Abstract: A method of removing silicone oils from waste water generated by a silicones manufacturing plant including the step of centrifuging the waste water to concentrate silicone oil contaminated solids while removing the silicone oils. The silicone oil contaminated solids are then dried in a continuously mixed sludge dryer to remove more silicone oils from the sludge to form a sludge product which comprises at least 10% water and a low silicone oil concentration.

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: A raw sewage treatment system for treating grease trap raw sewage waste. The raw sewage is transferred via closed piping into an emulsifier/grinder pump into a first heating chamber where the fats in the waste melt. Here the heavier solids are allowed to settle out, and are removed by a conveyor. The waste then travels to a second heating chamber, where pathogens are killed at a higher temperature than found in the first heating chamber. The waste is de-emulsified in the second heating chamber, and the fats are pumped off the top. The remaining liquid passes through a shaker screen and a two-phase centrifuge to remove additional solids. The liquid then is treated in a biological reactor to reduce the volatile organics. The water is then discharged either to the environment or into a wastewater sewer.

Abstract: A wastewater separator to separate waste from a mixed wastewater stream including one or more of heavy waste, light waste and water. The wastewater separator comprises a separation container, a inlet and an outlet. The separation container comprises (1) a wastewater stream director within the separation container, the wastewater stream director being sized, shaped and positioned relative to the wastewater inlet to direct the wastewater stream along a preferred flow path to permit the light waste to separate from the wastewater stream in a first direction to a collection area and to permit the heavy waste to separate from the wastewater stream in a second direction towards a heavy waste removal area; and (2) a flow-directing outlet baffle within the separation container for directing the wastewater stream to the wastewater outlet from the heavy waste removal area to remove the heavy waste from the separation container.

Abstract: A microchannel apparatus includes a plural partition walls 4 formed as extensions of plural microchannels 1 toward a continuous phase, and a flow path 5 is formed between adjacent ones of the partition walls 4. A dispersed phase pumped into a continuous phase via each microchannel 1 generates nearly perfect spheres in the course of passing through the microchannel and the flow path 5 in between the partition walls 4, thereby producing emulsions comprising fine and homogenous microspheres.

Abstract: Described is a method of isolating cell components, such as nucleic acids, from natural sources by filtering a sample of the digested natural sources such as cells or cell fragments. The method is characterized in that the sample is passed through a filter, the pore size of which decreases in the direction of flow of the sample through the filter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treatment of oil-containing water before discharge into a surrounding body of water from an offshore structure includes the use of an oil sump, an inlet pipe, an oil collection tube and an oil discharge tube, all carried by and within a caisson, with the oil sump having a side wall extending above the vapor/oil interface formed within the caisson.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the boundary surface between the two mutually separable solutions in liquid—liquid extraction at the discharge end of the separation part and for preventing the aeration of the solutions when discharging them from the separation part, so that the overflow height of the settled, lighter organic solution is maintained constant. In order to adjust the boundary surface in between the mutually separable solutions, the overflow height of the heavier aqueous solution is adjusted by conducting the settled aqueous solution from down upwards through tubular elements, in which case the height of these overflow pipes can be adjusted. The aeration of the solutions when discharging them from the separation part is prevented by conducting the solutions into transfer pipes through covered, shaft-like weir boxes that are deeper than the discharge end.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating an immiscible or insoluble fluid mixture into its components, namely, a less-dense component and a denser component, is described. The apparatus may be used in commercial kitchens to separate grease-oil/water mixtures into a grease-oil component and a gray water component, the grease-oil being diverted to a receptacle for subsequent disposal and the gray water component being directed to a drain or sewer. The apparatus may be described as a pump/separator when attached to a vacuum source or a pump to assist with filling. Additionally, a compressed gas source may be attached to the apparatus to assist with the discharge of the denser component and the less dense component. The apparatus may include a controller, such as a microprocessor, to coordinate filling, separation, and discharge. Parallel and serial arrangements of the apparatus are shown.

Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of immiscible liquids from liquid influent has a containment vessel. An influent channel extends toward the bottom of the vessel so the influent is discharged vertically upward, a downwardly curved deflection plate is mounted above and aligned with the discharge end of the influent channel, and a plate with a downward slope from a central location extends toward the periphery of the vessel in a lower portion of the vessel than the deflection plate. This permits the influent to move radially outwardly thus slowing the influent and providing a residence time for gravitational separation of lighter immiscible liquids from the influent. A gap between the downward slope plate and the discharge end of the influent channel permits gravitational release of trapped immiscible liquids. A transfer tube, a sensor, and a pump are provided to pump the separated immiscible liquids out to a remote location.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system has a tank and at least one baffle disposed in the tank so as to subdivide the tank to form a treatment chamber and a clarification or settling chamber. The baffle is inclined relative to vertical, so that the clarification chamber tapers from an upper end to a lower end. The lower end of the clarification chamber is provided with a plurality of mutually spaced orifices or apertures communicating with a lower region of the treatment chamber, so that sludge settling in the clarification chamber is directed to the lower region of the treatment chamber via the orifices. The clarification chamber is further provided at its lower end with a plurality of substantially vertical partitions defining a plurality of hoppers communicating with respective orifices for guiding sludge to the orifices. A recycle pump and a distribution manifold serve to recycle wastewater from the treatment chamber to the clarification chamber.

Abstract: A calcium carbonate mineral is placed in a lower portion of a second water tank, while sludge precipitated in a sixth water tank is returned to an upper portion. A blower and an air diffusion pipe weakly aerate the lower portion. Thus, an unreacted chemical sludge zone is formed in the upper portion of the second water tank. As a result, the second water tank can execute a primary treatment of fluorine in a waste water by the calcium carbonate mineral, a secondary treatment of fluorine and a primary treatment of phosphor by unreacted chemicals, treatment of surface active agent by microorganisms in a return sludge and reduction treatment of hydrogen peroxide by anaerobic microorganisms in the return sludge. The unreacted chemicals are thus reused, so that the amount of generation of waste can be reduced and concurrently the treatment can be executed with energy conservation.

Abstract: A method of biologically cleaning polluted water uses active sludge and at least three zones, where at least one zone operates as a biological treatment zone and at least two zones variably operate as a biological treatment zone and as a clarifying zone. By this method, the polluted water is fed to a zone operating as a permanent biological treatment zone, where a back-mixing is performed during a period between this zone and a zone variably operating as a biological treatment zone and which has operated as a clarifying zone during a previous period. As a result, the drawbacks are overcome which the known T- and V-channel methods are encumbered with.

Abstract: A process for separating at least two liquid phases which are at least partially non miscible is characterized in that after reacting, a polyphase effluent is settled in at least two distinct settling zones arranged in parallel, each of these settling zones containing at least one settler. The feed to be treated is sent to reactor R via a means for circulating fluids P via line 1. The effluent leaves the reactor via line 2 and is separated into two fractions. One fraction is sent to a settling zone a) via line 3; the other fraction is sent to a settling zone b) via line 4. The heavy phase from settling zone a) is sent to the reactor via line 7 and the heavy phase of the settling zone b) is sent to the reactor via line 6. The light phase from settling zone a) is sent to line 8, and rejoins fresh feed supply line 1. The light phase from settling zone b) is evacuated from the circuit via line 5.

Abstract: A system is described for separating first and second liquids that are present in an intimate mixture consisting primarily of the first liquid, which enables recovery of a high proportion of the second liquid in a system of moderate cost for construction and operation. The system includes a fine screen formed of woven threads of a material that is wetted by the second liquid. The mixture is pumped through the screen, causing the microscopic droplets of the second liquid to coalesce into much larger drops, so the drops can be rapidly recovered. The screen is very fine, with a thread count of at least 500 per inch (20 per millimeter), and the liquid is passed very slowly through the screen, at a velocity of no more than 12 inches per minute (30 cm./min.), to recover at least 70% and preferably at least 75% of the second liquid.

Abstract: A suction skimmer with a vertically adjustable inlet for removing preferred upper portions of a liquid from a fluid body under substantially laminar flow conditions and which is self leveling in response to level changes in a fluid body. Suction skimming device includes a skimming sleeve elongated body member having a fluid flow passageway disposed proximally contiguous and slidably movable along the vertical axis of an elongated body sleeve guide member having a fluid flow passageway. The fluid flow passageway of the skimming sleeve member is in open communication with the fluid flow passageway of the sleeve guide member. The suction skimmer is provided with a flotation assembly to buoyantly support the skimming sleeve member thereby positioning the inlet first end of the skimming sleeve member near the surface of a fluid body.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for recovering raw materials from a stream of residual or collected material (R) which comprises a plurality of different materials and which arises during the manufacture of paper (P) in a paper mill (1) and/or in a material processing installation (2) and/or in a paper machine (3) and which is discharged therefrom, wherein the stream of residual or collected material (R) is fed to an installation (4) for separating at least one fiber fraction contained in the stream of residual or collected material (R) via a screening operation and for separating an ash fraction (A) comprising black particles.

Abstract: A filter system employs a pressure differential to draw liquid from a first liquid vessel through a filter media to a filtered liquid chamber. A pressure assembly generates a reduced pressure in the chamber. One embodiment of the filtration apparatus includes a liquid vessel above a filtered liquid chamber. A laterally extending fluid-pervious support forms a septum between the liquid vessel and the filtered liquid chamber. The support can be a perforate plate and supports filter media. The apparatus includes a wheel element mounted in spaced relation to the perforate plate and at least a portion of which is located in the vessel. An indexing mechanism, illustratively employing a pneumatic actuator selectively rotates the wheel element for indexing the media.

Abstract: A process for breaking an oil-water emulsion. The process comprises contacting the oil-water emulsion with a bacterial culture produced by growth in a liquid medium containing hydrocarbons under non-sterile conditions. The oil-water emulsion and bacterial culture are contacted under conditions that minimise degradation of the oil. The oil-water emulsion is permitted to form an oil layer and a water layer, which are then separated. The process is particularly useful in the treatment of slop-oil emulsion in the petroleum industry.

Abstract: A method and a device for dehydrating a heavy oil wherein an emulsion of water and a heavy oil is mixed in a stirring chamber together with a suitable amount of an emulsion breaker, the mixture is subjected to separation in a two-phase separation tank to a heavy oil-rich component and a water-rich component, the heavy oil-rich component is then fed to a dehydrator of a high voltage charge type in which separation to a dehydrated heavy oil and a water-rich component is effected, the water-rich component fractions supplied from the two-phase separation tank and the dehydrator are mixed in a pipeline, the mixture thus obtained is admixed with an O/W emulsion breaker and then, fed to a stirring chamber and finally separated to a heavy oil-containing component and a heavy oil-free water layer in a second separation chamber.

Abstract: Stable suspensions can be made from acidic metal salt solutions and finely divided acid-insoluble solid particles that have a particle size of less than twenty-five microns, preferably less than ten microns, and most preferably, about one micron. These suspensions can be used to treat surface waters to remove organic materials therefrom. The suspension forms a floc that includes the solid particles and organic materials, which floc rapidly settles out of solution, leaving purified water as the supernatant liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a thickened slimes fraction blended with a tailing fraction for delivery to a discharge or disposal point (38). The method includes the steps of forming a bed of tailings fraction on a de-watering screen (28) and delivering a thickened slimes fraction onto the bed of tailings fraction. The slimes fraction (30) is then allowed to de-water through the bed and the screen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for settling the dispersion formed in the mixing unit of liquid-liquid extraction, for controlling solution flows and for creating pure solutions in the separation part. According to the method, the flow speed of the organic solution phase is adjusted to be clearly higher than the flow speed of the aqueous solution phase, in which case in order to prevent border flow turbulence caused by the speed difference of the solution phases, the water drop dispersion layer left in between the separating solutions is adjusted to extend as far as the discharge end of the separation part.

Abstract: Magnetic powder and substrate material are separately recovered from finely chopped wastes of magnetic recording media consisting of a polymeric substrate and a magnetic layer present thereon in which finely divided magnetic powder is dispersed in crosslinked or uncrosslinked polymeric binder by treating the finely chopped wastes of magnetic recording media in a solution consisting of the potassium salt of a polyunsaturated fatty acid, or a biodegradable cleaning agent comprising phosphates, surfactants and a complexing agent, and one or more organic solvents or water while being subjected to mechanical action, and separately removing the magnetic powder from the substrate material by washing or sedimentation or in a magnetic separator.

Abstract: A superb centrifugal flotation cell with a rotating feed, is provided for use in an effective separation process to rapidly recover greater quantities of valuable fine particles. In the process, a slurry of fine particles is injected with air bubbles and moved downwardly through a stationary pipe and a rotating feed line comprising a centrifugal rotating downfeeder. The slurry is centrifugally discharged from the rotating downfeeder into the flotation chamber where the slurry is separated into a waste stream of non-floating gangue material and a particulate-enriched froth comprising air bubbles carrying a substantial amount of the valuable fine particles for further processing.

Abstract: An in-line biological liquid filtration system and method comprises a collection container for receiving biological liquid. A filter is located downstream of the collection container and in fluid flow communication therewith. A storage container for receiving filtered biological liquid is located downstream of the filter and the storage container is in fluid flow communication with the filter and with the collection container. An additive solution is located in the storage container. At least one automatic control member automatically restricts a flow of biological liquid or additive solution when flowing the liquid or solution between the collection container and the storage container.

Abstract: An extracorporeal, flow-through bubble trap for blood lines having improved capabilities at high flow rates and with smaller bubbles. The bubble trap comprises a chamber-defining wall, plus a blood inlet and a blood outlet, each extending through the wall to communicate with the interior of the chamber. The blood outlet connects with the chamber interior adjacent the bottom thereof. The chamber interior has a height that is less than 1.6 times the longest horizontal dimension of the chamber interior. As a result of this, blood flow in the bubble trap chamber is substantially horizontal.

Abstract: A mobile separator system for receiving and separating a mixed composition of oil, water, and sludge. The mobile separator system including a tank for holding the mixed composition, and a drain manifold that includes a plurality of drain pipes extending into the tank at varying elevations for allowing the drainage of water from the tank system. A vacuum source is attached to the top of the tank for carrying a vacuum within the tank to draw the mixed composition into the tank. The drain manifold is surrounded by a screen that allows the passage of water and oil, while preventing the passage of sludge through the screen into the drain pipes. A floating check valve is connected to each of the drain pipes to regulate the flow of water through the drain pipe. The floating check valve includes a valve element that has a density which causes the valve element to float in water and sink in oil.

Abstract: An interceptor tank for primary treatment of rainwater runoff which may contain a variety of pollutants. The tank is a multi-chambered device which provides a partial separation of the pollutants contained in the effluent rainwater. A bypass system prevents overload of the tank during periods of heavy inflow conditions. Under low inlet flow conditions, an orifice in the bypass system functions to allow the effluent to drop into the first chamber which serves as a trash and debris collector. The effluent passes from the first chamber to a second chamber where free petroleum based products are separated and held. The effluent from the second chamber passes into a third chamber where sediment is separated from the effluent. The effluent from the third chamber may be fed back into the bypass conduit to be fed into a sewer system or alternately through an aperture in one of the exterior walls of the last chamber to a sewer.

Abstract: A new process for simultaneous extraction of dispersed and dissolved hydrocarbon contaminants from water. The process is based on the principle of injecting natural hydrocarbon gas to the water feed stream under pressure and temperature conditions which permit the gas to act as a solvent for dissolved and dispersed hydrocarbon contaminants. The dispersed particles "swell" and have a reduced density which markedly improves the efficiency of the downstream separation by liquid--liquid-hydrocyclones.

Abstract: There is described a method for the separation of liquids of different densities that are not soluble in one another, such as water and oil, where a liquid mixture is placed in a tank in which heat is optionally supplied to the liquid mixture, and separation occurs as the liquid having the highest density sinks toward the bottom of the tank and forms a layer (a) where it may be tapped off, and the liquid having the lowest density rises and forms a layer (c) at the top of the tank (1), and that between the separated liquids is a mixed layer (b) comprising a mixture of the liquids, where the liquid mixture to be separated is fed into the tank in a manner generating the least possible vertical liquid flow, and where the liquid mixture is fed into the tank through one or more outlets that are disposed in a closed-off section of the tank. Also described is an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A process for resolving even tightly emulsified oil, water and solid emulsions by the application of a sheer force sufficient to break the emulsion. In one particular application, a tank bottom sludge produced in the petroleum industry is treated with the shear force of a bal or roller mill into the emulsion is broken. Simultaneous reduction in the particle size of the solids occurs. This process produces a commercial grade oil, water and an aqueous slurry of solids devoid of oily compounds. The oil-free solid phase produced thereby is suited for use in a coker quench stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for straining or rinsing is constructed with a bowl portion having an upper rim, the bowl portion being provided with a plurality of perforations through the wall thereof. The bowl portion provided with an engagement portion, which may be integrally formed therewith, for engaging with a predeterminable portion of a kitchen sink. Various embodiments of the invention engage with sink wall intermediate of a dual sink arrangement, or a standardsink faucet or valve. The employment of the engagement portion obviates the need to occupy the bottom surface of the sink during such straining or rinsing. In addition, the invention includes a method of employing a colander.

Abstract: The method and apparatus mixes two immiscible liquids A and O to form a dispersion and then pre-separates the dispersion into two fractions (A+o) and (O+a) in a spout. These two fractions are fed separately into a decanter with two separate compartments which continue to maintain the two fractions as separate. Within the two separate compartments the two fractions are further separated into two flows, A, O, a, and o, such that four flows exit the decanter.

Abstract: An activated sludge treatment apparatus having an aeration tank 14 for subjecting an organic waste water to an aerobic biological treatment, a first precipitation device 16 for separating a waste water treated in aeration tank 14 into treated water and a sludge, a recycle route 18 for returning a portion of the sludge separated by precipitation device 16 to aeration tank 14, a solubilizing treatment device 24 for solubilizing, at a high temperature, excess sludge separated by precipitation device 16, and a return route 30 for returning a treated solution solubilized by solubilizing treatment device 24 to aeration tank 14, is disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid filtration device useable for removing leukocytes from blood contains a first chamber which is in fluid flow relationship with a second chamber. Filtration elements separate the first chamber from the second chamber so that liquid flowing from the first chamber is filtered thereby prior to entry into the second chamber. A passage leads from the second chamber into the first chamber and a hydrophobic filter may be used to prevent liquid from the first chamber from flowing through the passage into the second chamber while allowing air to flow therethrough. An outlet is located in the second chamber, preferably at the bottom thereof. A second outlet may be located within the second chamber and may be placed in fluid flow relationship therewith by a conduit or the like.

Abstract: A device for adapting a liquid container to enable separation and selective dispensation of two or more immiscible liquids of different densities from the container.

Abstract: A method and a device for dehydrating a heavy oil wherein an emulsion of water and a heavy oil is mixed in a stirring chamber together with a suitable amount of an emulsion breaker, the mixture is subjected to separation in a two-phase separation tank to a heavy oil-rich component and a water-rich component, the heavy oil-rich component is then fed to a dehydrator of a high voltage charge type in which separation to a dehydrated heavy oil and a water-rich component is effected, the water-rich component fractions supplied from the two-phase separation tank and the dehydrator are mixed in a pipeline, the mixture thus obtained is admixed with an O/W emulsion breaker and then, fed to a stirring chamber and finally separated to a heavy oil-containing component and a heavy oil-free water layer in a second separation chamber.

Abstract: The main application of the invention lies in making cartridges, filters and complete filter systems for regeneration purposes, in particular for regenerating swimming pool water, and for that purpose it comprises at least a system for physically treating water by means of an inert granular material enclosed in at least one envelope through which said water can flow, passing through said material; according to the invention, the material is of cellular structure, having relative density of less than 1, and is constituted by pozzolan having a grain size that is less than or equal to 25 mm.

Abstract: A method for cleaning industrial wastewater comprising pretreatment of the wastewater stream by intercepting and removing settleable solids prior to subjecting the stream to primary cleaning systems are disclosed. The method of pretreatment comprises pumping wastewater from a collecting reservoir or sewer through a hydrocyclone to separate the stream into an overflow of reduced solids content and an underflow of enhanced solids content. The overflow is directed to a holding tank or forebay of the primary cleaning system. The primary cleaning system comprises a gravity settler, a CPI (corrugated plate interceptor) system or API (American Petroleum Institute) separator for example. The gravity settler is operated to obtain an effluent essentially free of settleable solids and a sludge stream. The underflow with its enhanced solids content is screened to obtain a screened water stream and a sludge of screened solids which is directed to a collection container.

Abstract: A portable liquid surface skimmer efficiently removes small spills of petroleum derivatives from the surface of water, and is useful, for example, on thin sheen spills of oil or gasoline, in boating marinas. The skimmer is controlled by a long handle held by an operator, with a swivel connection to the skimmer body. The skimmer body is placed in the water empty, to take on a controlled amount of water as ballast, putting the skimmer at a proper level to skim the surface using a floating weir. A withdrawal conduit from the skimmer's sump leads to a storage tank or more preferably to some form of separator on shore or on a dock, for further separation of water from the contaminants. In one preferred form of the system and method, the skimmed oil/water mix is passed through a special filter medium which removes the petroleum sufficiently that the water can be returned to its source, eliminating the need for hauling large volumes of liquid away to a disposal site.

Abstract: Rotary filtration devices and processes are disclosed. The devices have at least one inner member and at least one outer member, one or both of which rotate so that they rotate with respect to one another and which define a fluid filtration gap therebetween. There are one or more filters facing the fluid filtration gap and which are located either on the inner member or on the outer member or on both. During the filtration process, permeate passes from the feed fluid in the fluid filtration gap through the one or more filters. The inner member has an internal pathway for the flow of feed fluid. Fluid from the body of fluid to be filtered flows from the body of feed fluid to be filtered through the internal pathway, reverses direction, and then flows through the fluid filtration gap back to the body of feed fluid.

Abstract: A process for the recovery and purification of waste gelatin, especially from the manufacture of soft gelatin capsules includes the steps of effecting dissolution of the gelatin and other water-soluble components of the waste in a solvent such as deionized water such that a gelatin-containing solution dispersed within the remaining components of said waste is formed, permitting the dispersion to settle into an upper oil phase and a lower solvent based gelatin-containing solution phase, separating the lower phase from the upper phase, optionally hot filtering the lower phase to remove traces of the remaining components of the upper phase, and diafiltering the lower phase to remove the active ingredients, glycerin, and other water-soluble components and to provide a recycled gelatin solution.

Abstract: A method for processing metalworking fluid disposed in a sump 12 is disclosed and includes the step of collecting metalworking fluid having a greater concentration of tramp oil than the concentration in the sump and flowing a portion of this oil, without passing the oil through a separator, to increase circulation in the sump. Various steps of the method are developed which increase the level of tramp oil removed from the sump and provide for the introduction of oxygen into the working medium of fluid. In one particular embodiment of the method, the step of flowing the return fluid under pressure to the sump, includes forming jets of fluid which extend vertically into the air to aerate the metalworking fluid and block the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a continuous, portable dredging system that employs a series of screens and gravity separation devices with flocculation to remove sediments from the dredged slurry. The system produces a treated water stream having low solids content and a recovered solids product having a low water content.

Abstract: A system for separation of fluids and drill cuttings received from a borehole during an under-balanced drilling procedure. The system is designed to cope with significantly varied pressures and flow rates, particularly in relation to gas content of drill fluids returned to the surface during the drilling process in a production zone, and to provide effective separation and to reduce the detrimental effect due to the presence of the drill cuttings in the returned drill fluids. In the present invention there is utilized a first stage, high pressure vessel in which a major portion of the gases ad drill cuttings are separated, and a second stage, horizontal low pressure vessel, preferably of greater volume than the high pressure vessel, in which further separating is achieved, including the separate removal of the drilling liquid to be returned to the drill tube.

Abstract: A railroad tank car can be filled with a slurry of a solid and a solvent therefor. The tank car is fitted with a feed distribution header that is provided with a plurality of predetermined spaced openings. The header is mounted in the car so that after the solids have settled, the solids are located below the distribution header and the supernatant liquid is above the distribution header. The supernatant liquid can then be withdrawn from the tank car through the distribution header and flows back to a storage tank from where it came. All of this can be accomplished with a single pump. Removing or unloading of solids from the car is effected by rendering the solids flowable with a liquor and pumping the solids from the car or dissolving them.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device with a filter bag for separating a liquid phase from a suspended solid phase in a biological fluid.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of mercury from mercury-containing caustic sludge, generated from a mercury cell, chlor-alkali plant, wherein mercury is removed from the caustic sludge by treatment in a hydraulic mineral separator. The process provides a ready method for removal of mercury from caustic sludge which can allow recovery of the mercury for re-use. Alternatively, the process provides a smaller volume of mercury-contaminated material to be treated and/or land-filled.

Abstract: A sewage treatment apparatus including a treatment tank with a floor, walls and having an upper aperture. A hopper having a clarifier chamber is centrally disposed in the treatment tank, maintained at a predetermined height above the treatment tank floor by hopper supports. A deflector cone is centrally disposed on the floor of the treatment tank, its vertex being received in the lower aperture of the hopper. The exterior of the hopper, the deflector cone and the inner walls of the treatment tank define an annular aerator chamber, subdivided into a plurality of aerator zones. Diffusers disposed in each aerator zone introduce oxygenation of and induce flow of sewage in the treatment tank. A cover mounted over the treatment tank aperture maintains a pressurized pocket of air above the sewage for increased oxygenation of the sewage. Treated sewage passes from the aerator zones into the clarifier chamber, then into the environment.