Abstract: Process for the selective separation, and for the simultaneous increase in purity, of two spent, fragmented, synthetic organic materials having different densities, mixed together or mixed with various contaminating materials to be eliminated, by means of dense aqueous media, each aqueous medium of which has a chosen density “ds” as threshold for separating said organic materials and contaminants, characterized in that the process comprises: a) a step of separating the mixture into two streams, a supernatant stream (a1) and a settled stream (a2); b) a step of separating the components of the supernatant stream (a1), by eliminating the supernatant fraction and collecting the settled fraction formed from the fragments of the first recyclable spent synthetic organic material; c) a step of separating the components of the settled stream (a2) by collecting the supernatant fraction and eliminating the settled fraction; and d) a step of separating the components of the supernatant stream by eliminating the supernata

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treatment of contaminated liquid are provided including an integrated ultra-filtration and clarification apparatus, and an optional integrated electrocoagulation capability. The integrated apparatus comprises an outer tank, an inner casing, and a plurality of ultra-filtration filters contained within the inner casing. Clarification of liquid occurs in the gap between the casing and tank. Solid matter settles, and aggregates in the bottom portion of the tank. The accumulated solid material acts as a secondary filter by pre-filtering the liquid prior to contact with the ultra-filtration filters. Clarified liquid is retained in a chamber of the casing, and the clarified liquid is drawn through the ultra-filtration filters as initiated by a source of vacuum communicating with the ultra-filtration filters.

Abstract: A process for the discharge of slag and ash from a gasification reactor is disclosed. These solids are directed from the gasification reactor into a water bath housed with the gasification reactor in a pressure vessel. There are at least two lock hoppers underneath the water bath which are fed with a stream of water/solids via a pipe and a flow divider element, it being possible to supply the lock hoppers individually and in a controlled manner with a stream of water/solids via shut-off devices. The filling is performed in a manner that encourages the sett-ling process by withdrawing a stream of liquid from the lock hopper being filled, the filling time being controlled so as to prevent the solids settling above the valves and lock hoppers. Also disclosed is an apparatus with at least two lock hoppers underneath the water bath of a gasification reactor, there being, in an advantageous embodiment, a flow divider element and shut-off devices between the water bath and the lock hoppers.

Abstract: A feedwell dilution system for diluting an influent feed stream, which include at least one eductor assembly, and a feedwell assembly. The at least one eductor assembly includes a feed pipe which converges to a narrow throat portion or nozzle; a mix tube positioned downstream from the narrow throat portion that is sized and configured to provide mixing of the influent feed stream and a clarified liquid drawn from a settling tank; and an enclosure, which is installed around the narrow throat portion and an inlet portion of the mix tube and includes an open-ended portion on a bottom thereof, which is sized and configured to allow a clarified liquid to be pulled into the mix tube from below the inlet portion of the mix tube. The feedwell assembly is sized and configured to receive the mixture of the influent feed stream and the clarified liquid from the mix tube.

Abstract: A feed structure may be used in conjunction with a sedimentation vessel in order to separate solids and liquids, which may be in a slurry, from each other. The feed structure comprises a feed chamber housing a central wall. At least one port is positioned at the base of the chamber. A feedwell that is substantially concentric with the feed chamber is also used. The feed chamber is in communication with the feedwell, wherein slurry flows through the said port to access the feedwell. An outlet is positioned on the feedwell (such as near the bottom of the feedwell). Slurry may flow through the outlet into the sedimentation vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to the process of automating a laboratory process for analysing the chemical properties of powder. The functions that have been automated are the scooping of an accurate volume of powder into beakers, adding an accurate volume chemical solution, agitating for a predetermined time, settling, withdrawal of the chemical solution, emptying, cleaning and rinsing of the beakers, filtering, and filling test tube racks ready for analysis, online measurement of pH, measuring weight of powder, and dosing dry powder into vessels for traditional analysis.

Abstract: A feed system is used in a sedimentation vessel. The feed system includes an inlet for receiving a quantity of feed slurry and an outlet for delivering the feed slurry to a separation zone within the sedimentation vessel. The feed slurry includes a mixture of solids and liquids that are to be separated in a separation zone within the sedimentation vessel. An airlift pump is used to cycle at least a portion of either the separated solids or the separated liquids from the separation zone and return it to the feed system. This returned portion mixes with the feed slurry and may operate to dilute the feed slurry to a concentration for optimal separation. Additionally, feed conditioning chemicals may be mixed into the feed slurry prior to or after the mixing of the feed slurry with the returned portion of the separated products.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating particles dispersed in a fluid. The apparatus includes, in succession, an inlet channel, a constriction channel and an outlet channel, the channels configured to receive a fluid dispersion and to create at the junction of the constriction and outlet channels a fluid dispersion flow having a first flow region and a second flow region, wherein the second flow region has a lower concentration of particles than the first flow region. A collection channel is located at the junction of the constriction and outlet channel to collect fluid from the second flow region.

Abstract: The invention provides several improvements in feedwells, one of which being a feedwell (100) comprising a mixing zone (49) for dissipating the kinetic energy of a fluid comprising pulp, a settling zone (50) for promoting flocculation of the pulp and at least one inclined deflecting element (101) for at least partially separating the mixing zone from the settling zone. Other improvements include a shelf (3) at least partially defining an inclined path (4) for removing material from the shelf into a feedwell chamber; at least two outlets (111, 112) arranged in a substantially concentric relationship with respect to each other; a portion (123) of a second conduit (121) varies in its cross-sectional size and/or shape so as to connect a feed inlet (110) to a first conduit (120); and a partition (133) for partially separating an outer mixing zone (131) and an inner settling zone (132).

Abstract: Filter modules for use in a water dispenser, carafe, or other gravity-flow water filtration and dispensing unit are self-supporting, rigid and porous, and are adapted in size and shape to substantially fill a generally-cylindrical housing. The filter modules are molded forms of high-porosity compositions, so that they are consistent in performance and “non-dusting” compared to the unpredictable arrangements, positions, and performance of loose activated carbon particles. Filter modules may include activated carbon, zeolitic, resins, metal-scavengers, and/or other water filtration/treatment media granules/powders, for example, bound into a solid profile form by thermoplastic and/or other polymeric binders. Low melt index, or very low melt index, binders are preferred to maximize exposure of the activated carbon surface area.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating particles of pharmaceutically active materials, based on differences in density.

Abstract: This method of processing refuse including organic and non-organic materials is noteworthy in that it comprises the steps of: A) admixing quicklime and a highly slaked substance with said refuse, B) allowing the reaction between said organic materials to proceed to produce a product that includes a calcium organic complex and said non-organic materials, and C) separating said non-organic materials from said calcium organic complex.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample and mesenchymal stem cells from bone reaming material. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for removing coarse solids and fine solids from a gas, which includes wetting the coarse solids and fine solids in a first chamber thereby separating the coarse solids and fine solids from the gas. The first chamber also contains liquid to cool the coarse solids and the fine solids. The coarse solids and fine solids are routed to a liquid-filled second chamber where the coarse solids settle to the bottom. The liquid in the second chamber, still containing the fine solids is flushed into a third chamber where the fine solids are separated from the liquid. The separated fine solids and coarse solids are then routed to a fourth chamber.

Abstract: A continuous sludge decant system and associated methods are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment an apparatus for decanting sludge includes: a decant vessel configured to receive sludge influent, to contain the sludge to be heated and decanted, and to discharge the sludge and a decanted liquid from the sludge, and a heating/directional grid disposed within an interior of the decant vessel and around which the sludge is circulated, mixed, and stirred, the heating/directional grid comprising a plurality of heating coils and configured to circulate heat from a heat source through the decant vessel to decant the sludge. The vessel and the heating/directional grid are configured to contain, heat, mix, and decant the sludge without shearing the sludge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for purifying a forensic sample using an automated extraction and purification system includes optical tweezers; an input channel through which the sample is introduced; a chamber which receives the sample from the input channel; a collection channel through which selected particles of the sample are removed; and an output through which unselected particles of the sample are removed. At least one buffer input channel is provided. The input channel may allow sedimentation of the sample into the chamber by gravity. In another arrangement, the system includes an optical trapping system; a first channel through which the sample is introduced; a second channel through which buffer is introduced; wherein the optical tweezers are used to move selected particles of the sample from the first channel to the second channel. The selected particles may be sperm. The optical tweezers preferably utilize holographic optical trapping.

Abstract: An input chamber receives runoff water to be cleaned. Part of the way up the chamber wall is a restricted outlet which feeds a system for cleaning the water. At a still higher elevation another opening allows runoff water to flow to an extended detention chamber. Near the top of the chamber is an outlet pipe. A vertical baffle in front of the outlet cleans water that flows under the baffle on its way to the outlet. When the incoming flow rate is very high, water passes over the baffle to the outlet.

Abstract: A method of delivering feed, for example a paraffinic solvent treated bitumen froth, to a separation vessel, for example a froth separation unit (FSU). The feed is delivered from one or more side inlets that may be substantially normal to, and flush with, the wall of the vessel. In contrast to certain conventional feed systems used in gravity separators which use a distributor plate to widely distribute the feed with a vessel, the feed is delivered such that it flows down the inside wall of the vessel. This feed delivery is characterized by a Richardson number of greater than 1.0. Such feed delivery is particularly useful where the feed has particles with a bi-modal size distribution to be separated from an overflow stream. The gentle flow serves to mitigate the upward flux of the smaller particles, for example mineral solids, by being trapped below the larger particles, for example precipitated asphaltene aggregates.

Abstract: A method of separating a hydrocarbon multiphase fluid mixture. The method comprises an application step in which the hydrocarbon fluid mixture (E) is applied to a separator that separates by gravity the hydrocarbon fluid mixture (E) into a liquid layer and a gas layer. The method further comprises an extraction step, a liquid-level measurement step, a level-based adjustment step, a parameter measurement step, and a parameter-based adjustment step.

Abstract: A system for separating hydrocarbons from water, the system including an inlet for receiving a fluid, the fluid including a water phase and a hydrocarbon phase, and a separation tank having a first partition and a second partition, wherein the first partition is configured to receive the fluid from the inlet. Furthermore, the system includes a first outlet configured to receive the water phase from the first partition, a second outlet configured to receive the hydrocarbon phase from the second partition, and a support structure configured to receive the water phase from the first outlet and the hydrocarbon phase from the second outlet. Also, a method of separating a fluid into a water phase and a hydrocarbon phase, the method including injecting the fluid containing the water phase and the hydrocarbon phase into a separation tank.

Abstract: This invention discloses the treatment of effluents in which a flow of the said effluents is subjected to a pulsed electric field that modifies physicochemical and biologic characteristics of the medium, this modification being used during a solid/liquid separation operation, of the settlement or membrane filtration type. The solid/liquid separation operation (13, 14, 15) and the application of a pulsed electric field (12) are operations carried out at different locations along the effluent flow. The pulsed electric field has voltage value, current value, pulse repetition frequency and voltage front shape characteristics chosen such that the required effluent treatment can be achieved as a function of the locations at which these membrane filtration operations are carried out and a pulsed electric field is applied.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning up spilled oil and other liquids that are relatively less dense than water, that have spilled on the water or are borne on water or an other relatively dense liquid, and for separating oil and other liquids that are relatively less dense than water, from water or an other relatively dense liquids comprising an oil/water separation column having a lower end forming a bottom opening oriented substantially parallel to the surface of the body of water in fluid communication with the water and spilled oil, an air pump in airtight engagement with, and proximate the upper end of the oil/water separation column and adapted to draw water and the spilled oil into the oil/water separation column; and an oil pump in liquid tight engagement with and proximate the upper end of the oil/water separation column and adapted to draw the spilled oil from the oil/water separation column.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatus for releasing treated wastewater into the environment by combining the treated wastewater with a concentrated salty water before discharging the combined water into the environment. The treated wastewater and concentrated salty water may be combined in a ratio that will be less toxic to at least some resident marine life than the treated wastewater alone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a removal device for removing gas, dirt and/or particles from a contaminating liquid from a liquid in a liquid conduit system. The removal device includes a housing, a supply opening and a discharge opening, a resistance zone, at least one quiet zone and at least one return opening. The quiet zone allows dirt and/or particles of a relatively heavy contaminating liquid to settle to a bottom of the housing, and/or gas bubbles and/or particles of a relatively light contaminating liquid to rise to an upper end of the housing at least one bifurcation opening in the resistance zone and subsequently returns into the main flow at the merge point through the return opening.

Abstract: Toxic substances such as heavy metals are extracted from a medium using a sorbent composition. The sorbent composition is derived by sulfidation of red mud, which contains hydrated ferric oxides derived from the Bayer processing of bauxite ores. Exemplary sulfidizing compounds are H2S, Na2S, K2S, (NH4)2S, and CaSx. The sulfur content typically is from about 0.2 to about 10% above the residual sulfur in the red mud. Sulfidized red mud is an improved sorbent compared to red mud for most of the heavy metals tested (Hg, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Se, Th, and U). Unlike red mud, sulfidized red mud does not leach naturally contained metals. Sulfidized red mud also prevents leaching of metals when mixed with red mud. Mixtures of sulfidized red mud and red mud are more effective for sorbing other ions, such as As, Co, Mn, and Sr, than sulfidized red mud alone.

Abstract: Systems and methods handle air and rinsing fluid during fluid processing. The systems and methods eliminate air from a fluid processing system prior to, during, and after use. The systems and methods provide a connector assembly for establishing fluid flow from a fluid source. The connector assembly has discrete first and second passages that prevent communication between the fluid in first passage and the fluid in the second passage. Prior to system use, the connector assembly may be utilized in a priming function to remove residual air from a fluid circuit prior to use. The connector assembly may also be utilized after use to perform a rinse-back function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of installing an environmental control system so as to allow for separate sizing of treatment and bypass capacity while also offering the ability to make or change either treatment or bypass capacities at different times. This is accomplished by containing the treatment and bypass functions in separate chambers, using screen, baffle, or coalescing media pack to further refine effectiveness and capacity of each structure independently. The control structure and interceptor structure may be pre-engineered to a variety of sizes, capacities, or other specifications. This allows simple selection of a specific control structure and a specific interceptor structure from a variety of combinations, eliminating the need for custom engineering for each installation.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method for separating a fat component of a fluid-fat mixture extracted from a patient. More particularly, the method of invention places a sponge formed of a fluid-absorbing material, such as polyvinyl acetal, in contact with the mixture so as to absorb the fluid component, thereby separating the fat component of the mixture. The separated fat component can then be injected into a selected body portion of the patient.

Abstract: The invention refers to an oil recover unit (1) having at least one container (5) for retrieval of a mixture/emulsion of mainly water (3) and oil (4) for separation of the water (3) from the oil (4).

Abstract: A passive hydrocarbon containment system for containing hydrocarbons in a fluid comprises a subsea separator dome, an oil pathway in fluid communication with a hydrocarbon collector disposed within the collection dome, and a gas outlet pipe having a discharge height dimensioned and adapted in relation to the height of the oil pathway sufficient to keep a portion of the oil pathway submerged into a fluid such as seawater present in the collection dome interior void. The hydrocarbon containment system can be moored subsea and used to collect oil and gas coming out of the ocean floor. One advantage of the hydrocarbon containment system is that there are no moving parts. A further advantage is that the hydrocarbon containment system requires limited maintenance to pump out the collected oil as needed.

Abstract: Apparatus for the separation of scum from a liquid including a housing (22) incorporating two side walls in spaced relationship and a scraper wall disposed between said side walls. A rotational device (12) mounted in the housing (22) provides rotational motion about one or more horizontal axes. The rotational device (12) includes one or more paddles (13-16) which extend outwardly with respect to the rotation axis forming a substantial sealing engagement with the opposed inner faces of the side walls of the housing. The scraper wall and rotational device are arranged such that when immersed in water, the paddle(s) (13-16) may be rotated to become at least partly submerged and the outer periphery(ies) engage with the scraper wall to lift a portion of the water and scum above the natural level of the water.

Abstract: In the washing process of the invention, the solid particles in a high-concentration zone, which is formed in a washing tank by a gravitational sedimentation of solid particles, are continuously washed by a counter-current contact with upward flow of a washing liquid which is fed from the bottom portion of the washing tank. With this process, the impurities in the solid particles are sufficiently removed by a simple apparatus. Since the used washing liquid can be recycled as the disperse medium for feeding the solid particles and as the washing liquid, the amount of used washing liquid to be discharged as the waste from the system is reduced.

Abstract: A process for decontamination and separation of a contaminated fluid including a first agent, a second agent, and a third agent may include the steps of directing the contaminated fluid to a first tank, substantially separating first agent in a first layer, a second agent in a second layer and a third agent in a third layer in a first tank, generating a vacuum and removing the first agent and the second agent by the vacuum, placing the first agent and the second agent in a second tank, generating a vacuum and removing the first agent and the second agent by the vacuum and placing the first and second agents in a second tank, removing the third agent by a vacuum and placing the third agent in a third tank, separating the first agent and the second agent based upon the gravities of the first and second agents, removing the second agent from the second tank and placing the second agent in the first tank based upon and until the first agent is detected.

Abstract: This present invention is related to a method of collecting high-level radioactive contaminated uranium powder underwater. It utilizes a long rod fixed to the pipe of the sewage pump at bottom, and takes another end of the sewage pump to connect to the sediment bag to collect uranium powder which is dispersed and contaminates the pond. Inhaling the pond water contains uranium powder into the sediment bag by sewage pump that is joined to a collecting can under it and waiting for precipitation of the powder. When the uranium powder in the sediment bag is completely precipitated into the collecting can, operator can utilize submersible pump to drain the pond water from the sediment bag. Operator may hold the cable wire of the uranium powder collecting can manually to move it to the collecting shelf and repeat the process several times until the high-level radioactive uranium powder in the contaminated pond are all collected on the uranium powder collecting shelf.

Abstract: A gravity separator comprises a vessel within which a mixture containing water, oil, and gas can separate under gravity to form vertically discrete oil and water layers and a gas phase. An inlet duct communicates with a vessel entrance for the mixture containing water, oil, and gas. The inlet duct of the gravity separator comprises injector means injecting a gaseous medium in a volume in the range of 0.01-1.9 Sm3 gaseous medium per 1 m3 mixture into the mixture containing water, oil, and gas.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for collecting a target fluid submerged in a carrier fluid when the specific gravity of the target fluid is lower than the specific gravity of the carrier fluid and the target fluid is essentially immiscible with the carrier fluid. The apparatus includes a funnel, a system effective for achieving submersion of a majority of the slant height of the funnel within the carrier fluid, and a pump in fluid communication with the interior volume of the funnel proximate the smaller end of the funnel for pumping fluid collected at the smaller end of the funnel. The method involves positioning a funnel between the submerged target fluid and the upper surface of the carrier fluid so as to catch and direct an upward flow of the target fluid towards the smaller end of the funnel before the target fluid reaches the upper surface of the carrier fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing an organosol of inorganic particles, comprising mixing an aqueous dispersion or sol of inorganic particles with an organic liquid and a polymer or oligomer having functionality that adsorbs onto the inorganic particles; and allowing the mixture to separate into an aqueous layer and an organic layer, the organic layer comprising the inorganic particles. The invention also provides a polymer composition or coating composition made by this method. A coating composition is applied to a substrate and cured to provide a coating layer on the substrate. A polymer composition containing the inorganic particles is molded into an article.

Abstract: A filter system for filtering water and/or wastewater including a sludge blanket clarifier for removing at least some impurities from influent. The sludge blanket clarifier includes a clarifier compartment in which a sludge blanket is to be formed to remove at least some impurities from influent directed into the clarifier compartment and through the sludge blanket. The clarifier compartment has at least one vertical sidewall extending from a bottom of the clarifier compartment to a top of the clarifier compartment. The clarifier compartment has a cross-sectional area that varies over at least a portion of a height of the clarifier compartment such that the velocity of influent just prior to entry into the sludge blanket is less than the velocity of influent just after entering the clarifier compartment. The sludge blanket clarifier preferably has one or more flocculator modules disposed in the clarifier compartment to aid in flocculation and distribution of influent.

Abstract: Toxic substances such as heavy metals are extracted from a medium using a sorbent composition. The sorbent composition is derived by sulfidation of red mud, which contains hydrated ferric oxides derived from the Bayer processing of bauxite ores. Exemplary sulfidizing compounds are H2S, Na2S, K2S, (NH4)2S, and CaSx. The sulfur content typically is from about 0.2 to about 10% above the residual sulfur in the red mud. Sulfidized red mud is an improved sorbent compared to red mud for most of the heavy metals tested (Hg, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Se, Th, and U). Unlike red mud, sulfidized red mud does not leach naturally contained metals. Sulfidized red mud also prevents leaching of metals when mixed with red mud. Mixtures of sulfidized red mud and red mud are more effective for sorbing other ions, such as As, Co, Mn, and Sr, than sulfidized red mud alone.

Abstract: Provided herein is an innovative hemoperfusion system and method including a thermal-fused broad-spectrum biocidal iodinated interactive polymer for the treatment of biological contaminants in body fluids. In one exemplary embodiment, the system and method utilizes a Triosyn® thermal fused broad-spectrum iodinated interactive polymer, included in a hemoperfusion column, for devitalizing high levels of cell-free microorganisms in whole blood and biological fluids in relation with the characterization of blood cells viability and function post-treatment.

Abstract: A system (1) for separating a fluid stream (2) comprising gas, a light liquid and a heavy liquid, the system comprising a separation vessel (5) that is arranged to define a downwardly extending separation space and comprises a downwardly sloping tube (8), the separation space having an inlet (10) for the fluid stream at a first height, an outlet (20) for heavy liquid at a second height below the first height, an outlet (30) for light liquid at a third height between the first and second heights, an outlet (70) for gas above all outlets for liquid, wherein a further outlet (51, 56) for light liquid is provided at a fourth height between the first and third heights, and wherein at least the outlet at the third height is provided with a control valve (33) that is operative to open and close in dependence of the type of liquid in the pipes at that level, and a method of separating a fluid stream comprising gas, a light liquid and a heavy liquid in such a system, wherein an indication of height of an interface bet

Abstract: A process for the extraction of an unwanted material from a gas comprising the steps of introducing an extraction liquid into a fluid having an unwanted liquid therein to form a physical aerosol comprising a plurality of extraction liquid droplets and the fluid, allowing the plurality of extraction liquid droplets to interact with the unwanted liquid in the gas to cause the extraction liquid droplets to be “wetted out” and captured on a porous medium, where the liquid is further contacted by the gas and simultaneously formed into a plurality of coalesceable droplets, coalescing the coalesceable droplets into larger droplets containing the unwanted liquid, and separating the larger droplets containing the unwanted liquid from the fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for separating oil and other contaminants (particularly oleophilic compounds) from water and other carriers. The invention is particularly useful for separating oil and other oleophilic compounds from bilgewater and other wastewater. The compositions typically comprise a hydrocarbon resin and a drying oil. The compounds in the composition are typically combined in an organic solvent. For example, hydrocarbon resin and tung oil are optionally combined into a naphtha solvent. The invention is particularly useful for separating emulsified oil from water, whether oil in water emulsions or water in oil emulsions.

Abstract: A method for receiving animal waste from animal confinements or other concentrated animal waste sources and for converting the waste into a usable form is described. The waste contains both liquids and solids. The method includes separating the liquids and solids into separate waste streams, controlling an amount of moisture in the solids waste stream such that the amount of moisture in the solid waste stream is compatible with a selected energy conversion process, and feeding the moisture controlled solid waste into the energy conversion process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for efficiently filtering slurry suspensions in a vessel including a nozzle flange near the vessel, when solids in the slurry suspensions being treated in the vessel are filtered for cleaning or for other purposes and subsequently subjected to reslurrying, dissolving or dispersing operation. A method for producing suspensions, solutions or dispersions comprising separating solids from slurry suspensions and then slurrying, dissolving or dispersing the solids again by adding a solvent, characterized in that the above described solids are separated in the same vessel as the one in which the operation to obtain the above described slurry suspensions has been performed and/or inside a flange directly connected to the same vessel.

Abstract: An integrated system for treatment of inorganic liquid waste is disclosed that quickly and efficiently processes large quantity batches of such liquid waste by initially removing solids and sludge and subsequently processing the liquid waste to remove other materials so that the processed liquid waste can be recycled in a conventional sewer system. Larger solids, sludge, and free phase oil are removed by the system before they enter the liquid waste processing equipment, thereby preventing damage to the processing equipment caused by these substances. The use of common liquid waste and sludge delivery lines on all of the contaminant removal reactors in the system facilitates the efficient operation of the system with a minimum of operator intervention being required.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for screening drilling fluids to remove entrained debris, the fluid is urged upwardly from the lower side to the upper side of an inclined or horizontal mesh screen, so that debris falls from the face of the screen under gravity to be collected and removed, and the clean fluid emerges above the screen. The debris may be removed by a conveyor or by a vibrating mesh surface. The operating life of the screen is thereby extended.

Abstract: This is a method of filtration of a liquid comprising steps of sequential filtration of said liquid through at least one deep bed medium producing at least one first filtrate followed by at least one membrane medium filtration producing at least one second filtrate, wherein said membrane medium is at least periodically within said deep bed media Many types of deep bed and membrane media can be used. The domain of using contact clarification (direct filtration) can be expanded towards greater solids concentration. Operation and backwash, is simplified, continuous filtration becomes possible. Water can be water from natural source water, process water, wastewater, aqueous or non-aqueous suspensions, emulsions, solutions. Treatment can include mechanical interception of suspended particles, chemical, physical chemical, electrochemical, and biological processes.

Abstract: A settling system may be used to separate and/or remove solid particles, such as sand, from fluids produced by wells. The container of the settling system may be cleaned without need for manned-entry.

Abstract: A feedwell assembly for a thickener/clarifier including a feedwell body, at least one feed channel connected at a downstream end to the body, and a plate member disposed in the feed channel for separating froth from an incoming slurry stream to where the separated froth may be dissipated by a liquid spray directed onto the plate member. The plate member may include a planar upstream portion inclined upwardly from an upstream end of the plate member and may further include a planar downstream portion inclined downwardly from a downstream end of the upstream portion. At least one spray nozzle may be disposed above an elevated portion of the plate member so as to direct a liquid spray onto the plate member in a region about the joint, for further dissipating froth guided onto the plate member.