Abstract: An improved method of treating wastewater to remove ammonia and fluoride is provided. The method comprises the steps of chemical destruction of ammonia with an oxidizing agent, followed by treatment with calcium salts to precipitate insoluble calcium fluoride, and filtration to remove the precipitate.

Abstract: A method and device for separating grease from waste water. The separator device includes a receptacle with an upper first part and a lower second part separated by a plate. The receptacle further has an inlet port for waste water, a discharge port for separated waste water, discharge means for grease and/or sludge, and an overflow pipe establishing a connection between the receptacle first part and the receptacle second part. Waste water is supplied through the inlet port to the upper first part, and the waste water is allowed to undergo a separation by gravity, whereby a grease layer is formed on a separated waste water layer and a sludge layer on the plate. In order to achieve a high degree of separation, separated waste water is allowed to flow through the overflow pipe to the receptacle lower second part. Grease is removed from the grease layer and/or sludge from the sludge layer through the discharge means, and separated waste water is discharged through the discharge port.

Abstract: A method for entraining and mixing gas with liquids within a conduit or drop structure, comprising the channeling of one or more liquid flows into spiral flows of predetermined radius (radii), reducing the predetermined radius (radii) to increase the centrifugal forces acting upon the spiral flow(s) as the spiral flow(s) enter the conduit, and allowing gas access to the conduit to mix with and entrain within the spiral flow within the conduit or drop structure. The method can facilitate the mixing of gas with one or more fluid flows and/or reduce the release of gas emissions from the fluid(s) into the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of waste water containing heavy metals in which sulphur components and/or metals are biologically reduced to precipitate the metals as water-insoluble metal species, which are separated from the waste water. The biological reduction and the precipitation of the metal species are carried out in a moving sand bed, in which sand particles partly immobilize the bacteria and retain the precipitated metal species, treated waste water is separated from the precipitated metal species and the precipitated metal species are subsequently separated from the sand particles. Metals like selenium and uranium can be precipitated without sulphur components, whereas metals like antimony, cadmium, copper, zinc and the like are precipitated as sulphides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method to produce grade road base material using recycled oilfield waste, called “oil and gas waste,” and aggregate waste and a novel road base material. Hydration and mixing of the waste materials along with a binder, will achieve an irreversible pozzolanic chemical reaction necessary for stabilization into a road base. An asphalt emulsifier may be included in the binder to manufacture asphalt stabilized road base. The entire method is a cold batch process.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge device is provided for use in a heated cartridge water treatment system in which particles, formed by the heat-induced reaction of bicarbonates in the water, can be efficiently collected in non-turbulent particle settling zones. The cartridge includes multiple containers which are assembled to fit into each other and which form channels for the flow of water within gaps between the walls of the containers. When the particle collecting section becomes full, the water flow automatically is blocked, or cut-off, which signals the need to replace the cartridge. The cartridge also can include a polishing filter and a heater mounted to a surface of the outer container.

Abstract: A process for the separation and extraction of liquid from a multi-component fluid within a conduit in which said liquid tends to settle, said process comprising introduction of a coil tubing into a predetermined settlement region within said conduit, said tubing having an inlet at said settlement region and being operatively connected to aspirating means, whereby the said liquid is separated within the settlement region and aspirated into the tubing and thereby extracted.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process and an apparatus for removing deep sub-micron particles from water. The invented process includes adjusting pH value and conductivity, adding an oxidation agent, performing an electro coagulation reaction/an electro-oxidation reaction, and performing a flocculation sedimentation, etc. The invented apparatus includes a front adjustment tank for adjusting the properties of waste water, wherein the adjustment includes a pH adjustment, an electrolyte adjustment, or an oxidant addition, etc.

Abstract: A grease/water pumping and separating system is provided with a pump mechanism that utilizes a motivating fluid to pump a grease/water mixture. The mixture is sucked into and discharged out of a pumping cavity. A movable biasing boundary, such as a piston, separates the motivating fluid from the grease/water mixture. The pump mechanism pumps the grease/water mixture to a separator unit which separates the grease and water components and directs the grease to a retaining tank and the gray water component of the grease/water mixture to an appropriate outlet.

Abstract: A food disposal system for installation on a drain of a commercial kitchen sink enables segregation of oil/grease from effluent flows from the drain. A housing collects effluent flows containing water, oil/grease, and solids from the drain, and a macerating pump has an inlet connected to an opening of the housing and an outlet connected to a sanitary drain. A greasy water outlet extends to an oil/grease separator from an outlet on the housing above the macerating pump inlet, and a hot water backflush source enables hot water to flow into the housing.

Abstract: A tubular reactor characterized by having short static mixing elements separated by coalescing zones is used to conduct multiphase liquid/liquid reactions. Small droplets of one of the phases are dispersed into the other phase by the static mixing elements. These droplets coalesce and at least partially phase separate as the mixture passes through the subsequent coalescing zone. The tubular reactor is particularly suitable for nitrating organic compounds while forming low levels of improperly nitrated by-products and low levels of nitrophenolics.

Abstract: A system and method for separating water and oil from a mixture of water and oil in a wellbore is disclosed. The system comprises a wellbore in fluid communication with an oil producing formation to receive a mixture of water and oil. The wellbore includes a horizontal portion and a vertical portion which extends to the wellbore surface. A string of tubing is disposed in the wellbore including segments of gravity tubing and segments of membrane tubing which both ideally disposed in the horizontal portion of the wellbore. The gravity tubing allows the mixture of water and oil to at least partially separate into a layer of oil and a layer of water. The membrane tubing includes a membrane which is selectively permeable to one of the water and oil. The water and oil are separated in the membrane tubing. The separated oil is transported to the well surface and the separated water is disposed of in a water disposal zone adjacent the wellbore.

Abstract: A die lube recovery and recycling system includes a weir tank, a filtration assembly, and a holding tank. The weir tank receives used, dirty die lube and filters large particles therefrom. Preliminarily filtered die lube is pumped through the filtration assembly and reconditioned die lube is delivered to the holding tank. A level of reconditioned die lube in the holding tank is monitored and, the die lube is replenished with fresh die lube from a fresh die lube source when the level falls below a predetermined level. A die lube pressure booster is used to withdraw die lube from the holding tank, pressurize the withdrawn die lube, and spray the pressurized die lube on a die in a casting machine.

Abstract: An oil well system for extracting oil extracted from a reservoir via a well, includes a separator device adapted to separate oil and water from a mixture extracted from a reservoir. The separator device has a non-vertical first flow path for the mixture and being arranged along a non-vertical portion of the well, a second flow path, separate from the first flow path, for receiving water or a water enriched phase that has been separated from the mixture by the separator device, and a plurality of drain openings along a section of the first flow path. The first and second flow paths are arranged such that water or the water enriched phase in the first flow path can flow by gravity to the second flow path via the drain openings. An opening area of the drain openings, per unit area of the first flow path, decreases in a flow direction of the mixture along the first flow path.

Abstract: The invention provides a means for discharging sediments by carrying them with the main water streams being released to the hydropower generators without the aid of any external supplied energy or pump and without wasting the useful potential energy of the water. The method of this invention can also be used for collecting valuable underwater mineral sediments from reservoirs or mountain lakes. With the addition of a fluid drive assembly, the effluent discharge system of this invention also facilitates powering of underwater dredging equipment or other underwater machinery for underwater work.

Abstract: The oil-water separator includes a tank defining an enclosed volume. The oil and water mixture is introduced into the enclosed volume by a length of coalescing pipe that causes the oil to coalesce together and separate from the water. In the enclosed volume, the oil floats on top of the water. To discharge the water from the enclosed volume while retaining the oil, an outlet is provided in a lower region of the enclosed volume that the oil cannot access.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering oil has a bucket for skimming and collecting water and oil floating on the surface of the water. The bucket has a base plate having apertures for draining water collected by the bucket. The apertures have a preselected diameter and length to allow separation of the oil and water utilizing differences in specific gravities and viscosities of the oil and water so that the oil can be discharged from the bucket into an oil recovery tank after the water drains out of the bucket through the apertures but before the oil begins to drain out of the apertures.

Abstract: A process for separating oily films from sand particles carried in a solvent free water stream includes the use of a jet pump scrubber in a density classification tank to treat such oily coated particles at controlled operating temperatures above 65° C. whereby, at such controlled temperature, enhanced cavitation in the jet pump separates the oily film from the sand particles to form slop oil, the tank providing for recirculation of the particles through the jet pump before discharge.

Abstract: The separation of particles in microchannels is described employing devices comprising sample inlets in liquid communication with microchannels, as well as adhesive separation regions, and simple detectors. Components can be fabricated by soft lithography into three dimensional devices, including embodiments with stacked channels separated by a membrane having pores.

Abstract: A continuous flow slurry cleaning method, apparatus and system including a filter portion and a mud re-circulation manifold for receiving partially filtered slurry, containing the slurry and mixing the slurry with liquid ready for use and thereby enabling a continuous, re-circulating flow through the filter portion. The continuous flow slurry cleaning apparatus and system further include a tank for storing and delivering liquid ready to be used by a drilling machine. The continuous flow slurry cleaning method, apparatus and system further includes a mud circulation/agitation system for keeping solids in suspension and for mixing additives along with the liquid ready for use and thereby modifying the makeup of the liquid ready for use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for dewatering sewage sludges using plate filters, wherein the flocculated sewage sludge treated by means of organic polymer flocculation aids and optionally other auxiliary agents is separated from the major amount of water of the flocculated sewage sludge on a plate filter by means of hydrostatic filtration, whereafter the partially dewatered sewage sludge is subjected to pressure filtration. The plate filters employed have filtrate outlet systems permitting filtrate discharge at a flow rate of 1.0 m/s at maximum. By conducting the process in this way, the dewatering capacity is substantially increased.

Abstract: The present invention involves the addition of a black water filter to the outlet of the quench chamber of the gasification reactor. The normal flow of water out of the gasification reactor is through the side of the quench chamber, but in the present invention it leaves out the bottom of the quench chamber into the black water filter. In the black water filter, slag in the black water is allowed to settle out. Soot water exits the top of the black water filter and flows to downstream purification/processing units.

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. The rinse-back function serves to remove residual fluid from the system after use. The connector assembly can comprise two, single lumen connectors or one connector with two lumens.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for aerating waste water in order to induce the separation of fat and grease and other substances from waste water comprises the steps of: pumping the water through a diffuser, wherein the air is introduced in small bubbles into the water through a permeable interface positioned between a water chamber and an air chamber; and controlling the pressure of the air across the permeable interface between the air chamber and water chamber, such that a predetermined, relatively low pressure differential pressure exists across the permeable interface. The pressure differential is maintained by a piloted pressure regulator so as to be high enough to cause an adequately large quantity of air to be introduced into the water. The pressure differential is low enough that shear forces tending to dislodge solid particles from air bubbles are minimized. A concentric tubular diffuser maximizes air diffusion into the liquid.

Abstract: Provided are methods for substantially removing organic substances from an aqueous solution, wherein the aqueous solution is contacted with a synthetic hydrated calcium silicate. Components that can be removed from aqueous solution include bacterial, plant, algal and fungal components. Exemplary components include endotoxins. The aqueous solution comprises, for example, water, a chemically buffered solution, a pharmaceutical solution, a solution comprising a nutritional supplement, a culture medium, or a growth medium. Other examples include pharmaceutical compendial water and non-compendial water. In one embodiment of the method, the pH of the aqueous solution is maintained at a selected pH to promote the separation, for example, about pH 5.5 to 9.5, or, e.g., about pH 5.5 to 7.5.

Abstract: Catalyst particles are separated from the wax in a reactor slurry reactor by feeding a portion of the slurry to a dynamic settler. Heavier catalyst particles settle and are removed as the slurry at the bottom of the settler is recycled back to the reactor. Clarified wax is removed at the top of the settler. A multi-channel baffle prevents turbulence, improving retention of the desired heavier catalyst particles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for qualitatively or quantitatively determining one or more analytes in matrices such as foods, biological fluids, etc. An embodiment for determination of a single analyte comprises a sample receiving vessel, a first membrane and a reagent-containing well. The prepared sample passes through the first membrane whereby extraneous matter is removed, and a filtrate enters the reagent-containing well to provide a filtrate-reagent admixture from which the analyte may be determined. An embodiment for determination for multiple analytes includes one or more additional membranes in series with the first membrane, each such additional membrane being operative to capture one or more analytes. Each of the additional analytes may then be eluted from the membrane upon which it has been captured, into a separate reagent-containing well to provide eluant-reagent admixture from which each desired analyte may be determined. Formulations for preparation additives are also included.

Abstract: Devices and kits for intracranial and other perfusions and methods of using the same including a container having a top and bottom including a flexible bag adapted to be suspended in top to bottom orientation and to hold, in a main chamber, a solution, suspension or emulsion filled up to a fill line, a first opening to the bag located below the fill line and adapted to be fitted to conduit, a second opening located below the fill line and adapted to be fitted to conduit, and a first fluid pathway incorporated into the bag adapted to conduct fluid pumped into the second opening from below the fill line to an outlet within the bag located above the fill line.

Abstract: The process is composed of the following steps: (a) production of the fresh wiping solution, (b) introduction of the fresh wiping solution into one or more wiping tanks, where it is contaminated by the inks. In addition, it comprises the following steps: (c) treatment of the used solution exiting from the wiping tank or tanks with a chemical agent, producing a solution and sedimented ink, (d) separation by settling of the solution obtained in step (c), producing a clean solution and a concentrated solution with sedimented ink, (e) filtration of the concentrated solution, producing a clean solution and solid waste, and (f) use of the clean solution obtained in steps (d) and (e) as fresh wiping solution.

Abstract: A free water knockout designed for removing large amounts of water that is not entrained in the oil is disclosed. The vessel is supported so that the axis is oblique through the horizontal, thus defining an upper and a lower end, each of which is closed by a head which may be hemispherical in shape. An elongated sleeve extends coaxially through the vessel to increase the surface area of the vessel relative to the volume of the vessel. Incoming fluids are spun tangentially to the wall of the elongated sleeve to help promote the separation of oil droplets from the water. A burner system is provided to add heat to the oil after the free water is removed from the production fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for separation of a first fluid from a mixture of at least the first fluid and a second fluid and a method for doing the same. The apparatus is preferably located downhole, but also can operate on the surface. According to the invention, the apparatus comprises:—a production pipe for flowing the mixture;—at least one settling chamber surrounding the production pipe;—at least one aperture allowing the mixture flowing into the production pipe to flow into the settling chamber; and—an exit pipe, connected to the settling chamber, allowing the first fluid to flow out of the settling chamber.

Abstract: A method for making plant-cultivating vessels from excretive sludge of domestic animals includes picking a wet sludge containing 78%˜83% of water and adding the wet sludge into a waste pulp tank. The combination of the wet sludge and waste pulp is stirred and then filled into a mold for making vessels. The mold is baked and the formed vessel is removed from the mold after formation. The vessel so made may be combined with the soil after decomposition without any treatment, which is advantageous for cultivation of flowering plants and primary cultivation of plants. An environment-protective and waste-reusing product is provided accordingly.

Abstract: Methods of using high-density microparticles to bind and remove pathogens from biological fluids are disclosed. Pathogens include prions, viruses, bacteria and protozoa.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coolant recovery system is shown. A holding tank is positioned above a cleaning tank. The holding tank receives contaminated coolant from a pre-existing machine coolant tank, and the cleaning tank holds a quantity of relatively clean coolant. Contaminated coolant is pumped into the holding tank and allowed to settle, creating a thin layer of contaminants on top of the coolant. Clean coolant is pumped from the cleaning tank into the holding tank, causing the thin layer of contaminants to drain out of the holding tank via a skim line into a processing zone in the cleaning tank. The processing zone is designed to allow only the coolant portion of the skimmed liquid to pass to the remainder of the cleaning tank. The processed coolant remaining in the holding tank is then pumped back to the machine coolant tank.

Abstract: A filtration system and method for the filtration of a biological liquid are disclosed. The system and method may include a biological liquid collection assembly, a filtration assembly in communication with the collection assembly and a blood components preservative assembly in communication with the collection assembly. The preservative assembly includes a blood components preservative container and the preservative container may contain a blood components preservative solution and contains a measured quantity of a sterile gas. The preservative assembly is adapted to automatically transfer at least a portion of, respectively, the preservative solution, if present, and the gas to the collection assembly under a force of gravity once fluid flow communication is commenced between the preservative container and the collection assembly.

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

Abstract: A method for separating a lighter liquid from a heavier liquid according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise the following steps. First, the lighter liquid and the heavier liquid may be introduced into a settling tank and thereafter allowed to form a first upper liquid fraction and a first lower liquid fraction. The first upper liquid fraction may comprise the lighter liquid with residual amounts of the heavier liquid contained therein. The first upper liquid fraction is then decanted into a trough. The first upper liquid fraction decanted into the trough is then allowed to form a second upper liquid fraction and a second lower liquid fraction. The second lower liquid fraction may comprise the heavier liquid with residual amounts of the lighter liquid contained therein. The second lower liquid fraction is thereafter drained from the trough and allowed to form a third upper liquid fraction and a third lower liquid fraction.

Abstract: An improved sewer apparatus comprising a maintenance hole and an influent line for carrying sewage to the maintenance hole, a vortex form disposed substantially within the maintenance hole which accepts the sewage from the influent line, the vortex form having a spiral channel of decreasing diameter, and a conduit also disposed within the maintenance hole and fluidly connected to the vortex form and extending substantially downwardly from the vortex form to a flow exit near the maintenance hole base. The improved sewer apparatus reduces the release of odorous and corrosive gas emissions from sewage into the sewer and surrounding environment and improves aeration of the sewage.

Abstract: A separator that utilizes an arcuate inlet manifold and an arcuate baffle to increase the rate of separation for a mix of materials having different specific gravities. The separator includes an arcuate baffle that defines a separation chamber and an arcuate pipe through which a mixture of materials having specific gravities is carried into the chamber. The mixture is discharged into the separation chamber against the baffle through a series of openings disposed along the perimeter of the pipe. The baffle, pipe and openings are configured relative to one another such that mixture is discharged against the baffle at an oblique angle. In preferred versions of the invention, mixture is discharged slanting up, slanting to the side or slanting up and to the side against the baffle at an angle of 18 to 24 (most preferably at about 22°).

Abstract: Claimed are a process and an apparatus for extracting a component dissolved in a liquid by means of liquid-liquid extraction using an extraction liquid which is immiscible or only partially miscible with the liquid, in which process the extraction liquid is dispersed in the liquid in a dispersion apparatus and then coalesced in a coalescer, after which the ex traction liquid, the specific weight of which differs by at least 5% from the specific weight of the liquid to be extracted in which the component to be extracted is to be found, is separated from the liquid by gravity in a phase separator in which process in order to obtain an efficiency per extraction stage of at least 0.9 at an average residence time of at most 15 seconds in the dispersion apparatus and of at most 300 seconds in the phase separator, at a linear velocity in the coalescer related to its cross-section of at least 30 m/hour: a.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating or segregating an insoluble or immiscible fluid mixture including less-dense solids and/or buoyant solids into its denser component, less-dense component, and less-dense solids and/or buoyant solids is disclosed. An aspect of the invention is directed to a technique that may relieve and even eliminate the fouling of down stream elements through the use of a flushing cycle in one instance, alternative access lines in another instance, or alternative access lines and flushing in yet another instance. The apparatus may be advantageously used to separate grease/water mixtures of commercial food preparation operations into a gray water component for disposal in sewer lines and a grease component for storage and subsequent appropriate disposal.

Abstract: A filter for a carpet cleaning device and method for using therefor includes a casing and a partition that extends into the casing to define a primary chamber and a secondary chamber within the casing. A main siphon with an inverted U-shape is mounted in the partition. One end of the siphon extends into the primary chamber while the other end of the siphon extends into the secondary chamber. An auxiliary siphon is located within the secondary chamber, and a pump is attached in fluid communication with the auxiliary siphon. During operation, a wastewater/debris stream is transported into the filter. The stream collects in the primary chamber and establishes a primary fluid level therein. As the primary fluid level rises, carpet fibers and other insoluble debris settle in the primary chamber. Once the primary fluid level is even with the siphon, wastewater fluid is transported from the primary chamber to the secondary chamber and establishes a secondary fluid level therein.

Abstract: An ordinary vacuum blood collection tube assembly is rotated about its longitudinal axis to partition a blood sample into serum and formed elements by centrifugation. While still rotating a higher density, immiscible, inert liquid is pumped into the vacuum blood collection tube assembly thereby displacing the lower density serum towards the axis of rotation and thence out of the vacuum blood collection tube assembly to a serum receiver vessel. A contaminant detector located on the serum delivery conduit controls a 3 way valve to divert contaminants from the removed serum to a waste vessel so only clean serum is delivered to the serum receiver vessel. The serum delivery conduits, serum cannula, contaminant detector, and diverter valve are washed and dried between successive samples to limit sample carryover effects to acceptably low levels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating water from oil includes creating a vacuum in a container so that oil which contains water and gas bubbles is drawn upward through a first section of the container. At the top of the first section, the oil impacts a baffle plate, thereby releasing water vapor. The oil then flows downward through an obstruction component in a second section of the container, thereby releasing additional water vapor.

Abstract: A submerged filtering device for separating any mixture of two immiscible fluids having different specific gravities. The filter can be used with either a gravity or pumped in-feed flow, and can be constructed in a range of sizes from easily transportable units to large fixed installations. When separating a mixture of oil and water, the filter operates in an external holding tank of water, which has the higher specific gravity, in which it is nearly entirely submerged. The filter uses a combination of hydro-static pressure and head pressure to exploit the difference in specific gravity of the two fluids, efficiently effecting a separation.

Abstract: A cap for sealing containers which is designed not to dispense the a runny, less dense phase of an blended or mixed substance that separates upon standing. The cap comprises an upright exit tube extending internal to the cap and forming a retaining pan to catch the quick moving less dense phase and allow the more dense phase to pass through the exit tube first.

Abstract: A multi-directional flow gravity separator for separating a mixture of two immiscible fluids with different densities includes an elongated generally vertical tank, in which the mixture flows in a generally downward direction, and an effluent discharge tube through which the clarified effluent flows upward and out the tank. Alternatively, the separator includes an elongated vessel, or shroud, within the tank, through which the mixture flows in a generally upward direction before flowing downwardly in the tank; the clarified effluent is discharged from about the bottom of the tank. Alternatively, a separator includes both the elongated vessel and an effluent discharge tube. Alternatively, the vessel of a separator includes a coalescer; preferably, the coalescer results in an increased length of the fluid flow path through the vessel; most preferably, the coalescer is a helical spiraled vane, which results in a helical fluid flow path.

Abstract: An improved flow field-flow fractionation (flow FFF) process has been developed which permits the high-resolution separation of analytes without stopping or reversing the axial flow, introducing additional axial flow streams, or further splitting the axial flow stream. The improved procedure speeds up, streamlines, and simplifies the apparatus and the procedure without unduly concentrating the sample, permits the use of flow-sensitive detection technologies in a manner which has previously been difficult or impossible, and avoids the artifactual aggregation which is known to result from other relaxation procedures. The process also permits the calculation of the channel width w without reference to system or void peaks in the fractogram. These capabilities render the improved flow FFF procedure more accurate as well as more practical, and permit automated flow FFF separations to be routinely performed on commercially-available HPLC systems with only minor modifications.

Abstract: Method for treating non-gelatin colloidal encapsulation waste materials in which the waste is combined, optionally, with a solvent capable of dissolving the non-gelatin colloidal encapsulation material, and any softening agent contained therein, and then treating the solvent layer to remove contaminants such as residual oils and/or particulates which may be present, to provide a purified and usable encapsulating material containing stream.

Abstract: A settling tank for clarifying washing fluids with one or more walls disposed within the tank, each wall having a plurality of passages and defining a settling chamber. Preferably there is a too mounted fluid runoff opening into the tank disposed above the innermost settling chamber and at least one pump inlet disposed in an upper part of the tank outside the outermost settling chamber. Passages in the inner wall are in a lower region of the wall, and the passages in the second wall are in an upper region of the wall, and at least some of the passages are hooded to enhance a flow velocity change for fluid passing through the passages. There is optionally a sump pump having a one way valve for discharging sump sediment from the sump into a portable waste can. There is also preferably a sump tube generally curved upwardly and away from a bottom of the sump, and to which the pump is connected.