Abstract: Methods for on-site remediation of contaminated natural resources and fabrication of construction products therefrom. A mobile treatment facility is provided at the site of the contaminated natural resources. Contaminated sediment, soil, pulp and/or liquids are obtained from the site and processed on-site to obtain a variety of construction materials, including coarse and fine particulate material, bricks, concrete products, pellets and aggregate material. Coarse, sand-like materials are fabricated from decontaminated clay-based based materials and used in the fabrication of concrete products. Waste streams are combined to optimize their mutually neutralizing properties. Contaminants such as inorganics and heavy metals are immobilized as water-insoluble complexes in the matrix of the resulting products. Organic contaminants are volatilized and/or burned off, and thermochemical reactions of inorganic contaminants are induced, in a high-temperature irradiation treatment.

Abstract: Water and solid debris are separated from gasoline during its storage within a container. The separation is effected automatically, at low cost and in a highly reliable manner. It is continuous throughout storage and is not reversed by portage of the container or removal of gasoline therefrom. Engines fueled with gasoline from the container are far less subject to contamination from water or impurities than those fueled from gas cans of the conventional type.

Abstract: A filter device used to remove organic and inorganic debris from a liquid stream, such as irrigation water. The device comprises a diverter tube having a plurality of apertures therein to divert a significant portion of the liquids entering the device onto a filter screen, thereby filtering out the lighter debris on the screen. A portion of the liquid flows through the diverter tube with the heavier debris entrained therein, which settles out by gravity in a dead water zone at the lowermost end of the device. A flush valve can be opened, permitting the heavier debris to be swept out, and back-flushing the lighter debris off of the filter screen.

Abstract: A method of treating a dilute aqueous suspension of solid particulate material comprising waste material from a process for recovering petroleum from oil sand includes diluting the suspension with at least 75% of its own volume of water thereby to increase the settling rate of the particulate material and allowing the particulate material to settle to form a concentrated solid sediment. The treated suspension may have been obtained from a process in which an alkaline solution is used to treat the oil sand. The water from which the concentrated solid sediment is separated may be returned to the process for recovering petroleum from oil sand. The solid sediment may be transferred to a separation vessel in which it is fractionated into a coarse particle fraction and a fine particle fraction. The fine particle fraction may comprise essentially particles having an equivalent spherical diameter not greater than 3 .mu.m. The concentrated solid material recovered may be calcined to form a pozzolanic material.

Abstract: A centrifugal soil separator for a dishwasher having a rotating centrifuge connected for rotation with a centrifugal impeller, the centrifugal impeller providing a majority of recirculating wash water for the dishwasher while the centrifuge accepts a second portion of flow and spins that portion of flow for soil separation and to achieve a pumping action to move that quantity of water to the wash water delivery system with the quantity of water moved by the centrifugal impeller. By a coordinated stopping, reversing and starting action of the centrifuge, soil collected therein can be disposed to a soil sizing and drain apparatus for flushing and draining the centrifuge.

Abstract: Recycling apparatus for use in a closed-loop waste-treatment system includes components for removal of inert materials. Typically, the system includes a treatment vessel used in conjunction with a clarifier in an internal recycle configuration; clear water from the top of the clarifier is conducted away from the system as treated effluent, while a portion of the biomass settling at the bottom of the clarifier is returned to the head of the treatment vessel through a hydrocyclone and screen arrangement to remove inert content, thereby substantially increasing the efficiency of biological waste-digestion processes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removal of a phase from a biphase system having an interface between the phases includes a sensor for sensing a level of the phase of highest density arranged beneath and at a distance from the plane of the suction port of a tube and a device for guiding and moving the tube and the sensor with respect to the reservoir, in a reciprocal, rectilinear path parallel to an axis of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention entails a hog sewage separator for separating solids within the hog sewage from the water or liquid therein. The sewage separator includes a conveyor having a perforated solids retainer extending thereover so as to define an open channel through which the separated solids are conveyed by the conveyor. Hog sewage directed into the separator unit is separated as the water or liquid flows through the perforated retainer and spills over into an underlying lagoon. The separated solids are conveyed by the separator to a holding tank.

Abstract: There are described a method of and an apparatus for removing sand from waste water loaded with sand and organic substances which is set forth in circulation in a vertical container (1) in which the organic substance moves upward to an overflow (13), while the sand sinks downward toward a discharge conveyor (3) connected to the container (1) from beneath, and is discharged after a certain settling period. To achieve a substantial separation of the sand and the organic substances, the settled sand is stirred by an agitator, with simultaneous rinsing with fresh water delivered to the container bottom region, and is discharged in an amount, which insures a predetermined minimal height of the settled sand.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to an assay device suitable for use in testing samples for the presence of microorganisms. The assay device of the subject invention comprises a housing having two chambers therewithin, each chamber being partially defined by a first filter material and each having a liquid inlet, the device also comprising means for holding the first material in a first or second position, respectively, such that the chambers are either separate or in communication. This arrangement allows assays to be made more accurately, since material that is otherwise retained in the corners of the assay chamber can be simply washed away.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system has been created in which water to be treated is moved into a treatment vessel without pumping action of a pump. Such movement is facilitated by creating and, in some aspects, maintaining a vacuum in the treatment vessel to effect siphoning action to move water to and through the vessel. In one embodiment the treatment vessel is contained within a wastewater collection container, e.g. a below-grade concrete pit of an existing wastewater collection system. In another aspect the system is sealed so undesirable vapors are not vented to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Described are novel containers adapted to separate and dispense two or more fluids of different densities, and novel methods of selectively separating and dispensing two or more fluids of different densities.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and kits for the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. Such methods include the concentration of a water sample to form a retentate followed by resolution the retentate by density centrifugation. At least one layer is formed which retains the microbes to be detected. The presence of microbes within resolved layers is then detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for incinerating waste material and in particular, for incinerating particulate material resulting from the shredding of vehicles. The particulate material is fed to one end of a rotary drum, and is subjected in the drum to pyrolitic incineration in the absence of air, to generate combustible gases and a solid residue. The combustion gases and the residue are discharged from the drum to a discharge hood, where the solid residue is separated from the gases. The gases are then passed through a condenser to cool the gases to a temperature below 212.degree. F. to thereby condense water vapor and higher boiling point hydrocarbon gases to produce hydrocarbon liquid.

Abstract: A part still wet with water or an aqueous type detergent adhering to the surface thereof is drain washed in a washing tank using a hydrophobic dewatering cleaning agent. In this operation of dewatering cleaning, the hydrophobic dewatering cleaning agent stored in the washing tank is circulated between the washing tank and a reserve tank to deprive the hydrophobic dewatering cleaning agent of water entrained thereby by means of a concentration type filter inserted in a path laid for the circulation. A hydrophobic filter is mainly used as the concentration type filter. The dewatering cleaning is continued and meanwhile the consequently isolated hydrophobic dewatering cleaning agent is exclusively returned to the washing tank. As a result, the water concentration in the hydrophobic dewatering cleaning agent stored in the washing tank can be constantly kept below a prescribed level.

Abstract: A process of and device for separating fluids of different densities involving transporting the fluid mass from a turbulent flow region and into a laminar flow region and then into a further separation area having a geometry sufficient to provide for the natural separation of fluids due to fluid density and then forcing the separated fluids from the chamber by system backpressure.

Abstract: Drainage water having floating and non-floating particulate is collected and processed to separate out in the floating from the non-floating particulate, thereby cleaning the flow of water through the system during sudden storms or during steady rainfall conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning algae and debris from the inner and outer surfaces of a weir and the top surface and outer side wall of a spillway in a water treatment tank. A main frame is mounted on the revolving skimmer arm of the tank. A pair of brushes pivotally mounted to a lower end of a support arm have bristles facing in inwardly opposed relation to engage each side of the weir for cleaning both side surfaces of the weir. The support arm is connected to the main frame by a universal joint to pivot in a vertical plane and move in and out relative to the center of rotation to compensate for out-of-round weir surfaces. The brushes are spring biased downwardly in a vertical position and pivotally mounted to the support arm to allow pivotal movement when their lower ends engage a bracket or obstruction so that they pass thereover and return to the vertical position. A third brush connected with the pair of brushes engages and cleans the upper surface of the spillway adjacent the weir.

Abstract: A continuous longitudinal settler with flow separation including an entry zone for the liquid to be treated, including a system for distribution of this liquid; a zone for homogenization of the flow, ensuring a dissipation of the entry energy and a constant velocity profile at the exit of this zone; a working zone for settling, exhibiting a homogeneous flow along the whole length of which a constant velocity profile is maintained, together with a high Froude number guaranteeing the stability of the liquid flow; and a zone for separation and for recovery of the flows, situated at the downstream end of the settler, the treated liquid being discharged at the surface and the settled matter via the bottom of the settler.

Abstract: For the separation of a contaminated floating top layer of oil or oil substances, a continuous laminer flow is created on or near the surface, by placing a number of baffles (8, 8') in the path of the flowing liquid (V) as it moves through a tank (1). The total amount of liquid flowing through the tank (1) is now adjusted in such a way that the correct control of the upper laminar flow (5) and the dominant more turbulent lower flow near the bottom (9) of the tank (1) produces a controllable constant difference in height (delta h). This total difference in height (delta h) can also be attained by cascade operation.

Abstract: A method and device for removing waste oil from a cartridge-type oil filter with the filter including a plurality of openings formed therein in a predetermined pattern and an oil retention gasket disposed within the filter. The device includes an elongate body portion formed of resilient, bendable material defining a longitudinally extending central body formed with a predetermined lengthwise dimension sufficient to span a distance between two of the openings and two end portions formed integrally with the central body and projecting oppositely outwardly therefrom with the end portions being sized to fit within the openings and being of a sufficient lengthwise dimension to engage and displace at least a portion of the gasket to allow waste oil to be poured or otherwise drained from the filter cartridge.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus is provided which includes at least an aeration chamber and a clarification chamber having a common wall therebetween, a transfer port opening through the common wall between a lower portion of the clarification chamber and the aeration chamber, an aerator mechanism in the aeration chamber for creating wastewater flow currents which flow through an inlet portion of a flow augmenting device located in the common wall above the transfer port. The flow augmenting device is a conduit or pipe having a discharge outlet adjacent the lower portion of the clarification chamber through which exits the flow from the aeration chamber resulting in solid particles being agitated and returned from the clarification chamber lower portion into the aeration chamber through the transfer port.

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 liquid separator system for separating molten sulfur from liquid redox solution or reslurry water. The system includes a vessel with a top part and a bottom part. The vessel has a larger diameter at the top part than at the bottom part, and the cross section of the vessel downwardly decreases from the top part to the bottom part of the vessel. The system also includes an inlet for introducing a redox solution or reslurry water and molten sulfur, which is denser than redox solution or reslurry water, into the vessel. An outlet near the bottom part of the vessel allows a flow of the molten sulfur from the vessel. An interface control structure senses an interface level between the redox solution or reslurry water and the molten sulfur, and the interface control structure controls the flow of molten sulfur from the outlet.

Abstract: A self-diluting feedwell for a thickener or settling tank includes a delivery pipe for providing an influent feed stream of slurry, a nozzle for directionally discharging the influent feed stream, and an eductor structure including a launder zone for receiving the nozzle discharge, a throat zone for creating a reduced pressure area for eduction of diluent into the launder zone, and a discharge zone for dispensing the diluted influent into a thickener or settling tank.

Abstract: An improved system for filtering liquids containing particles in suspension, comprising a valve system for distributing liquid, a filter and a settling tank, in which the particles suspended in the liquid can settle during various phases at decreasing rates of settling, characterised in that a device are provided for emptying the top part of the settling tank and accompanying the liquid descending in the tank, the operation of the device being delayed for at least a part of the time corresponding to the phase of maximum speed of sedimentation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating suspended solid particles and/or fluid droplets from a body of liquid is described. Fluid is caused to flow through at least one helical flow path defined between axially facing surfaces of a number of conical helical plates. Preferably, a substantially vertical flow channel of circular cross-section has disposed therein at least one conical helical plate with a diameter substantially equal to that of the flow channel. The conical helical plate or plates are arranged coaxially in the flow channel and define at least one helical flow path coaxial with the flow channel between axially facing surfaces of the plate or plates. The plate or plates are preferably capable of rotating about the axis of the flow channel, and may be driven. While they may be driven at a greater or lesser speed, they are preferably driven at a speed so as to approximately correspond with the flow rate of the liquid.

Abstract: A downward facing cavity is mounted directly below a vertical outlet pipe in a septic tank to collect particulate matter in the cavity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for separating and collecting blood fractions or components such as platelets. A first anticoagulant solution is added to whole blood, which is then separated into platelet-rich plasma and red cells. A second anticoagulant is added to the platelet rich plasma, which is then separated into platelet-poor plasma and platelet concentrate. The rate of red cell sedimentation is increased and the time of the separation/collection procedure may be reduced when the pH of the first anticoagulant is greater than approximately 6.0.

Abstract: A method of separating red blood cells within a volume of blood provides rapid separation of the red blood cells to permit efficient analysis of the white blood cells. First, a container is filled with the volume of blood while the container is in a substantially vertical position. The container has an open top portion, a side wall, and a closed bottom portion. The volume of blood in the container defines a first surface region having a particular spatial relationship to the side wall. Then, the container is moved to a first position, away from the substantially vertical position. The container is maintained at the first position for at least a first predetermined time such that red blood cells within the volume of blood settle substantially to the side wall of the container. The cross sectional area of the container at the first surface region of the volume of blood is such that the particular spatial relationship is maintained between the first surface region and the side wall.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the separation of mixtures of liquids and finely divided suspended particles to produce a liquid product stream having a reduced concentration of finely divided suspended particles. The process and apparatus use a generally vertical separator vessel having a feed inlet distributor located in a lower locus of the vessel which directs the feed mixture in an upward direction in order to initially flow through a multiplicity of vertical and intersecting baffles located in the upper locus of the vessel and then to flow through a horizontal baffle having a multiplicity of holes to allow passage of the liquid and located above and adjacent to the vertical baffles.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for remediating ponds and other water sites containing sludge and other waste materials by a dredging and dewatering process which is economical and efficient, uses relatively low cost equipment and provides for high remediation rates. The preferred process dredges the site to produce a sludge which is screened to remove oversize material. The screened sludge is then thickened and the thickened sludge dredged and fed as a uniform thickened sludge mixture to a filter press to dewater the sludge producing a final sludge product having a high solids content. A coagulant is preferably added to the sludge and a polymer and/or coagulant added to the thickened sludge filter press feed.

Abstract: A system for treating wastewater and improving the quality of wastewater effluent by preventing solids from being discharged in the effluent is disclosed. Wastewater having a concentration of waste solids flows into a wastewater collection container through a waste-water inlet and solids are allowed to distribute into a lower horizontal sludge layer and an upper horizontal scum layer with a horizontal layer of liquid therebetween. A substantially upstanding elongate tube is immersed in the wastewater within the container and the interior of the tube is exposed to the horizontal layer of liquid through a plurality of inclined slots in the tube. Liquid flows from the horizontal liquid layer through the slots into the interior of the tube and thereafter through a liquid effluent outlet of the container. Preferably, the slots extend vertically along a majority of the depth of the wastewater in the container.

Abstract: A novel process and related apparatus for removing common contaminants from used motor oil. Propane, butane or similar solvent is mixed with the contaminated oil to form a solution. This solution is agitated and then given time to settle thus allowing gravitational separation of asphaltic pollutants. The solution is then percolated through a columned filter to remove heavy metallic contaminants and the solvent recovered by heating the solution.

Abstract: An improved method for processing multiple small batches of waste material from different collection sites is provided. The method uses an apparatus designed to process small batches of waste material from a collection site, such as a septic tank, into waste water and sludge material. Using the apparatus, the waste material first undergoes oxidation with an oxidizing agent and separation with a flocculating agent. After the oxidizing and separating steps are completed, the waste water is then drained from the apparatus and returned to the collection site. The sludge material produced is then transported to a second collection site. The waste material from the second collection site is then added and mixed with the sludge material produced from the first small batch of waste material. The new waste material is then oxidized and separated into waste water and sludge material. The waste water is then drained from the apparatus and deposited into the collection site.

Abstract: A clarifier having a center column is provided with means in the form of a center column extension which may be attached to the center column to allow repairs or maintenance to be conducted on the clarifier inlet piping without shutting down the operation of the clarifier.

Abstract: A method of improving the quality of septic tank effluent is disclosed. Sewage wastewater having a significant concentration of waste solids is flowed to a septic tank. In the septic tank the solids are allowed to separate from the wastewater to form a relatively clear horizontal liquid layer between sludge and scum layers. At least a portion of the liquid layer is flowed from a recirculation outlet through an aerobic filter to produce a filter effluent. The filter effluent is flowed to the septic tank. A septic tank effluent is discharged from a septic tank discharge outlet which is spaced apart from the inlet and which is in fluid communication with the liquid. The septic tank effluent has reduced levels of total nitrogen, BOD and total suspended solids.

Abstract: A method for dehydrating a liquid/liquid production stream which is comprised of a heavy crude oil (i.e. about 30.degree. A.P.I. or less) and water which originally forms a water-in-oil emulsion wherein hydrocyclone is used as a primary separator to separate substantial amounts of the water from the stream. The stream is first treated without chemicals to sustantially alter of its characteristics by either (a) heating the stream to substantially reduce the viscosity of the heavy crude therein and/or (b) inverting the emulsion in the stream to an oil-in-water emulsion. Once the characteristics of the stream are so altered, the stream is passed through the primary hydrocyclone to separate out a significant amount (e.g. about 50% or more) of the water. The stream is then passed either to a second hydrocyclone or a stablization tower to separate additional water from the oil and bring it within shipping and/or sale specifications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil-water separation apparatus which permits oil-water separation of heavily polluted oil-water mixed liquids or mixed liquids of high viscosity oil and water, etc., to be efficiently made.

Abstract: Processes and systems for combining multiple units of a biological fluid in independent containers into a single container are disclosed.

Abstract: A closed loop system for processing the effluent of drilling mud, cuttings, diesel, water and ultrafines includes a first mechanism for separating the cuttings from the mud, ultrafines and diesel utilizing washing fluid and shaking mechanisms. A second system is also provided to separate the majority of the diesel and water and ultrafines into water and diesel and ultrafines separately.

Abstract: A process for the recycling of used and contaminated water-based metalworking fluids comprising separation of solid contaminants by settling and filtration, and separation of unemulsifiable tramp oil, reduction in total dissolved solids, removal of destructive bacteria and fungi, and removal of odors and toxic gases by the injection of steam, said process not requiring the use of a centrifuge.

Abstract: A method for removing petroleum contaminants from larger-size and smaller-size petroleum-bearing earth-like materials using a movable apparatus.

Abstract: A discharge purification system for dry cleaning facilities is disclosed. The system comprises a series of concentric tanks providing settling and filtration treatment for water containing dry cleaning solvents. The device also provides for recycling solvent back to the dry cleaning facility.

Abstract: Devices are provided for producing plasma or serum from blood samples, where the plasma or serum is substantially free of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and metabolites and degradation products thereof. The sample can be used in various assays without interference from the interfering components of red blood cells.

Abstract: Water-based industrial cleaning solutions are stripped of mixed oil and high density particulate (dirt) contamination by a full or partial flow system through, first, a centrifugal separator to produce two effluent flow streams respective to low and high density contamination. Each centrifugal separator effluent stream is conducted to and through respective gravimetric separators producing three effluent streams each. The two purified cleaning solution streams are combined for recycling. The two oil effluent streams are combined for disposal. The two particulate dominated streams are combined for screen or matrix filtration.A small side stream such as effluent from the screen or filter is treated with ozone for bacterial control prior to recombination.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing grease from a grease trap separator containing grease and water and transferring the grease to a remote location includes an enclosed transfer tank, a first transport tube having an inlet end positioned to contact the grease in the grease trap separator and an outlet end extending into the tank, a second transport tube having an inlet end positioned to contact the water in the grease trap separator and an outlet end extending to the tank, a transport means arranged to convey the water through the second transport tube between the tank and the grease trap separator, a discharge pipe extending from the tank to a remote location, a first sensor for determining when the tank is filled with grease, and a second sensor for determining when the tank is filled with water, the first and second sensors controlling the action of the transport means.

Abstract: A sludge collector includes a collection box disposed within a sludge holding tank containing a liquid and the sludge or other materials to be collected. A floating weir is positioned at the inlet of the box to control the depth of a stream of materials flowing into the box. The weir operates to automatically match the flow rate into the box to that out of the box without employing complex sensing or actuating mechanisms while at the same time assuring that adequate turbulence is created in the box to mix sludge with the liquid prior to removal. The weir is also designed so as to reliably handle sticky materials. Preferably, the pump is specially designed to handle sticky materials without clogging, and baffles are located upstream of the collector to facilitate prompt sludge collection.

Abstract: Improved techniques are provided for separating mixtures of materials having different densities. The apparatus of the present invention is well suited for separating oil from water, and includes a separation tank defining a cylindrical water inlet chamber and a frustroconical separation chamber spaced above an adjoining the input inlet chamber. An oil leg is spaced above the separation chamber, and an adjustable oil overflow unit is provided adjacent the oil outlet for controlling the height of oil in the oil leg. A water leg is provided in parallel with the separation tank, and the elevation of the water outlet controls the height of water in the water leg. The oil leg overflow unit allows the head pressure in the oil leg relative to the head pressure in the water leg to maintain the interface within the separation chamber. Sensing devices are provided for monitoring the elevation of the oil/water interface within the separation chamber.

Abstract: The invention is an antifreeze reclamation system that is designed for low volume processing over extended time periods. The system makes use of a tank that is preferably fabricated from a standard fifty-five gallon drum. Attached to the top of one end of the tank is a standpipe used for inputting used antifreeze into the system. A second standpipe is located at the top of the opposite end of the tank. The system functions by allowing gravity, buoyancy and time to separate the used antifreeze from entrained and dissolved impurities. The outputted liquid is mixed with new materials to restore it to its original, unused condition.