus whereby the inventive method may be practiced.

Abstract: In a process for removal of detackified oversprayed paint particles from paint spray booths of the type comprising a chamber, means for passing a wash stream capturing oversprayed paint particles across a liquid curtain and down through said chamber, a sump located at the bottom of said chamber and containing a circulating oil-in-water emulsion receiving said oversprayed paint particles from said wash stream, said oil-in-water emulsion comprised of:(a) 1-50 weight percent of an organic liquid having a boiling point of at least 150.degree. C.,(b) 0.1-30 weight percent, based on the organic liquid, of an oil-in-water emulsifier,(c) the balance, water, andsaid emulsion having a pH ranging between about 7.5-12.

Abstract: A centrifugal finisher and method of its operation are disclosed for separating finished juice from an initial juice including substantial solids or for separating finished fluid from any slurry including substantial solids, the slurry being introduced into one end of a cylindrical screen driven in rotation for centrifugally urging the slurry against the screen and causing a fluid component to pass through the screen. Wiper paddles are arranged on a support drum for rotation in wiping contact with the screen and for limited movement relative to the screen for continuously moving solid material from the slurry toward an outlet axial end of the screen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing sludge from water, including separating the inorganic constituents or matter in the sludge, such as stones, gravel, etc., from the organic matter, such as wood, roots, etc. In a first stage, those constituents that are larger than a given size are separated out from the sludge, with inorganic and organic ones of these constituents being separated from one another, being cleaned, and being then provided for subsequent use. In a second stage, inorganic constituents that are larger than a minimum size are separated out from the remaining matter, are cleaned, and are then provided for subsequent use. In a third stage, water is removed from the inorganic and organic slurry of the remaining matter to form a thick sludge and effluent.

Abstract: A disposable diagnostic plasma filter dispenser includes a low cost disposable container and a rotor drive for rotationally energizing a rotor within the container. The disposable container is particularly suitable for drawing and dispensing blood samples for clinical analysis and includes a tube shaped outer wall having a frangible dispenser outlet cover, a close fitting inner tube supporting a filter membrane and a unitary rotor disposed for axel free rotation and axial translation within the inner tube in response to energization from the rotor driver. The rotor produces vortex enhanced filtration while maintaining a flow of filter fluid through the filtration gap and creating a transmembrane pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of macroion groups from a mixture utilizing a three field device for generating forces on the macroions including means for applying a centrifugal force, means for applying a magnetophoretic force, and means for applying a constant or variable electrophoretic force. In a separation step the centrifugal and magetophoretic forces assist in forming the macroions in separate groups of concentric bands on a rotating platform. The constant electrophoretic force may be optionally used to assist in this step. In an analytical step to characterize the mass and charge of the macroions, the electrophoretic and magnetophoretic forces are used to oppose the centrifugal force to control and hold the macroion bands at fixed positions on the platform. A band detection means is used to characterize the positions of the macroion bands on the platform. The variable electrophoretic force may be optionally used in a detection part of the analytical step.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating multiple phases of solids or fluids includes an exterior housing having an interior chamber. A plurality of porous filter disks is positioned within the interior chamber and have a common central passage. The disks are capable of rotating around the central passage. An inlet introduces at least one fluid phase with or without a solid phase into the interior chamber near the central passage of the disks. A centrifugal force is created within the interior chamber to form a pressure differential across the disks to draw the fluid through the disks away from the central passage, while propelling any solids present in the interior from the central passage toward the exterior housing. The fluid drawn through the disks is collected at the periphery of the disks.

Abstract: A method of dewatering food items, such as salad greens. The method comprises the steps of placing the food items in a compartment formed of flexible thinwall sheet material, said compartment having an open top and an opening opposite the open top sized to permit passage of liquid but substantially to prevent passage of food items therethrough. The compartment is twirled by its open top to cause water from the food items to be expelled through the opening by centrifugal force.

Abstract: A process is provided which proposes that the kinematic viscosity of the lacquer sludge is reduced to less than 100 cSt by adding to the sludge up to 50% by volume solvent and/or by heating it up to 60.degree. C., and that the content of solids of the liquefied lacquer sludge is reduced to less than 3% by volume first in a decanting centrifuge with a centrifugal acceleration of up to 4,000 g, and subsequently in a centrifugal separator with a centrifugal acceleration of up to 14,000 g.

Abstract: A sludge remover and processor includes a first vessel holding cleaning liquid and a second, phase separating vessel. Cleaning liquid from the first vessel is sprayed against a dirty surface. A vacuum pump keeps the second vessel upper region at a partial vacuum so cleaning liquid and dislodged matter from the dirty surface is sucked into the second vessel. Solids and liquid are pumped from the second vessel into a solids separator where the larger solids are removed for disposal and liquid is pumped into a centrifuge which removes fine solid particles. The fine particles are mixed with a bulk solidification medium for disposal. Oil collection in the vessels is enhanced by the partial vacuum which lowers the boiling point so tiny bubbles are formed to aid separation of the oily and non-oily phases. Passing the liquid through a centrifuge also aids separation of the oily and non-oily phases in the first vessel.

Abstract: A method for centrifugally drying solid fines and the like limits the freedom of movement of a high speed batch-type centrifuge to radial excursions and varies the natural radial vibration of the system in accordance with the rotational frequency of the system to prevent operating the centrifuge at resonance conditions. Use of the method allows for high speed loading, drying and removal of the fines in a centrifuge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and process for separating selected fractions of liquids, preferably the fractions arising in density gradient centrifugation. Said device is characterized by a functional element, which is a space-enclosing element, its surface being partly formed by a net through which the free streaming of materials can occur in a liquid medium, the structure of the net ensuring that the liquid fraction entrapped in the space of the element is removable from the liquid medium by removing the element itself. For the purpose of density gradient centrifugation, a plurality of said functional elements are placed in a centrifuge tube, and after centrifugation, the specific fractions of the liquid entrapped in the inner spaces of the functional elements are separated by removing said functional elements one by one from the common housing tube.