Abstract: A system includes a sand filter disposed within a tank. A pipe connected to the tank is configured to flow fluid in or out of the tank. The system includes a valve configured to selectively allow fluid to flow through the pipe and a flowmeter configured to measure a flow rate of fluid through the pipe. An automatic control unit includes one or more processors and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to perform operations including determining a debris accumulation status for the sand filter based in part on flow measurements from the flowmeter, and determining a failure status of the valve based in part on flow measurements from the flowmeter.

Abstract: A method and system for treating wastewater is disclosed. In one example the method comprises activating a mixing system that imparts a motive force on wastewater in a vessel, measuring at least one property of a first portion of the wastewater at a first time, measuring the at least one property of a second portion of the wastewater at a second time subsequent to the first time, calculating a difference between the at least one property measured at the first time and the at least one property measured at the second time, performing a determination of whether the difference is within a predetermined allowable range of differences, and responsive to a result of the determination, controlling a component of the mixing system.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing impurities from water and/or wastewater and a method of washing a filter having a filter bed for filtering water or wastewater. In the most preferred form of the invention, the fluid distribution system is an air scour system for directing air through the filter bed to assist in cleaning of the filter bed to remove impurities trapped in the filter bed during a service run. In the most preferred form, the air scour system includes an adapter for permitting adjustment of at least one component of the air scour system during installation.

Abstract: Methods for regenerating acidic ion-exchange resins and reusing regenerants in such methods are provided. A spent ion-exchange resin is contacted with an alcohol ion-exchange regenerant. The spent ion-exchange resin is thereafter contacted with an acidic ion-exchange regenerant to recharge the acidic ion-exchange resin to produce a regenerated acidic ion-exchange resin. Metal- and water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is then contacted with the regenerated acidic ion-exchange resin to produce low metal, water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil. The regenerated acidic ion-exchange resin may be recycled. The spent alcohol and acid ion-exchange regenerants may be recovered and recycled.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for removing surface deposits in situ from filtration media contained in water filtration beds may include a solid acid component, a solid oxidizer, low temperature activator, a dessicant, an anti-caking agent, a pH indicator, a corrosion inhibitor, a surfactant, a chelating agent, and/or a defoaming agent. A granular acid component may include sodium bisulfate, and a granular oxidizing component may include at least one of sodium percarbonate, sodium perborate, potassium percarbonate, and potassium perborate. Compositions may be applied to top surface and/or subsurface regions of a filter bed, in wetted or dry form. A kit includes a container with dry composition and instructions or indicia for cleaning water filtration media using the composition.

Abstract: A method and a plant for the treatment of water or wastewater having impurities by filtration of the water through two granular media filter stages of the moving bed type operated in series. The method includes the steps of feeding the water/wastewater as a first influent to first stage granular media filters; filtration of the first influent in the first stage granular media filters to produce a first effluent; feeding the first effluent as a second influent to second stage granular media filters; and filtration of the second influent in the second stage granular media filters to produce a second effluent. The second stage granular media filters are operated with intermittent washing of the granular filter media.

Abstract: A filtering device comprises a vessel for containing filtering media such as nutshells. Associated with the filtering device is an eductor for scrubbing and cleaning the media and removing contaminants such as oil from the media. The eductor includes an inlet port for receiving a motive liquid. Further, the eductor includes an inlet port for receiving media held in the vessel. In operation, a motive liquid is directed into the eductor and this induces media in the vessel into the eductor. By continuously directing motive liquid from an external source into the eductor, this results in the media being fluidized and circulated and recirculated through the eductor, giving rise to a slurry that contains liquid, the media and removed contaminants. A portion of the slurry is discharged from the filtering device while the media is retained in the filtering device.

Abstract: A method of water desalination in a filter press may comprise: providing a chamber between two filter plates in the filter press, the chamber being lined by filter cloths; substantially filling the chamber with a plurality of beads; pumping water into the chamber filled with the beads; heating the water in the chamber; and collecting water vapor generated by the heating; wherein salts precipitate in the chamber during the heating. Furthermore, during the heating, the chamber may be vacuum pumped to facilitate removal of water vapor. The beads may be reused in the chambers of the filter press.

Abstract: Methods for regenerating filter aids which comprise inorganic, natural or semisynthetic filter aids. The method comprises subjecting the filter aid to a first treatment with an aqueous alkaline solution, treating the filter aid with enzymes, treating the filter aid with a surfactant, and subjecting the filter aid a second treatment with the aqueous alkaline solution. The enzyme treatment and the surfactant treatment steps may be carried out simultaneously or in any order.

Abstract: The present invention is a gravity continuously operating filtration system for separating impurities from liquids. The liquid flows upward through a bed of filter media in a vessel and filtered liquid (filtrate) is collected above the top of the bed. Dirtied filter media are withdrawn from the bottom of the vessel and returned to the vessel from the top. The dirtied filter media are first conveyed to a separation device by which the bulk of solids are separated from the filter media. The reject liquid from the separation device is discharged as waste. The filter media are then cleaned in a spiral wash path and are then returned back to the system. The described cleaning process is far more effective than other similar filtration systems. Majority of essential components are located outside of the vessel and are convenient to access for maintenance and inspection.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and system for cleaning a media support structure in a filter cell in a liquid filter system, wherein a cleaning solution does not significantly enter a filter media zone. The method comprises supplying a cleaning solution to a filter cell to a level sufficient to submerge the media support structure, but not to significantly enter the filter media zone. Additionally, the cleaning solution level is monitored to ensure the cleaning solution does not significantly enter the filter media zone. Alternatively, the cleaning solution may be continuously recirculated and reintroduced to the filter cell during the cleaning operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering water and/or wastewater including at least one underdrain lateral having a primary gas chamber and a secondary gas chamber where the secondary gas chamber serves to equalize pressure differences that may occur during the initial distribution due to velocity head changes and friction effects. Preferably, the underdrain lateral includes a plurality of chambers directing a washing fluid into the filter bed where at least one of the plurality of chambers directs a liquid and a gas simultaneously into the filter bed and at least one other chamber of the plurality of chamber directs only one of a liquid and a gas into the filter bed at the same time as that the combination of liquid and gas is directed into the-filter bed.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods relating to washboxes are described.

Abstract: A method for improving the service life of passive filtration and infiltration devices. Contaminated water, such as stormwater runoff or wastewater, is filtered through a media comprising of a mixture of filter media and stimuli-responsive polymer particles. The polymer particles reversibly expand/contract in response to changes in certain environmental stimuli, resulting in increased macropores and breakup of sediment and crust that would otherwise reduce hydraulic flow. The method is effective in a variety of passive devices, including conventional particulate filters, infiltration systems, and high loading canister, cartridge and catch basin filter devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process to clean water filtration media in a filtration bed. The process includes applying a granular cleaner to the water filtration media and applying an activator to the water filtration media. This causes a chemical reaction between the granular cleaner, activator and water filtration media resulting in the cleaning of the water filtration media. The residual granular cleaner and activator, along with suspended and dissolved contamination from the water filtration media, are removed by rinsing with water.

Abstract: Apparatuses and related methods for filtration of raw water including a filtration column having a filtrate zone and a filtration zone.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes a raw water supply tube, mixed raw water stream jet nozzles each communicating at one end thereof with the raw water supply tube and having at the other end thereof a raw water outlet from which mixed stream of raw water and air is jetted out, a filtering tank housing a filter layer disposed below the mixed raw water stream jet nozzles with a predetermined distance between the surface of the filter layer and the raw water outlet of the mixed raw water stream jet nozzles, a filtered water takeout tube provided in the filtering tank for taking out water filtered through the filter layer, a reverse stream cleaning water supply tube provided in the filtering tank for supplying reverse stream cleaning water to the filter layer, filter layer cleaning jet nozzles each communicating at one end thereof with a filter layer cleaning water supply tube and having at the other end thereof a cleaning water outlet from which cleaning water is jetted out, and an overflow outlet provided in

Abstract: Nanoparticle-treated particle packs, such as sand beds, may effectively filter and purify liquids such as waste water. Proppant beds treated with nanoparticles may fixate or reduce fines migration therethrough. When tiny contaminant particles or fines in these fluids flow through the nanoparticle-treated bed or pack, the nanoparticles will capture and hold the tiny contaminant or fines particles within the pack due to the nanoparticles' surface forces, including, but not necessarily limited to van der Waals and electrostatic forces. Nanoparticle-treated beds or packs may be recharged by contacting the bed with an inorganic acid (but not hydrofluoric acid) or an organic acid, and optionally followed by subsequent treatment with hydrofluoric acid. This treating substantially removes the nanoparticles and the fine particulates that have been removed from a fluid (e.g. wastewater being treated, produced fluids in a formation, etc.). The particle pack may then be re-treated or recharged with nanoparticles.

Abstract: Apparatus for inhibiting fines carryover in the form of a settlement tank comprising: a filter which divides the tank into upper and lower portions; a fluid inlet in the lower portion for admitting into the tank a fluid with entrained solids; and a fluid outlet in the upper portion through which filtered fluid can leave the tank. The filter comprises filter media supported on a permeable wall, the wall including a filter media outlet which is normally closed, and opening means for opening the filter media outlet to allow the filter media to discharge into the lower portion of the tank. The invention also relates to a method of refilling the filter with filter media.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for treating contaminated water are described. In one instance a method supplies metal salt reagents to a moving media filter in the presence of contaminated water. The method also introduces a waste stream resulting from the moving media filter upstream of the moving media filter effective to lower an average contaminant concentration of effluent water from the moving media filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process to clean water filtration media in a filtration bed. The process includes applying a granular cleaner to the water filtration media and applying an activator to the water filtration media. This causes a chemical reaction between the granular cleaner, activator and water filtration media resulting in the cleaning of the water filtration media. The residual granular cleaner and activator, along with suspended and dissolved contamination from the water filtration media, are removed by rinsing with water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering a fluid is presented. In one embodiment, the apparatus converts contaminated water into water having a lower turbidity and bacterial contamination level than the contaminated water. The apparatus includes a settling unit for at least partially settling a portion of the water; a filter unit having a filtration media; wherein the filtration media comprises sand, anthracite coal, burnt rice husks, diatomaceous earth, gravel, pumice gravel, or combinations thereof; a sanitation unit; wherein the sanitation unit is an ultraviolet disinfection unit; a backwash unit; wherein the settling unit is in fluid communications with the filter unit and the backwash unit, the backwash unit is in fluid communications with the filter unit, and the filter unit is in fluid communications with the sanitation unit; and wherein at least a portion of the settling unit is elevated above the filter unit.

Abstract: Processes comprising: (i) providing a filter aid comprising a co-extrudate of a water-insoluble polyvinylpyrrolidone and a thermoplastic polymer, (ii) treating the filter aid with aqueous alkali; (iii) subsequently treating the filter aid with an enzyme; and (iv) subsequently thereto carrying out a second treatment with aqueous alkali, to provide a regenerated filter aid, and uses therefor.

Abstract: A filter includes a filter chamber of adjustable volume. The filter chamber encloses a compactable filter medium through which fluid to be filtered may flow. The filter medium includes a plurality of filter particles. A filter particle has an initial shape and is deformable upon application of a deforming force, being capable of substantially regaining its initial shape upon removal of the deforming force. The porosity of the filter medium is adjustable by adjusting the volume of the filter chamber so as adjust the compaction of the filter medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatuses are presented for rejuvenating a bed of granular filter medium that has accumulated contaminants during filtration of a liquid stream. The method first includes the step of establishing a small volumetric flow rate of clean filtrate in reverse flow. Then, the filter media is agitated to break-up contaminants that have become agglomerated on the surface of or within the interstitial spaces of the filter media. The agitating step is accomplished by exposing the liquid-full filter media to a jetting stream comprised mostly of a gas mixed with a clean liquid. The jetting stream is dispersed throughout the filter media through a plurality of radial nozzles located within the filter bed. The radial nozzles disperse the gas within the liquid and filter media causing sufficient turbulence and agitation of the filter media granules to liberate the trapped contaminants without the need for high liquid flow rates.

Abstract: Apparatus for inhibiting fines carryover in the form of a settlement tank comprising: a filter which divides the tank into upper and lower portions; a fluid inlet in the lower portion for admitting into the tank a fluid with entrained solids; and a fluid outlet in the upper portion through which filtered fluid can leave the tank. The filter comprises filter media supported on a permeable wall, the wall including a filter media outlet which is normally closed, and opening means for opening the filter media outlet to allow the filter media to discharge into the lower portion of the tank. The invention also relates to a method of refilling the filter with filter media.

Abstract: An oil filtration assembly for filtering oil comprises a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port defining a flow path for oil to flow therethrough. A diatomaceous earth filtering media layer is disposed in the oil flow path, intermediate of the inlet port and the outlet port and is configured to filter soot and contaminants from oil passing through the oil filtration assembly.

Abstract: A downflow sand filter used for treating wastewater which has degraded in function from its original design is at least in part rejuvenated by flowing air downwardly through the bed during time when flow of wastewater is ceased. The low velocity air flow helps dewater the bed and leads to the removal of accumulated organic material which has clogged the pores of the bed. In accord with different embodiments, air flow is alternated with water flow in particular ways, for instance, so the water flow is sufficient to create ponding or is sufficient to maintain moisture content within the bed.

Abstract: A filter unit includes a flexible bag having permeable material on a first side and a second side that allows fluid to pass through the container. Granularized rubber is enclosed within the flexible bag. The granularized rubber filters hydrocarbon products from the fluid.

Abstract: A method for use in industrial processes is disclosed for removing substances from a liquid, comprising passing said liquid through a filter bed comprised of silicon carbide particles of either a uniform particle size or decreasing particle sizes. The filter bed can be washed and regenerated by directing a regenerate liquid or liquids through the filter bed. Furthermore, a method for the removal and recovery of products and by-products from a liquid is disclosed, comprising passing said liquid through a filter bed comprised of silicon carbide particles of either a uniform particle size or decreasing particles sizes. A regenerate liquid or liquids can be passed through the filter bed for the purpose of removing and recovering the products or by-products, and simultaneously regenerating the filter bed.

Abstract: A high rate, upflow filtration system is described in which a compressible, fibrous lump filtration media is compressed to adjust the porosity and collector size of the media in the bed and to provide a porosity gradient within the bed proceeding from more porous to less porous in a direction opposite to the flow of fluid so that filtration proceeds in a direction from a more porous to a less porous filter bed. Larger particles are removed by the more porous media and successively smaller particles are removed as the filter bed becomes less porous. The system is capable of reducing the turbidity of influent municipal wastewater from about 8 NTU to about 2 NTU at a wastewater flow rate of from about 820 to 1230 L/m2·min (20 to 30 gal/ft2·min), at a bed compression ration of from about 15 to 40 percent, and at a backwash rate of from about 1 to 6 percent based on the total wastewater passing through the filter.

Abstract: Hot Water Sterilization of Activated Carbon beds or other adsorbents in filter tanks by including an electric or steam heating coil in the tank, alternately in the gravel underdrains, or in a plenum underdrain, or in an external canister.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods relating to washboxes are described.

Abstract: A method for treating water to produce potable water is described herein. The inventive method enables the efficient removal of iron, manganese, and arsenic without the addition of powerful oxidants and without requiring a complex procedure for preparing the filtering material. The described method treats the water by passing the water through at least one bed of filter material, where the filter material comprises an association of manganese dioxide grains and at least one iron-based divided material in the hydroxide, oxide, or metallic state. The association may comprise a mixture of the iron-based divided material and the manganese dioxide grains. Alternatively, the association may comprise a superposition of layers of the iron-based divided material and the manganese dioxide grains.

Abstract: An automated method for controlling a solids inventory in a continuous backwashing upflow sand filter system treating a liquid inflow having impurities therein, includes the steps of: monitoring an influent inflow pressure and controlling the air pressure in an air lift pump to maintain a target ratio range between the size of a solids inventory of the system and the size of the sand bed of the system.

Abstract: A system and method are used in connection with processing of blood components. The processing of blood components may involve centrifugal separation and/or filtering of the blood components. In some examples, at least some blood components are centrifugally separated in a chamber and then filtered via a filter rotating along with a centrifuge rotor, wherein the filter is located closer than the chamber to an axis of rotation of the rotor. The filter may include a porous filtration medium configured to filter leukocytes, platelets, and/or red blood cells. Some examples include a pressure sensor sensing pressure of pumped blood components. The sensed pressure may be used in connection with controlling the pumping of the blood products and/or in connection with determining the location of an interface associated with the blood products. Other uses of the sensed pressure are also possible.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for treating water for human consumption, so as to eliminate manganese and possibly other metals comprising steps which consist in: causing said water to pass at least over a bed of filtering material (3) consisting at least partly of manganese dioxide granules, said granules having a real density ranging between 3.5 and 4.5 and a hardness higher than 6 on the Mosh scale; regenerating, if necessary, said manganese dioxide, said regeneration being carried out mechanically.

Abstract: A spiral flow is generated in an outermost surface of a filter layer 103a formed of floating filter media 103 housed inside a filtration tube 102. This spiral flow can carry out filtration of the wastewater while scraping off floating filter media 103 forming the outermost surface of the filter layer 103a. This spiral flow can also be generated by discharging the wastewater inside the filtration tube in a direction following an inner wall thereof. Moreover, the tornado flow can also be generated by sucking this spiral flow downward to obtain an even more effective prevention of the clogging of the filter layer 103a.

Abstract: A reaction chamber is adapted to contain a fluidized bed having a slurry of liquid, media and biomass. A lift and motive fluid are provided to urge slurry from the reaction chamber through a passage from a slurry inlet to a slurry discharge. The height of the slurry inlet is adjustable with respect to the bottom of the reaction chamber to help control the fluidized bed.

Abstract: Process for treating filtration panels obtained by the filtration of oils containing sulfonates of earth-alkaline metal, the above filtration being carried out in the presence of filter aids essentially consisting of siliceous material, which comprises: (a) dilution of the filtration panel with a C4-C8 aliphatic hydrocarbon, preferably hexane, and addition of another filter aid, thus obtaining a suspension of the panel and of the filter aid in the aliphatic hydrocarbon; (b) filtration of the suspension of step (a), thus obtaining a solid essentially consisting of filter aid with a minimum content of sulfonate and a turbid C4-C8 hydrocarbon solution (i); (c) centrifugation of the turbid hydrocarbon solution (i), thus obtaining a solid and a purified hydrocarbon solution (ii); (d) treatment of the purified hydrocarbon solution (ii) with means suitable for eliminating the C4-C8 hydrocarbons, thus recovering the sulfonate of earth-alkaline metal.

Abstract: A liquid filtering apparatus is placed in a vessel having a bed of filtration material and an intake for introducing unfiltered liquid, that includes a washbox, an airlifting tube extending from the washbox and including an intake end and means for introducing a primary gas to the airlifting tube, the airlifting tube passing through a central pipe, which extends from just below the washbox to a position just above the intake end. At least one screen cartridge is oriented in a generally angular downward direction in the bed and is in communication with an effluent chamber defined in part by the outer surface of the central pipe. A reject line extends from the washbox, and an effluent collector extends from the effluent chamber. A method of filtering and cleaning the filtration material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A periodic ozone treatment system for a showering tower type water cooling system worked once daily for a period of 10˜30 minutes essentially comprises: an ozone dissolving tank to prepare high density ozone solution therein and periodically fed to the cooling system from a top of the showering tower automatically; a bypass piping connected from a heated water recycling pipe after a heat exchanging in a main functional heat exchanger to a sand filter to shift recycling water for washing the sand in the filter by a reverse osmosis operation during the period while the ozone treatment system is working; and an ozone decomposition reactor disposed at a front of heat exchanger free from corrosion.

Abstract: A treatment system for treating water/wastewater includes two continuously operating granular media filters that are operated together in series. The water/wastewater to be treated is introduced as an influent into the first of the granular media filters and is treated therein. Treated, processed water/wastewater or effluent is produced as is a first reject which contains impurities separated from a granular media bed in the first granular media filter and which is discharged from the first granular media filter. The effluent from the first granular media filter is further filtered in the second continuously operating granular media filter such that the effluent from the second granular media filter is clarified water and a second reject discharged from the second granular media filter contains impurities separated from a granular bed in the second granular media filter.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously filtering a suspension includes a filter-medium washer provided with length-adjustable walls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the continuous filtration of liquids containing solid matter, in particular for cleaning wastewater, by means of a filter bed consisting of a particulate filtering medium, which is continuously moved through a vertically positioned cylindrical annular space (2) through which the liquid to be filtered continuously flows radially from the interior to the exterior. The particulate filtering medium containing the separated solid matter is continuously tapped from the lower end of the annular space (2), transported to the top, freed of the filtered solid matter and fed back into the annular space (2) at its upper end. With this kind of method and device, to be able to prevent in a better and more simple manner blockages caused by the separated floc of solid matter, the invention provides that as particulate filtering medium a particle mixture is used with a particle-size range comprising two or more particle sizes, ranging from coarse (2.5 mm) to fine (0.

Abstract: A method of coacting a fluid with a media, such as granular particles. The media is moved to an upper portion in an upright media container, and held there during a treatment cycle in which the fluid is coacted with the media. When the media requires regeneration, the media is allowed to fall to a lower portion of the media container where a regeneration fluid is passed through the media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid filtering apparatus that includes a vessel which contains a bed of particulate or granular filter medium and a filter-medium washer (7) located above the upper side of the bed. The apparatus includes circulation means (8) for continuously transferring dirtied filter medium from a lower part of the bed to the filter-medium washer (7), and for transferring washed filter medium from the filter-medium washer (7) to an upper part of the bed. The washer (7) includes a wash chamber (19) defined between walls (17, 18) that have at least a vertical extension. Filter medium is moved down through the wash chamber (19) while washing liquid is moved up through said chamber. The inventive apparatus also includes means for adjusting the extension of the wash chamber (19) in the flow direction. The invention also relates to a filtering method of a corresponding kind.

Abstract: A method of regenerating an ion exchange resin, comprising the steps of packing a used ion exchange resin in a regeneration tower; and repeating at least twice a step comprising passing an aqueous solution of regenerant through the regeneration tower downward from a top part of the regeneration tower and thereafter passing ultra-pure water through the regeneration tower upward from a bottom of the regeneration tower. This method enables regenerating an ion exchange resin efficiently and homogeneously without mixing of the regenerant into ion exchange resin towers for purification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for cleaning the sand beds of slow sand filters, infiltration basins and pools of other types having sand beds in water treatment works and similar plants, while the filter is in service, by removing a few centimeters of the bed surface, cleaning the sand of the sludge or filter film formed on the bed surface, returning the cleaned sand to the bed, and discharging the separated sludge, suspended in water to drain or to a suitable disposal site. This is achieved using a tracked cleaning machine equipped with a submersible pump (7) and nozzle (8) to remove the top layer of sludge-bearing sand from the bed, cleaning the sludge from the sand thus removed in a hydrocyclone (13), returning the cleaned sand to the bed via a spreader plate (15) and discharging the water-suspended sludge to a drain or to a suitable disposal site through a hose (17).

Abstract: Described is a method for making brine to be used for regenerating water softening appliances. The brine is made in a reservoir having a float mechanism therein coupled to a seal that prevents the brine from dropping below a predetermined level in the reservoir. This creates a stock buffer of brine that always remain in the reservoir so that after adding a sufficient volume of water to regenerate a softening applicant, an effective concentration of brine is immediately available above the predetermined level for carrying out the regeneration. This allows for minimal wait time between subsequent regenerations of one or a plurality of water softening appliances. Preferably, an over-flow warning device cooperating with the reservoir water intake is also provided.