Abstract: Process for purifying and filtering fluids, especially water, containing suspended contaminants and using gravity separation means as well as membrane separation means, in a finishing stage, comprising the step of introducing a pulverulent reagent into the fluid stream to be treated downstream of the gravity separation and upstream of the membrane separation, wherein said pulverulent reagent is recycled from the purge of the membrane separation means to the upstream of the gravity separation means.

Abstract: A decanter apparatus and method of operating the same to decant liquid from adjacent the surface in a tank. The decanter apparatus includes a decanter receptacle having a top opening surrounded by a decanter rim, a decant pipe having an inlet end communicating with the decanter receptacle and a discharge end extending out the tank, and a float overlying the decanter receptacle and connected thereto for relative movement between a decanter closed position in which the float engages the decanter rim and a decanter open position in which the decanter rim is spaced below the float. The decanter receptacle when empty in the decanter closed position has sufficient positive buoyancy to buoyantly support the decanter assembly with the decanter rim above the surface of the liquid in the tank. The float has sufficient positive buoyancy to buoyantly support the decanter receptacle when the latter is in the decanter open position and filled with liquid.

Abstract: A method for processing a flush-back fluid containing impurities after its use in a flush-back filter for cleaning fluid used in a cleaning process is accomplished in accordance with the invention in that flush-back fluid drawn from the flush-back filter is subjected to a sedimentation process and hereby acted upon at least from time to time by pressure and that after completion of the sedimentation process the flush-back fluid is separated in a pressure-tight manner from a least at least a portion of a sediment recovered thereby and the latter is subsequently removed and a part of the flush-back fluid cleansed at least to a large extent of impurities is returned to the cleaning process.

Abstract: A system for cleaning contaminated fuel in a fuel tank by introducing a suction line to substantially the lowermost part of the tank for suctioning off free water and heavy contaminants settled in the tank. The materials are then routed via suction to a first strainer, where free water and contaminants are trapped and retrieved. The filtrate then moves to a separation vessel, whereby the fuel is filtered through a primary filter medium, and the contaminants settle to the bottom of the vessel and are collected. The filtered fuel is then routed to a tertiary filter before being returned to the fuel tank to agitate the contaminants and facilitate this removal by the suction side of the system. This closed loop process is continued until the filtered fuel is substantially free of contaminants.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of organic materials trapped in the emulsions generated in solvent extraction plants. The emulsions are first washed in aqueous solution. The washed emulsions are then subjected to a mechanical breaking process in aqueous/organic dispersion, inducing the inversion of the continuity of phases in the emulsions and the release of the phases involved. Subsequent separation of the phases by decanting enables the removal of significant quantities of solids and increases the overall recovery of the organic trapped in the emulsions.

Abstract: The new floating sludge evacuating unit for circular tanks having a drain, and a scraper blade movable in relation thereto is characterized in that the scraper blade is lifted repeatedly in order to evacuate the tank surface by sections, advanced to a position remote from the drain where it is stopped and lowered, while the drain follows the scraper blade and pushes the floating sludge together, and that prior to the lowering motion causing the floating sludge to be evacuated a push-down unit causes the intake edge of the drain to be pre-lowered to a position which takes the level in the tank into account. Then, the lowering path for floating sludge evacuation will always be correct, and evacuation of water will be avoided. A scraper blade interacting with several stationary drains is operating according to the same principle. It is lowered behind every drain and pushes the floating sludge toward the next drain.

Abstract: A blood washing device is employed for recovering shed blood or other sources of blood and preparing packed red cells therefrom. The device employs a gravity sedimentation procedure but achieves a shortened washing period by using an aggregating reagent for aggregating or agglomerating the red cells so as to increase their sedimentation velocity during the gravity sedimentation. The wash period is further shortened by employing a vessel with a flat shallow configuration for shortening the sedimentation path length of the aggregated red cells. A non-turbulant removal of the resultant broad shallow layer of sedimented red cells is achieved by carefully tilting the vessel after the sedimentation step so as to induce the sedimented red cells to slide or shift into a funnel configuration within the vessel. After the red cells have shifted into a funnel configuration, they are allowed to stand in that configuration so as undergo further concentration.

Abstract: A method of partitioning a pre-selected phase of a sample of liquid having a plurality of phases of differing densities, a separation device and a tube containing the separation device. The sample of liquid is placed in a first chamber of a linear tube that is separated from a second chamber by a separation device. The separation device slidably engages the interior surface of the tube in an essentially fluid-tight manner and has an axial orifice on the longitudinal axis of the tube that is in fluid flow communication with a flow-restriction channel. The phases are ordered concentrically by rotating the tube around its longitudinal axis e.g. in an axial centrifuge. The volume of the first chamber is reduced by movement of the separation device within the tube, that phase of the liquid located axially within the first chamber flowing into the axial orifice and passing through the flow-restriction channel into the second chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to concentrate and purify islets of Langerhans from a tissue suspension containing islets and tissue fragments. The tissue suspension is flowed through an inclined channel such that laminar flow is established in the channel. The islets settle toward the channel bottom and are drawn out of the channel through an outlet in the channel bottom, while the remaining tissue suspension flows out a second outlet positioned higher than the islet outlet. Additional concentration or purification may be accomplished by passing the islets through the channel additional times and by centrifuging or filtering operations.

Abstract: A method of partitioning a pre-selected phase of a sample of liquid having a plurality of phases of differing densities, and a tube. A sample of liquid is passed through a first end of a linear tube and into a first chamber of said tube. The first chamber is located at the first end of the tube and is separated from a second chamber located at a second opposed end of the tube by a separation device. The separation device slidably engages the interior surface of the tube in an essentially fluid-tight manner and has a flow-restriction orifice therein to permit fluid flow communication between the first and second chambers under the influence of force. The phases are then ordered within the tube using e.g. axial centrifugation. The volume of the first chamber is reduced by movement of the separation device within the tube, such that one phase of the liquid in the first chamber flows through the flow-restriction orifice and into the second chamber.

Abstract: A method for separating liquid components which have been fractionated into at least an upper layer component and a lower layer component in a soft flexible container provided with a liquid transfer port located either at an upper part or a lower part of the container comprising a step of pressing the container to a flat configuration, so as to flowing out one of the liquid components through the liquid transfer port, characterized in that the inner walls of a liquid storage chamber of the flexible container, except for the liquid transfer port, are partly brought into close contact with each other in advance, so as to define such a flowing passage for the liquid component, the width of which becoming narrower toward the liquid transfer port, prior to the step of pressing the flexible container to a flat configuration.

Abstract: An oil separation method and apparatus for the continuous separation of acceptable oil from contaminated oil containing solids and liquids withdrawn from an oil well. Three separate settling tanks are partitioned and provided with skimmers, as appropriate, to enable contaminated oil to dwell sufficiently within the tanks. After sufficient dwell time, the skimmers remove separated oil from the top layer and move it to an oil tank. Liquids such as water and emulsified oil are separated into an intermediate layer and moved to further settling tanks to provide sufficient dwell time for oil separation and collection. The first settling tank has a rotating jet spray header for agitating the solids accumulated in the bottom of the first tank and a series of suction headers for withdrawing the solids without interruption of the top oil layer or the separation operation.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for separating granulated plastic oil containers from the oil residue remaining within the containers after use. In this process, the plastic oil container is granulated prior to the separation of the oil from the plastic; the subsequent separation is done mechanically without washing or solvent deployment. The system comprises a conveying system, a size reduction means operating in conjunction with a centrifugal separation apparatus, and a means of segregating and storing the separated oil and the plastic granulate. In a first embodiment, the process is employed as a truck mounted unit for mobile processing of oil containers at the location of utilization. In a second embodiment, the process is employed as stationary processing facility.

Abstract: A separator device to separate a mixture of immiscible liquids of different densities wherein one of said liquids is in a discontinuous phase. The separator device includes a container having an inlet for the mixture of immiscible liquids and an outlet for removing one of the liquids after separation. A drain is provided to remove the discontinuous phase liquid after separation. Randomly arranged, loosely packed, coalescing medium within the container encourages coalescence and agglomeration of the discontinuous phase liquid.

Abstract: A process for separating the grease, solids and water components from grease such as grease traps and fry grease. The grease is collected and introduced into a primary holding tank to effect primary crude separation. The grease is removed to a second stage separator for further concentration. The water and solids are separately directed to a second stage to separate these components. The separated water is treated suitable for discharge into a sewer. The solids are dried and the solids and grease are then suitable for re-use. In the preferred embodiment, the separators are centrifuges. Heating of the grease may also be necessary to achieve proper viscosity for handling and to remove bacteria.

Abstract: A process for the separation, by sedimentation, of at least one liquid organic component dispersed in a liquid containing mainly organic materials, this organic component and the remaining liquid exhibiting a difference in density. In order to reduce considerably the standing time, it is proposed that the liquid be passed before sedimentation through a fiber bed that the organic component and the remaining liquid have different surface tensions with respect to the fiber bed, that the temperature of the liquid and the concentration of the organic component to be separated are such that, in the equilibrium state, at least two liquid phases form, and that the rate of flow of the liquid through the fiber bed lies below a maximum value dependent on the surface tension of the organic component with respect of the fiber bed and on the difference in density and surface tension between the remaining liquid and the organic component.

Abstract: In a process and a system for removing waste including production residues from fluid media used with machinery, the medium from which waste is to be removed is transported from the respective place of accumulation via piping to a collecting tank. The medium from which waste is to be removed is pumped from the respective place of accumulation up to an elevated tank, from where it is passed on to the collecting tank located at a lower level continuously or intermittently via a closed piping system.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of liquids, gases and vapors originating from water impervious interment units comprises a plurality of vertical passages in the vertical walls between units. The upper ends of the vertical passages are connected to an exhaust system and the lower ends of the vertical passages are connected to a drain passage for liquids. Gases drawn through the exhaust system are subjected to sterilization processes including burning and filtering such that any gases discharged into the atmosphere are free of pathogens and odors. A process is also disclosed for the treatment of gases and vapors from the units.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for separating an aqueous cleaner solution from contaminants that accumulate as the cleaner is used in washing manufactured objects, such as machine parts or printed circuit boards. In the separation process, filtration of contaminated aqueous cleaner solutions using a membrane of an appropriately chosen pore size removes oils, greases, fluxes, rosins and other emulsified or dispersed contaminants from the cleaners while permitting the molecules of the cleaner itself to stay in solution. The filtered cleaner solution is then recycled to the wash tank. Also disclosed are a process and apparatus for treating the rinse water used to rinse objects that are cleaned with the recycled cleaner.

Abstract: Improved techniques are provided for separating mixtures of materials having different densities. The apparatus of the present invention is well suited for separating oil from water, and includes a separation tank defining a cylindrical water storage chamber and a frustroconical separation chamber spaced above an adjoining the water storage chamber. Fluid is input to the separation tank at the level of the oil/water interface. An oil leg is spaced above the separation chamber, and an adjustable oil overflow unit is provided adjacent the oil outlet for selectively varying the head pressure of oil in the oil leg. A water leg is provided in parallel with the separation tank, and an adjustable water overflow unit is provided adjacent the water outlet for selectively varying the head pressure of water in the water leg. The adjustable overflow units allow the head pressure in the oil leg relative to the head pressure in the water leg to maintain the interface within the upper portion of the separation chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for the filtration of a solvent-particulate waste stream, such as a water solvent-particulate waste stream derived from the washing of a printing press blanket. The system and method include pumping and circulating under pressure the waste stream from a processing container through a filter to provide for a clarified solvent stream for reuse and a concentrated waste stream which is recycled back to the processing container. The system and method also include maintaining the recirculation flow rate at least than about 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot of filter surface (GFD) and removing a clarified solvent stream at a rate of less than about 2-3 gallons of flux per square foot of filter surface per day, while maintaining the pressure in the filter at a pressure of greater than about 25 psi and recycling the clarified solvent stream back for reuse in the system.

Abstract: Method and device for protecting against chemical spills due to breakage of disk filters use to filter chemicals comprising (A) a base having an upper surface with at least one vial well or groove adapted to allow sample vials to be inserted and to support said vials during a filter operation, said base having a front vertical shield portion at least as high as the top of the sample vials when said vials are inserted; (B) a rack having a rear side with at least one slot, each of said slots adapted to slidably engage the disk filter portion of a filter syringe apparatus and to prevent said disk filter from bursting during a filter operation, each of said slots positioned in said rack so that when said rack is fit on said base, every male portion of every disk filter which is engaged in one of said slots fits in a corresponding sample vial inserted in the corresponding vial well or groove.

Abstract: An improved sand pan and flushing jet apparatus is provided along with a process to separate solids from a fluid stream. The sand pan has openings along the side which increase in flow area with increasing distance from a slurry blowdown. Flushing jets are provided within the sand pan to remove slurry drawn into the sand pan by blowdown flow.

Abstract: This invention solves the problem of disposal of used coffee membrane filters and wet coffee grounds neatly with decreased probabilities of spilling coffee grounds on the floor, table or dumping them loose in a trash container. Thus, several embodiments provide different ways to close and secure the open top of the filter membrane after insertion of coffee grounds into the filter for making coffee, thereby to provide a closed unit that can be disposed of without spilling the beans. Thus, drawstrings or adhesive tabs may be provided in the rim of the filters for closure, or additional flaps or cover sheets may be attached to the rim of the filter to close the open filter mouth.

Abstract: A sensor for the detection of wood chip level in a digester, for example, a Kamyr digester, which consists of: (a) a probe, several meters long, vertically mounted inside the top part of the digester; (b) a series of bare metal electrodes in the side of the probe, spaced typically a few centimeters apart, and electrically insulated from the probe wall; (c) electronic circuit processing to allow any pair of electrodes to be selected, and (c) a means to allow the electrical properties of a liquor or wood chip and liquor mixture between the electrodes of a pair to be measured, and the level deduced from the measurement.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods of operation for the collection, separation and recovery of a contaminant from a body of water are provided which include as an essential element a collection tank which receives ingested liquids such as oil and water from one or more intake devices. The level of oil/water within the tank is controlled by means of pressurized gas, preferably air, which is selectively introduced into the tank, above the oil/water collection therein. The compressed air may also be utilized to remove the collected oil and to transmit the oil to storage.

Abstract: Bubble size of a froth created during the preparation and dispensing of an instant coffee beverage is controlled by passing the coffee beverage through at least two adjacent screens coaxially and adjacently positioned at a distance from one another, one inside another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing descending particle matter and chemical precipitate so that this material can be removed from a water body on a timely basis to remove offending nutrients. This method uses a plurality of funnel shaped collection chambers each attached at its apex to a collection conduit. Descending particle matter and precipitate concentrates at the apex of the chamber where a flow control valve closes upon activation of a suction on the receiving conduit so that external flow is restricted and flow velocity within the tube is maximized to aid suspension and removal of accumulated material. A tube selector is utilized to apply suction to only one collection conduit at a time, and a chemical feed apparatus is employed to produce the chemical precipitate above the receiving chambers. By this method, nutrients and particle matter can be removed from water bodies thus restoring their water quality.

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 method for the automatic sharp separation and removal of layers of fluids from a container through a headspace in the container comprises the use of two separate and simultaneous flow streams to draw fluid from the upper layer as the apparatus descends in the fluids. The entry of the lower fluid into the apparatus is detected as a result of the different physical properties of the lower fluid by which the apparatus is caused to stop its descent into the fluid and to interrupt the flow of fluid through one of the flowsteams. The flow of the flowstream is interrupted by the entry of a gas into that stream. The apparatus is subsequently lowered into the remaining fluid and the withdrawal of the fluid through the apparatus is begun again.

Abstract: Disclosed is method and apparatus for separating a light liquid component from a heavier liquid component. A holding tank holding a mixture of the light and heavy liquid has an outlet discharging into a separation tank. An underflow weir is provided in a separation tank adjacent the point of discharge to direct outflow beneath the surface underflow weir and the light liquid rises to the surface on the downstream side of the underflow weir to concentrate in a small vertical column in a portion of the separation tank to form an upper layer. A sensor in the separation tank senses sufficient light liquid in the vertical column and operates a removal pump to remove the light liquid from the vertical column. With removal of the light liquid, heavy liquid rises and the sensor senses the heavy liquid and stops the light liquid removal before the heavy liquid is also removed. Heavy liquid from the separation tank is recirculated, being directed across the surface of the holding tank in a downstream direction.

Abstract: There is described a low energy separator for separating solid components out of a liquid mixture, comprising (a) a vessel having a cylindrical outer wall and a base at one end, (b) a body which is provided within the vessel and which defines with the base an annular opening spaced from the outer wall, (c) an inlet for introducing the liquid mixture into the vessel said inlet opening directly into the vessel, (d) an outlet in the upper region of the vessel for removing from the vessel liquid from which solid components have been separated, (e) a primary annular dip plate extending downwardly toward the base from an upper region of the vessel and spaced from the outer wall of the vessel, and (f) means for promoting a rotational movement of liquid and suspended solids within the vessel, said rotational movement being sufficient to cause or enhance an inward sweeping effect towards the annular opening on solids accumulated at the base of the vessel, while being of sufficiently low energy that separation of the s

Abstract: A method is described for safely and effectively washing solid gels or films containing biological macromolecules such as proteins or nucleic acids. The method involves placing the gels in an open plastic container and decanting a wash solution horizontally so as to leave the gel at the bottom of the container without using external means to hold the gel down. The undamaged gel can then be safely removed and detection experiments can thus be carried out. A preferred apparatus for carrying out this method is also described and consists of an elongated open-topped side spouted tray.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the automatic removal of contaminants such as water from the fuel supply of an internal combustion engine of the type including an auxiliary fuel tank. The system is automatically controlled and responsive to sensed contaminant levels in a contaminant removal mechanism and employs an existing fuel transfer pump to direct fuel around the auxiliary fuel tank through the contaminant removal mechanism. The pump additionally operates to provide a continuous supply of fuel to the engine to keep it operating while simultaneously permitting the discharge of contaminants from the contaiminant removal mechanism when a predetermined maximum contaminant level has been reached. This system is especially effective in removing water from the fuel system of a diesel engine powered vehicle such as a tank wherein the engine and auxiliary fuel tank are components of a power pack that is removable from the tank.

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

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for removing sludge from a spray booth tank using a single pump for withdrawing liquid including sludge from the tank. A portion of the liquid from the pump is returned to the tank through eductors for agitating liquid in the tank. At least a portion of the liquid from the pump flows through a hydrocyclone separator. Sludge from the separator is collected in a settling tank. A small portion of the clarified liquid from the separator flows through an aspirator pump to the booth tank and the remainder of the clarified liquid is returned directly to the booth tank. The aspirator pump returns excess liquid from the settling tank to the booth tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing gray water from showers and the like and reclaiming the cleansed water for reuse comprises a receptacle and a conduit for delivering gray water to the receptacle. A sensor detects flow of gray water into the receptacle and injects cleansing agents into the flow in response to such detection. A drain conduit communicates with the upper portion of the receptacle for extracting floating contaminants from the surface of gray water therein and a valved conduit communicates with the bottom of the receptacle for selectively extracting sinking contaminates thereform. A pump is adapted to draw the resulting cleansed gray water from the receptacle and deliver it to a remote location for reuse as, for example, in flushing toilets.

Abstract: A process for continuous particle and polymer separation comprising injecting a stream of carrier fluid containing the material to be separated into the inlet end of a thin channel, adjusting the flow rate to a sufficiently high level that flow-dependent lift forces the different components to different transverse positions by the time they reach the end of the channel, splitting the outlet flow into at least two substreams by means of physical splitters, adjusting the flowrates of the multiple substreams such that the transverse position of the outlet splitting plane divides the particles into enriched fractions, collecting the enriched or separated components from the emerging outlet streams.

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: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for separating or fractionating particles of differing sedimentation rates in a fluid. For fractionation, the mixture is introduced into a tube and subjected to a cyclic sequence of alternating axial flows, with optional waiting periods of zero flow. The velocities and time periods of the individual flows in the cycle are adjusted so that particles of greater and lesser sedimentation rates tend to be driven in opposite directions. At the end of each cycle there is a step of resuspension of sedimented particles without axial dispersion and independent of axial flows.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating water and crude oil mixtures and other two-phase fluid mixtures of components of different densities. The mixture is pumped through a conduit in the form of a vertical spiral at a velocity that impels the heavy phase toward the outside of the spiral. A fraction is withdrawn from the outside of the turns of the spiral and is led downwardly to the bottom of a vertical settling tank. Any light phase removed with the heavy phase floats to the top in the settling tank and is reintroduced at the top of the spiral.

Abstract: Oxidized coal is used to remove dissolved or suspended matter from aqueous mediums. It is particularly effective in removing metal ions dissolved in aqueous mediums and/or bacteria from aqueous mediums.

Abstract: Process equipment is provided enabling a plurality of non-soluble lower specific gravity oils to be more effectively separated and collected from an aqueous liquid medium. The equipment utilizes gravity flow to separately remove surface oil constituents according to relative specific gravity in combination with a coalescing medium permitting oil constituents dispersed in the liquid medium to also be removed and with oil collection taking place at multiple locations in said equipment. A method operating the equipment in such manner is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dump truck has a tiltable dump body with a tailgate at its rear end. A partition or weir mounted in the dump body and of lesser height than the walls of the dump body divides the dump body into front and rear compartments. A siphon is connected between the two compartments and extends over the partition. The rear compartment, having a discharge opening at its rear end which is closed by a tailgate, receives dredged material in the form of a mixture of water and sand (or silt) pumped thereinto through a supply conduit on the dump body. As the rear compartment is being filled with dredged material, gravity causes the sand (silt) to settle at the bottom and the water to rise to the top and spill over the partition into the front compartment. Some water also flows through the sipon into the front compartment.

Abstract: The cross flow filter method includes an open tank having a first liquid retaining section, a second filter retaining section and a third solids collecting section in fluid communication with each other. A filter assembly is retained within the second section and includes a filter panel having a generally vertically disposed porous media surface. Filtrate is removed by applying very low vacuum pressure in communication with the filter panel such that filtrate is drawn through the pores of the filter media surface at a flow rate Q.sub.out. Fluid to be filtered is simultaneously cross flowing vertically downward across the filter media surface at a flow rate Q.sub.x, such that the horizontal velocity V.sub.h of fluid drawn through the filter media surface is very slight with respect to the vertical velocity V.sub.v of the cross flowing unfiltered fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing a body of liquid in a treatment basin and for removing floating matter from the surface of the basin. A propeller type downflow mixer is buoyantly supported on a float in the basin with the inlet side of the mixer below the liquid level and the discharge side of the mixer arranged to direct the pumped liquid downwardly in the basin for mixing material in the basin. A shield is provided on the float overlying the inlet side of the pump to inhibit direct passage of liquid from the area of the basin above the shield and to induce an inflow pattern below the surface of the liquid toward the inlet of the pump. A scum receiving trough is mounted on the float and extends along the outer margin of the float with the upper weir edge adjacent the surface of the liquid in the basin to receive matter floating on the surface of the basin. Material received in the trough is selectively discharged to a receiver outside the basin.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for treating water by providing a water being treated with a crystal water-containing proton-releasing crystalline mineral and/or a magnetic field, while controlling the amount of proton released and the strength of said magnetic field as control indicators so as to remove, reduce, vanish or deproliferate the cations, a part of the anions, eutrophicated substances, chlorophyll, algae, bacteria and the like which are contained in the water by flocculating them, making them adsorbed to flocs or making them colloidal.

Abstract: An arrangement for removing toxic sedimentary material (101) from a large dy of water (102) by forming a large number of core holes (100) in at least the sediment layer (101); inserting sediment trap receptacles (200) in the core holes (100); allowing the sediment trap receptacle (200) to fill up with toxic sediment (101); and then withdrawing, emptying and reinserting the trap receptacles (200) within the core holes (100) to effect the removal of the toxic sediment (101) from the body of water (102).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a fluid from an immiscible fluid composition including a floating liquid and a carrying liquid are disclosed. A body having floatation supports, means to permit rotation about a horizontal plane and free movement in a vertical plane, and an internal cavity is disposed in the immiscible composition, and the floating liquid is allowed to enter the cavity. The floating liquid in the cavity is skimmed by a slidable pickup conduit disposed coaxially with a receiving conduit coextensive with the bottom of the cavity, and is then removed from the cavity.

Abstract: This invention teaches a method of removing dissolved minerals and organic material from water. The water is heated under controlled pressure to reduce the density and thus opening the molecular spacing of the water, such that mineral particles and organics cannot stay within the water molecule cluster, so fall out of solution. To speed separation of the mixture a hydroclone type centrifuge is used. The hot, high pressure clean water gives its energy back to the process through heat exchange and a hydraulic motor. The net energy used to effect dissolution is thus very low, being equivalent to pump loss and heat loss, from the equipment.