Abstract: The invention relates to new regenerable filtration adjuvants which are usable for the filtration of liquids, particularly beer at the end of the secondary fermentation storage, characterized in that they comprise synthetic or natural incompressible polymer grains or natural incompressible grains grains having a sphericity coefficient varying between approximately 0.6 and 0.9. The invention also relates to a method for regenerating a filtration adjuvant.

Abstract: A filtration tank (1) for purification of polluted water includes a chamber (12). Upper and lower filtration screens (20, 22) are supported within the chamber. Filtration particles (18) are confined between the upper and lower screens. Polluted water enters the chamber through an inlet (26), passes through the screens and the filtration particles and exits the chamber through a purified water outlet (28). Periodically, the inlet and outlet are closed and the water in the chamber is drained through a drain outlet (32). Nozzles (42, 45) spray cleaning fluid over the filter particles and screens to dislodge trapped dirt.

Abstract: A device for filtering and disinfecting a fluid, such as waste water, is provided. The device includes a housing having an interior and a fluid inlet conduit in flow communication with the interior of the housing. An ozone source is in flow communication with the interior of the housing. Additionally, a method of filtering and disinfecting a fluid is provided. Filter media is introduced into a housing to form a filter bed. The fluid to be filtered is directed into the housing such that the fluid flows through the filter media to form a filtrate. Ozone is directed into the housing such that the ozone contacts and disinfects the filter media and the filtrate.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for coalescing microscopic droplets of organic (principally hydrocarbons) that are present with particles in an aqueous stream (primarily water), which avoids frequent shutdowns for backwashing. The system includes two anthracite beds (56, 58, FIG. 2) and apparatus for connecting the beds in series. Most of the time, the stream flows down (60) through the first bed and up (64) through the second bed, and to a separator, while particles (74) accumulate at the top of the first bed. When the particles begin to seriously block flow through the first bed, the flow is reversed for a period while the particles are transferred from the top of the first bed to the top of the second bed. After several minutes, the flow is reversed again, causing particles at the top of the second bed to flow to the separator for removal.

Abstract: A filter system (110) includes a tank (130) with a conveyer (140) for, preferably continuously, conveying filter media (11) from a filter zone (119) in the tank (130) where the filter media (11) traps predetermined matter (16), such as particulates, to a quiet zone (115) in the tank (130) where the predetermined matter (16) separates from the filter media (11) and is allowed to accumulate and be withdrawn from the tank (130). The conveyer (140) preferably includes a screw auger (141) and a duct (142) for containing the screw auger (141). The filter media (11) is preferably buoyant when the fluid (21) being filtered is water.

Abstract: A composite adsorbent element comprising a packed mixture of granules and fibers, which are desirably granular activated carbon (GAC) and activated carbon fiber (ACF). The element is employed as a filter for purifying tap water. In the composite adsorbent element the activated carbon fibers fill the spaces between the activated carbon granules. The size and relative amounts of the GAC and ACF are designed to enable water treatment to remove impurities from water more rapidly than conventional filters using granular activated carbon.

Abstract: A slow sand filter system having a slow sand filter located under water and a scraping mechanism. The scraping mechanism has at least one auger and a shaft, the auger extending across the width of the slow sand filter and being supported in the center thereof by the shaft such that the auger is horizontal. The auger may have a shroud located along the length of the auger and spaced therefrom. The auger moves the schmutzdecke layer across the slow sand filter. The slow sand filter system may have recycle, to permit passing water through the slow sand filter system at a rate less than the maximum vertical flow rate and recycle of a portion of said water passing through the slow sand filter system back to the body of water and removal of the remainder of the water to another location. The method permits operation of the slow sand filter system to provide a variable supply of water without minimal disruption of the filter system.

Abstract: A filter media washing system for washing contaminants from filter media of a plurality of filtration vessels. Each filtration vessel has a filtration screen subdividing the filtration vessel into a filter media containing chamber and a filter media-free chamber. Each filter media containing chamber of each filtration vessel has a first fluid passage connected thereto and is located distally from the filtration screen. A second fluid passage is also positioned in each filter media containing chamber, but it is located proximate to the filtration screen. The first and second fluid passages are fluidly coupled, one to the other with a decontamination unit located fluidly therebetween for separating filter media from contamination carried therewith. The decontamination unit includes a contamination separating pump, a contamination separating chamber, a contamination separating screen and a return manifold. The return manifold has a first and second return conduit.

Abstract: A separator for use with a fluidized-bed bioreactor. A lift draws a slurry of liquid, media and biomass from the fluidized bed. A biomass discharge is connected to the lift and located above the height of the fluidized bed for discharging excess biomass. A media discharge, also connected to the lift, discharges media from the slurry and returns the media to the fluidized bed.

Abstract: A method for the use of a porous, preferably dimensionally stable, particulate material in a packed filter bed for separating a disperse liquid phase from a gas and/or separating a disperse liquid phase from a liquid, with the average size of the particles being in the range of from 0.1 to 10 mm and the internal surface area of the material being such that, after it has been filled with the disperse liquid phase to be separated and placed, as a packed bed, at a distance of from R to r from the center in a centrifuge rotating at an angular velocity w, for which it holds that0<w.sup.2 (R.sup.2 -r.sup.2).ltoreq.20 (rad/s).sup.2 m.sup.2,wherein w stands for the angular velocity (in rad/s) and R and r represent the largest and the smallest radius (in m), respectively, of the material in the centrifuge, at least 1% of the liquid will have been separated after 5 minutes, while at least 10% of the liquid will have been separated after 60 minutes is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating water includes a vertically extending contact vessel, wherein water is contacted with ozone, and a return vessel which contains a column of water of a sufficient height to drive water through downstream solids separation stages. Ozone is removed from the water and the rate of ozone injection is monitored and automatically adjusted so that no great amount of ozone remains in water entering the solids separation stages. The ozone is generated in elongated elements that are cooled by the process water and that are positioned to serve as a static mixer for such water.

Abstract: In the biological purification of sewage water or drinking water, it is known to purify the water in a filter bed of granular filter medium, wherein the filter medium is transported from the bottom of the bed to its upper side with the aid of air, so as to obtain a continuously working filter. It is suggested in accordance with the invention that the amount of filter medium to be transported is divided into two or more parts which are transported in parallel, so as to prevent the flow conditions in the transport tube having a negative effect on the reactivity of the filter bed by decreasing the bacteria strain.

Abstract: A suspension is delivered to a filter bed comprised of granular filter medium in a continuously working filter at the lower part of the bed and is then permitted to flow upwards through the bed. With the intention of optimizing the capacity of the filter, the suspension is now guided into a central region of the bed. The suspension is divided from this region into at least two specific proportional quantities which are each led from the filter bed in a respective ring-shaped pattern at mutually different heights in relation to the extension of the bed, these ring-shaped patterns having different diameters and each being adapted to the extension of the filter medium in the direction of the diameter.

Abstract: A separator is provided for use with a fluidized-bed bioreactor. A lift draws a slurry of liquid, media and biomass from the fluidized bed. A biomass discharge is connected to the lift for discharging excess biomass. A media discharge, also connected to the lift, discharges media from the slurry and returns the media to the fluidized bed by means of a media return assembly.

Abstract: An improved vertical filtration unit includes a bell-shaped lower end for the air-lift tube, an injection ring for introducing air into the air-lift tube at a considerable volume, and a washbox with a more efficient scrubbing arrangement for washing dirt particles from the filtration material. The bell-shaped lower end makes the transporting of a mixture of dirty filtration material and water to the top of the filtration unit more efficient than with the conventional straight tube bottom. The tube receives compressed air from two horizontally positioned inlets positioned 180.degree. from each other. The flat and round target plate makes the scrubbing of filtration material more efficient, while a baffle prevents the filtration material from being ejected from the washbox.

Abstract: It is possible to filter a suspension or emulsion in a filter bed of particulate filter medium by allowing the suspension to flow upwards through the filter bed simultaneously as the medium flows downwards through a filtering tank wherein filtration takes place. Filtration thus takes place during counterflow between suspension and filter medium. The supply of suspension takes place in the lower part of the filter bed and the filtered liquid phase is taken away from a zone above the filter bed. The polluted filter medium close to the bottom of the filter tank is taken out for conveyance to a washing apparatus above the filter bed and after washing is returned to the upper side of the filter bed. For providing a filter which has a considerably lower construction height for a given and unchanged volume of the filter medium, the washing apparatus is lowered so that its lower part is at a level below the upper surface of the filter bed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus by which contaminants are removed from a liquid flowing through a filter vessel having an inlet for providing a contaminated liquid flow into one end thereof and an outlet through which filtered liquid can exit the vessel. A filter screen supports a relatively large quantity of particulate filter media within the filter vessel on the filter screen for normal filter operation and captures contaminants by flowing contaminated liquid through the inlet while filtered liquid exits through the filter screen and outlet, leaving the contaminants on the filter media. The system automatically occasionally cleans the media in a unique cleaning cycle, that includes one or a plurality of closed loop flow paths that fluidizes the media within one filter vessel and cleans the media externally of the filter vessel by flowing the fluidized filter media along the closed loop flow path.

Abstract: A biological purification process, a secondary treatment of partially cleaned waste water for example, is carried out in a porous bed of loose granules which float in the liquid. The granules are continuously washed to remove coagulated impurities by means of a small quantity thereof being entrained from the top of the bed in a small volumn flow of the effluent of the process, mixed with the inflowing impure liquid and then returned to the bottom of the bed. Excess reaction gas may also be delivered to the bed via the inflowing liquid and unreacted gas collected for reuse.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating water includes a vertically extending contact vessel, wherein water is contacted with ozone, and a return vessel which contains a column of water of a sufficient height to drive water through downstream filtering stages. Ozone is removed from the water and the rate of ozone injection is monitored and automatically adjusted so that no great amount of ozone remains in water entering the filtering stages. The ozone is generated in elongated elements that are cooled by the process water and that are positioned to serve as a static mixer for such water.

Abstract: A moving bed filter in which the liquid to be filtered is introduced into an internal chamber centrally disposed in the filter bed. The liquid flows through the filter bed to filtration nozzles which are disposed near the outer periphery of the filter bed. A portion of the filter bed media is continuously removed from a recessed chamber below the floor of the filter bed, transported by gas lift through a lift conduit to a washbox located above the filter bed, and cleaned by a countercurrent flow of the filtrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for washing a filter intended for cleansing a contaminated liquid and having a granular bed, a drainage system located beneath the bed, means for introducing first and second liquid flows into the bed, wherein the first liquid flow is operative to fluidize solely upper bed layers at least locally, and the second liquid flow is operative to fluidize the bed throughout the whole of its depth. The method teaches ejecting the flows of liquid selectively into the bed through orifices which are placed in the bed at a location between the highest point and the lowest point therein and which are substantially equidistant from the upper surface of the bed; and by introducing the first liquid stream into the upper layers of said bed in a smaller quantity and at a corresponding smaller rate than the second liquid stream, such that the bed layers located beneath these upper layers will be unaffected by the ongoing bed washing operation.

Abstract: A regenerable deep bed filter element and method for making it, the element being provided as a closed system, in the case of which a deep bed filter (21), disposed inside at least one hollow-cylindrical chamber (17), is formed by a bulk material filling of regenerable, filtration-active substances of a particulate and/or fibrous structure. The hollow-cylindrical chamber accommodates radial flow by means of porous inner and outer peripheral walls (18, 19). The deep bed filter can be either washed, or regenerated by flushing back with water, steam or chemical cleansing agents, during which the filtration-active substances remain inside the chamber (17).

Abstract: Regeneration of a granular media is produced by mechanically forming a slurry of the media in a liquid and separation of the liquid from the granular media by rapidly rotating a separator element having small openings through the slurry, as flow of a liquid granule slurry is drawn out through the openings, the movement producing a scrubbing action keeping the openings clear of the granules.

Abstract: A filter assembly for fluids such as air and water employs a cleanable filter. The filter is located within a housing having a reservoir, and a steam generator which can be selectively operated to clean the filter.

Abstract: A deep bed upflow filter (10) for removing suspended solids from an influent stream to provide a clean filtrate, comprising an upright vessel (12) having a vertical axis (14), top and bottom ends (16,18) and contiguous upper (20), lower (22), and intermediate (24) regions between the ends. The upper region contains filtrate (26) up to a first elevation (28) and an outlet (30) for drawing the filtrate out of the vessel. The intermediate region contains particulate filter media (32) for removing the suspended solids from influent moving upwardly through the media as the media, dirtied with solids, moves downwardly into the lower region. The lower region is generally tapered (36) inwardly toward the vessel bottom and contains dirty media (34) that has moved downwardly from the intermediate region. Influent is introduced (44) between the intermediate and lower regions, and the dirty media is collected (46) at the bottom and transported (50) to a regenerative washing compartment (52).

Abstract: A grease separation system includes a main grease separator tank [11] which has a plurality of filters [23] suspended along the upper portion of the tank above a bed of grease absorbing material [28]. A perforated pipe [31] extends the length of the floor of the tank and discharges into a grease trap [33]. An admixing tank [52] is also included for admixing a grease absorbing material [60] with the grease [24] collected within the filters and rendering the grease bladeable for disposal into a landfill.

Abstract: A granular filter is arranged for filtration of suspensions where the flow through the bed is horizontal. The bed depth is less than about 12 cm and the media particle size is less than about 0.6 mm. Pollutants trapped by the media particles are removed by a washing device capable of operation during the filtration process.

Abstract: A method of washing an upflow filter between service runs employs a filter bed having a non-buoyant particulate filter layer through which influent to be filtered is directed in an upward direction, and through which liquid employed in the washing operation is directed in an upflow direction. A two-stage washing operation includes the steps of first directing a combination of air and liquid in an upflow direction through the filter layer with the velocity of the liquid being less than the minimum fluidization velocity of the filter layer, for disrupting only some floc retained in the filter layer during a previous service run, and thereafter directing only liquid in an upflow direction through the filter layer at a velocity less than the minimum fluidization velocity of the filter layer for removing disrupted floc from the filter layer while leaving some floc attached to said particulate media of the filter layer.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes a vertical column of filter media contained in and defined by a liquid-impervious vessel. A filtrate collection chamber is fixedly and centrally located in the media column. The collection chamber has liquid impervious top and sidewalls and an open bottom, whereby liquid to be filtered and introduced through a feed pipe at the top of the media column passes downward through the media column past the collection chamber and then upward into the collection chamber, is removed through a filtrate collection pipe. The apparatus may include equipment for continuously washing and recycling the filter media, and auxiliary alternatives for increasing the efficiency of the apparatus. Also included is the novel method for practicing the invention, particularly with the novel apparatus.

Abstract: An improved process for regenerating the ion exchange resin in a water softening system. The process substantially reduces the amount of water and salt required for regeneration of the resin. The process includes the steps of venting the resin tank to the atmosphere and draining eventually all of the water from around the resin. Next, a brine solution is added to the resin tank. This is allowed to remain in contact with the resin until the resin is regenerated, preferably aided by energizing a vibrator positioned on the exterior of the tank. Next, the brine solution is drained from the resin tank which is then filled with water to rinse the brine from the resin. After rinsing, the resin is ready for use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous treatment of fluid with a contact media. The apparatus includes a plurality of vertically arranged chambers through which the fluid flow passes. The contact media may be selectively removed from each chamber and moved to a tank for regeneration. Additionally, the contact media may be selectively moved from one chamber to another.

Abstract: The filtration system provides a long horizontal flow path through buoyant filter media. The filter media is contained in a vessel and the relationship between the water level in the vessel and the amount of filter media is such that the media extends completely across the horizontal flow path of the water during the filtration mode of operation. The system is configured so that the buoyant media volume expands during a cleansing mode of operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering a fluid through a particulate filter medium and for periodically scrubbing the particulate filter medium of accumulated contaminating material. During the filtration cycle, the particulate filter medium is retained with a filtration vessel by a bottom screen. During the scrubbing cycle, the particulate filter medium is retained within the filtration vessel by the bottom screen and a top screen. The combined surface area of the bottom screen and the top screen is substantially greater than the surface area of the bottom screen alone. During the scrubbing cycle, the particulate filter medium is fluidized with a scrubbing fluid and violently circulated to remove accumulated contaminating material from the filter medium, thereby suspending the contaminating material in the fluidized mixture.

Abstract: A filtering system includes a filter vessel containing a movable granular media bed, a feed stream inlet port for flowing a liquid-solid stream through the bed for filtration, a dirtied media outlet and a cleaned effluent outlet. A vertical cleaning section in either a separate stand-alone washing section vessel or in a washing section within the filter vessle, includes a wash path in which a washing liquid typically a portion of the cleaned effluent washes contaminants from the dirtied media resultant from filtration of the feed stream. The resultant contaminants-containing wash water is pumped to waste but a sidestream thereof is recycled at least in part to the filter vessle to a location in the vessel between the feed stream inlet port and the dirtied media outlet so that the liquid ordinarily transported with the dirty media at the bottom of the filter is replaced, at least in part with the recycle liquid.

Abstract: A method of washing an upflow filter between service runs employs a filter bed having a non-buoyant particulate filter layer through which influent to be filtered is directed in an upward direction, and through which liquid employed in the washing operation is directed in an upflow direction. A two-stage washing operation includes the steps of first directing a combination of air and liquid in an upflow direction through the filter layer with the velocity of the liquid being less than the minimum fluidization velocity of the filter layer, for disrupting only some floc retained in the filter layer during a previous service run, and thereafter directing only liquid in an upflow direction through the filter layer at a velocity less than the minimum fluidization velocity of the filter layer for removing disrupted floc from the filter layer while leaving some floc attached to said particulate media of the filter layer.

Abstract: A sand filter is provided where dirtied filter media, generally sand, is continuously withdrawn from the filter container and lifted to the top of a juxtaposed separate wash vessel outside the container. The dirty media cascades in zig-zag fashion across and down a series of vertically spaced inclined baffles in the wash vessel extending alternately from opposite sides of the vessel so that a thin, relatively wide media stream falls from one baffle down to the next. A wash liquid, normally clean filtrate from the sand filter container, enters an inlet port adjacent to the bottom of the wash vessel and due to the coaction of the spaced baffles forms vertically-oriented circular flow patterns or vortices in alternative clockwise and counter clockwise directions so that portions of the wash liquid flow are directed to flow along with and in the same direction i.e. co-current flow, as the downwardly progressing and cascading media stream falling from one baffle member to the next baffle member.

Abstract: A bed of particulate material of varying sizes is located within a vessel. This bed comprises an upper and lower region. Particulate material is supplied continuously to the center of the upper region so as to form a peak shape which descends downwardly and radially outwardly from the center. Liquid to be filtered is introduced to this peak shape and is filtered downwardly through the bed. A majority of the filtered liquid passes through a screen located between the upper and the lower regions into a screen filtrate enclosure. The remaining liquid continues to the lower region. This liquid and dirty particulate material are transported by an air lift tube from the lower region to a position above the upper region. At this position, the particulate material is washed and supplied to the center of the upper region. The remaining liquid and filtered particles are removed from the vessel.

Abstract: By this method, the fluid to be filtered is led through a filter bed formed of particulate filter particles, such as sand, which filter bed is retained in an upstanding annular space. The fluid is introduced to the interior part 15 of the annular space and is led transversely to the movement the filter bed, through it and away. The filter bed is provided on the inner wall of annular space with a microfilter, such as sieve grid 16, with a mesh size of 10 to 200 microns, whereby the heavy and flocculated dirt particles settling upon the microfilter are led down and away and are drawn off together with the particulate filter particles 32. To avoid stoppages of the microfilter, it is flowingly hydraulically cleaned from the inner space. Additionally, by introduction of water in the take-off space 11 there is produced a vortex bed, whereby at this space the withdrawal of the particulate filter medium is effected with a mammoth pump 17 known per se.

Abstract: A stream of contaminated liquid flows into a vessel, through a filter media comprised of at least 50% pecan hulls, while clean liquid exits the vessel, leaving the contaminants deposited on the filter media. The deposited contaminants are scrubbed from the media by circulating the media along a toroidal flow path within the vessel until the contaminants have been transferred from the media into the liquid. The scrubbing action is achieved by a pump suction which is spaced from a pump discharge. The pump discharges through a perforated nozzle. The nozzle extends through a housing. An annulus is formed between the nozzle and the housing. Dirty scrub water flows from the pump, through the nozzle perforations, into the annulus, and away from the vessel, while at the same time the toroidal flow path is maintained.

Abstract: A filter device for removing contaminants from liquid flowing therethrough comprising a vessel having an inlet for providing a contaminated liquid flow into the interior thereof and an outlet through which filtered liquid can exit the vessel. A screen means contained within the vessel supports a filter media thereon. A pump has a suction and discharge located within the vessel and respective to the screen whereby the filter media can be fluidized and thereby cleaned without removing the media from the vessel. The scrubbing action transfers the contaminants from the filter media into the scrub water and thereby enables the contaminants to be removed from the vessel by discharging the scrub water therefrom.

Abstract: A filtration system and method for the removal of suspended solids from a contaminated liquid in which the contaminated liquid is pumped into the top of a vessel and allowed to flow through a bed of polyethylene particles which acts as a filtering medium. Periodically the flow of liquid through the polyethylene filter bed is stopped and a backwash cycle in which the contaminated liquid is pumped in a reverse flow direction through the filter bed is initiated. By thoroughly agitating the filter bed and polyethylene particles, contaminants are loosened and removed from the polyethylene particles and placed back into the liquid. The highly concentrated contaminated liquid is removed from the vessel for further processing. The filter bed is reset and the filtering cycle is again initiated.

Abstract: Liquid which has been partially clarified in the settling zone of a clarifier tank is channelled through a filtration compartment containing a buoyant particulate filtration media. The media particles are periodically agitated so that trapped solids are separated from the media and retained in the clarifier tank.

Abstract: A suspension is filtered by a granular filtrating layer while flowing through the granular filtrating mass as a vertical ascending current. The granular mass is, for the purpose of being washed with air, driven continuously by a compressed air ejector into a tube where it follows an ascending motion and at the outlet of which it is washed with water above the layer where the filtration is carried out. Thereafter, the washed mass is recycled by gravity onto the upper portion of the filtration layer. The charged granular mass which has been subjected to the first or air washing operation is fluidized above the filtration layer and subjected to an extra washing operation with water and pressurized air.

Abstract: A process for removing sorbed lubricating oil additives from siliceous filter material is provided. The process comprises forming a slurry of the additive-laden siliceous filter material and an aromatic solvent. Water is added to the slurry prior to separating the siliceous filter material from the slurry. The recovered filter material is substantially additive-free. The lubricating oil additives may be optionally recovered from the aromatic solvent by appropriate means such as distillation.

Abstract: High rate filtration system includes an upflow filter vessel containing a bed of buoyant media followed by a downflow filter vessel containing a bed of nonbuoyant media. The upflow filter vessel is unobstructed by cross-sectional, media-confining screens. A horizontal trough structure collects filter effluent and makes it possible to clean the bed by diffusing air into the liquid below the bed so that average fluid density in the bed is reduced. The reduction in fluid density results in expansion of the bed as media particles descend by gravity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and apparatus for the compressive regeneration of flexible, porous materials used as filter particles, oil-separating particles or carrier particles in a reactor. These materials are loaded in a reactor with a liquid containing substances to be removed. The liquid is, for example, water, and the substances are, for example, deposited solids, oil droplets or bacteria. After the flexible, porous materials become loaded with the substances, they are conducted to a press chamber equipped with a press means. The transporting, squeezing out, and separation of the water and substances from the flexible porous materials, as well as the recycling of the regenerated material into the reactor are achieved by either a one-time, or a repetitive to and fro movement, of the press means. This regeneration is accomplished with a single device which operates simultaneously as both a regenerating press and as a conveying installation.

Abstract: Method for flocculating microscopic particles in suspension in a liquid and application to the collection of phytoplankton microalgae and of zooplankton and for the purification of used water.One passes a first liquid comprising microscopic particles in suspension through a fixed granular layer (2) up to partial or complete clogging of said granular material by said microscopic particles; one unclogs at least partially said granular material in a fixed layer by passing a second liquid therethrough, moving in the same direction as the first liquid, but at a higher speed than the first; and one recovers below said layer flocculated aggregates of said microscopic particles and a liquid outflow (6).

Abstract: Oil-water mixtures are by-products of a number of known commercial activities such as crude oil production and power plant operation. Disposition of such mixtures in most all cases is prohibited by environmental regulation. Disposition may be effected, however, after separation of the oil from the water. This separation may be accomplished in a deepbed type filter. Where the oil in the water is unusually viscous or has a waxy, tar-like, or sticky consistency, for example, rejuvenation of the filter bed is enhanced by the addition of a small amount of a solvating liquid to the oil-water mixture before filtering.

Abstract: A filter system has a filter media comprised of particles of filter material contained within the lower end of a vessel. Liquid flows into the upper end of the vessel and down through the filter media, thereby removing unwanted contaminants from the liquid. When the accumulated contaminant load in the filter media reaches a selected value, the filter media is cleaned of contaminants by vigorously circulating the media within the vessel. This scrubbing action transfers the contaminants from the filter media into the scrub water, and thereby enables the contaminants to be removed from the vessel by discharging the scrub water therefrom. All activity is stopped to enable the media to gravitate back to the bottom of the vessel. The cleaned filter is returned to operation.

Abstract: A system for the rapid dewatering of sludge in large quantities makes use of a filter plate of design and construction capable of supporting heavy mechanized mobile equipment and without damage to the filter media. The filter plate features a monolithic plate of granular filter material used as the filtering medium in sludge beds for dewatering or reducing residual solids or sludge of potable water treatment systems. The filter material is made structurally rugged and with a smooth hard surface for the retention of sludge solids. The filter material is supported upon a substructure of aggregate providing approximately 40% internal voids for the gravity flow or drainage of filtrate and the back flow of chemicals and gases used in the rapid water reduction process. The assemblage is constructed of such strength as to allow for use of heavy handling equipment such as front end loaders in the removal of the dried sludge or cake upon the completion of the rapid water reduction process.