Abstract: A clarifier for use in treating a liquid containing non-soluble particles in suspension in order to separate these particles from the liquid includes a tank, a liquid supply duct opening into the bottom portion of the tank and an injector for injecting a gas under pressure into at least part of liquid supplied to the supply duct in order to saturate this liquid with the gas and thus to generate gas bubbles as the saturated liquid is subject to depressurization within the tank. The gas bubbles that are so generated adhere to the particles in suspension in the liquid and lift them up to form a floating layer of sludge in the top portion of the tank. A scraper is provided in the top portion of the tank for skimming off the layer of sludge while it is formed. A plurality of plates extend at an angle within the tank above the supply duct. These plates define a set of upwardly inclined channels each having an upper end that is opened and through which the liquid fed into the tank may enter the channel.

Abstract: A Vertical Combined Production Facility, or gas-well production system, in which the separation of each phase (hydrocarbon gas, hydrocarbon liquids, and produced water), dehydration of natural gas, removal of minute traces of water from the hydrocarbon liquids, and polishing of produced water, are performed in a single pressure vessel. Additionally, the pressure vessel is installed in a vertical configuration such that the pressure vessel shell also serves as the structural support for a small deck and helideck. Additionally, the inlet heating of the well flow-stream is accomplished by a heat exchanger installed in the dehydration/regeneration heater (reboiler).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating waste water to generate clarified water for reuse in industrial processes which includes the steps of adding agents to the waste stream to generate floccules, aerating the waste stream to cause a portion of the floccules to float, decanting floating floccules and lighter than water immiscible pollutants from the top surface of the waste stream, directing the waste stream through an incline clarifier so as to permit heavier than water floccules to form sludge in a bottom region of the clarifier. Sludge and decanted pollutants are sent to a bioremediation tank where hydrocarbons are decomposed and the remaining sludge is dewatered and compacted to a solid condition for disposal in a public waste facility. The clarified water is transferred to a steam generator or pressurized water delivery system for reuse. The invention is particularly useful for equipment cleaning operations such as in truckyards or airports.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating immiscible liquids and solids from a influent stream employing a pre-coalescing unit to remove solids and larger liquid particles followed by a coalescing function which separates any remaining oil, grease and the like from the influent stream. The separator tank comprises three chambers, one of which comprises a series of debris plates made of perforated oleofilic material which traps solids and large particles in the first chamber and passes the partially separated liquid to a second chamber containing closely spaced coalescer plates which remove the remaining unwanted particles. In the third chamber, the effluent stream is prepared for reintroduction into the environment. The separator unit of this invention uses the combination of enhanced coalescing and gravitational separation to improve the separation process and reduce the frequency of maintenance and cleaning of the unit.

Abstract: A settling device (2) for a fluid containing liquid, gas and particulate material comprises liquid-discharge elements (15) fitted close to the water level of the fluid and supply elements for supplying the fluid at the bottom of the settling chamber. In the settling chamber one or more caps (12) are disposed with their longitudinal axis at an angle to the water level, such that fluid supplied at the bottom of the settling chamber flows obliquely up, forced along the bottom of the at least one cap. Whilst gas bubbles contained therein collect in the ridge (17) of the at least one cap. The gas collected in the ridge of the at least one cap is trapped by elements (18) beneath the water level of the fluid. Preferably, use is made of a row containing a multiplicity of caps (12) which are disposed in oblique, overlapping and parallel arrangement. The caps (12) can be fitted at an angle of 60.degree. relative to the water level and preferably have a mutual interval of about 6 cm.

Abstract: Method and equipment for purification of a liquid, where the liquid is polluted by other liquids or solid material, e.g. removing oil from oil contamined water, comprising a flocculation device (2) and a flotation device (8). The method comprises adding one or more chemicals to the liquid in a flocculation device that comprises one or more pipe loops (2) with built-in agitators (3, 20, 21) providing turbulence and plug-type flow through the loop. Thereupon purified liquid and pollutants are separated in the flotation device or in a sedimentation device (8). The equipment according to the invention comprises a pipe loop (2), provided with built-in agitator(s) (3, 20, 21), connected to the flotation device (8).

Abstract: The wastewater treatment unit is operable under high intermittent flow rate variations. It comprises a first clarifier in which is carried out a gravitational settling of solids and a second clarifier comprising a network of parallel plates inclined with respect to the vertical and a portion defining a collecting pit. Each plate has an upper edge positioned at a height lower than the filling level of the first clarifier to define an overflow giving access to the collecting pit. The network of plates allows to carry out a further settling of solids to create a counterflow of settled matter toward the first clarifier and a flow of clarified wastewater falling in the collecting pit. A filtering chamber is positioned above the first clarifier and comprises a filtering media supporting a biomass for digesting the organic content of the wastewater coming from the second clarifier.

Abstract: A compact dissolved-air-flotation (DAF) clarifier and clarification process utilize three zones for clarification which operate in sequence in a single clarifier. Raw water with suspended solids enters a flocculator at the center of an annular tank where microscopic air bubbles introduced to the inflow float flocked contaminants to form a floating sludge layer. A first clarification, calming and degassing occur here. The water then flows radially outwardly into the tank where further quiet clarification occurs. A third level of clarification occurs in a lower portion of the tank, specifically, in a set of plate-like lamellae, radial and conical, which form inclined channels where a final clarification occurs. The bottom wall of the tank has a set of apertures which allow a gravity flow of clarified water through a layer of pressurized gas to an underlying collection compartment.

Abstract: A novel, useful and nonobvious fuel purifier has been developed which in one aspect has a hollow vessel with an interior space, an inlet for liquid fuel contaminated with contaminating material denser than the liquid fuel, the liquid fuel entering the inlet into the interior space in a first direction, and an outlet from which liquid fuel flows out from the hollow vessel, a flow diverter adjacent the inlet within the interior space for diverting the liquid fuel in a second direction other than the first direction, at least one divider apparatus within the interior space of the hollow vessel which divides the interior space into an inlet chamber, at least one intermediate chamber, and an outlet chamber, the outlet in fluid communication with the outlet chamber, the inlet in fluid communication with the inlet chamber, the at least one intermediate chamber providing at least one quiescent zone in which the contaminating material settles out from the liquid fuel contaminated with contaminating material, a drain i

Abstract: A separation apparatus, particularly for separating two fluids having different densities or specific gravities, is described. The apparatus is provided with a baffle arrangement (22) located within cylindrical housing (3) comprising a plurality of conical-shaped baffles having sloping wall surfaces (24). The conical baffles may be arranged in a nested or stacked relationship or may be connected together to form a continuous helix. A convection current is set up within the apparatus such that one part of the flow is through the baffles in the direction from the base of the conical baffles to the centrally located aperture and the other part of the flow is along the interior walls of the apparatus in a gap between the peripheral edge of the base of the conical baffles and the interior wall. The material to be separated is discharged from the apparatus through a high level outlet acting as an overflow weir.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for separating particles from a bulk liquid, such as viable hybridoma cells from antibody-containing liquid medium. The device comprises a plurality of settlement plates, or other surfaces, being inclined to the vertical, and a pump or other means for causing liquid containing the particles to flow upwardly over the surfaces at such a rate as to allow particles to be separated from the bulk liquid to form sediment layers on the surfaces and slide down them for collection at an appropriate point.

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 coalescing oil/water separator for removing free and dispersed oil from a wastewater stream with increased separation efficiency and producing a substantially oil-free effluent. The coalescing oil/water separator is self-contained in a tank shell and includes an improved oil coalescing medium for separating oil out of wastewater and a series of baffles and weirs to direct flow, skim the separated oil and control the liquid level in the separator. The improved oil coalescing medium is uniquely designed and sized to maximize the coalescing surface area in and the flow rate through a given volume of medium by including a plurality of molded, stackable perforated sheets or plates having an oleophilic surface and increased coalescing surface area for inducing impingement of oil droplets on the medium surface.

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: A method and apparatus for treatment of contaminated water, containing undesired solid, liquid, and/or gaseous materials includes an electro-floculation means for disassociating ions from the undesired solid material and from the contaminated water, and further includes a separation tower having various deflection means deflecting undesired solid materials downwardly through to the separation tower.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the gravitational separation of fine particles out of a liquid. The liquid containing the particles which are to be separated is conducted with laminar flow through the gaps between a plurality of closely separated, essentially horizontally orientated surface-forming elements (16). The liquid flow through the gaps is interrupted when the particle concentration in the liquid which has flowed through the gaps exceeds a predetermined value. The surface-forming elements (16) are repositioned to an essentially vertical discharging position in order to remove the particle collection present on the surface-forming elements. The surface-forming elements (16) are then returned to the essentially horizontal working position and a new gravitational separation cycle begins.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clarifier for use in treating a liquid containing non-soluble particles in suspension in order to separate these particles from the liquid. It comprises a tank, a liquid supply duct opening into the bottom portion of the tank and an injector for injecting a gas under pressure into at least part of liquid supplied to the supply duct in order to saturate this liquid with said gas and thus to generate gas bubbles as the saturated liquid is subject to depressurization within the tank. The gas bubbles that are so-generated adhere to the particles in suspension in the liquid and lift them up to form a floating layer of sludge in the top portion of the tank. A scraper is provided in the top portion of the tank for skimming off the layer of sludge while it is formed. A plurality of plates extend at an angle within the tank above the supply duct.

Abstract: A method of removing dispersed oil from an oil in water emulsion is accomplished by the steps of dissolving gas in water to form an aerated solution, introducing the emulsion and aerated solution into a treatment vessel in which is positioned a coalescing media formed by an assembly of closely spaced corrugated plates of oleophilic material, the emulsion and aerated solution passing in contact with the plates to cause oil droplets to coalescence on the plates and small gas bubbles carried with the aerated solution to adhere to the oil droplets to increase the buoyancy of the oil droplets so that the oil droplets more readily rise to the surface of the emulsion, accumulated oil being removed from the surface.

Abstract: A method and a device for clarifying liquid by separating particles from a mixture of particles and liquid. The clarifying device includes a housing having an inlet port, a first outlet port and a second outlet port. The housing defines a settling chamber. A first wall member is located within the housing and defines an inlet chamber therein. The inlet port is in fluid communication with the inlet chamber. An adjustable inlet flow passage is formed by the first wall member and includes an opening which is selectively variable in size. The inlet flow passage provides fluid communication between the inlet chamber and the settling chamber. A plurality of settling members are located within the housing above the settling chamber. The liquid within the settling chamber is rotated about a generally horizontal axis by the orientation of the flow passage and deflector members within the housing. Liquid from the settling chamber enters the settling members by changing the direction of its flow by approximately 120.

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 clarification system for water having entrained in solution or as an emulsion, broad spectrum contaminants. The system comprises a collision chamber having an entry aperture and an ion collider disposed in a central region therein. The ion collider treats the water and the contaminants with a plurality of free electrons. A separation chamber is disposed rearwardly of the collision chamber and is in flow communication with a first overflow weir for receiving the treated water and treated contaminants. An upstanding member in the separation chamber has a plurality of apertures sized to urge passage of the bulk of the treated contaminants through the apertures. A clarifying chamber is disposed rearwardly of the separation chamber and has a plurality of baffle plates obliquely oriented that urge upward flow of the treated water therethrough across the baffle plates. A water collection reservoir is disposed rearwardly of the clarifying chamber and is in flow communication with the clarifying chamber.

Abstract: A compact gravitational oil-water separator particularly adapted for use in small drainage systems in order to avoid pollution to the environment is provided with a plurality of separating components housed within a tank. More specifically, these components include a baffle member which provides initial separation of an incoming oil-water flow stream and distributes the flow substantially across the entire width of the tank. After the flow impinges the baffle member, the flow is directed downward towards a sediment bucket which captures any large particles separated from the flow and then the flow is directed upwardly at an angle through a coalescer unit. After exiting the coalescer unit, the flow is guided over a separation plate and then is re-directed, in a reverse direction, to an inlet opening of an outlet flow passage. By reversing the fluid flow, substantially the entire tank is utilized in the separation process.

Abstract: The method serves for the separation of solid materials out of a suspension and is, as a rule, implemented as a floatation method. The suspension (S) to be clarified is added tangentially from the outside at the periphery of a substantially cylindrical clarification volume (1). Damaging flow phenomena, such as for instance turbulence, are removed to the largest possible extent by flow means (2) which are applied prior to the entry of the suspension into the clarification volume so that an optimal flow takes place in the clarification volume (1). The flow is fed to the center of the clarification volume in a substantially spiral path (4), wherein the scum (6), which receives the materials to be separated out, forms on the surface. Various apparatuses for performing the method are proposed.

Abstract: A method of filtering solids from the effluent from a wastewater collection container such as a septic tank is disclosed. A mesh screen filter is immersed in wastewater having a concentration of waste solids which have been allowed to distribute into a scum layer and a sludge layer with a horizontal layer of liquid therebetween. The filter is surrounded with a housing, and the interior surface of the housing is exposed to the horizontal layer of liquid through a plurality of apertures in the housing. Liquid from the horizontal layer flows through the apertures into the housing and thereafter the liquid flows from one side of the filter to an opposite side thereof through a mesh screen filtering surface area greater than the interior surface area of the housing. Thereafter, the liquid flows through a liquid effluent outlet of the container. This filter is very efficient and consequently provides a high quality effluent, while resisting clogging and resultant collapse of the mesh screen surface area.

Abstract: A separation process for improved separation of liquids containing finely divided suspended particles using multiple stacks of parallel angled interceptor plates which divide the separation vessel to provide an annular space between the parallel angled interceptor plates and the vertical wall of the separation vessel to thereby form an inlet manifold for the plates which manifold provides a uniform, uninterrupted flow to each stack of plates. The arrangement of plates also forms an outlet manifold which provides a uniform flow from each stack of plates and directs the liquid stream having a reduced level of finely divided suspended particles downward in the separation vessel to an exit in the lower end of the vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dewatering a wet web wherein the water is withdrawn from the web via capillary action of the pores of a thin porous membrane component of a bi-component filtration medium and transferred to a plurality of reservoirs defined in a second component of the medium from whence the water is withdrawn and directed to a collector or disposal site.

Abstract: A process for treating a suspension of solid particles in a carrier liquid comprises subjecting the particles in the suspension to gravity settling in a treatment zone. The treatment zone has at least an upper free settling region in which free settling of solid particles through the liquid takes place, a hindered settling region below the free settling region in which hindered settling of particles takes place, and a compaction region below the hindered settling region in which the solid particles are in contact with one another so that a slurry is formed in this region. Clarified liquid is withdrawn from the free settling region. Liquid is allowed, in at least the compaction region, to move upwardly along at least one upwardly inclined pathway, while at least partially protected from settling solid particles. Slurry is withdrawn from the compaction region.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel method of removing emulsified oils, dissolved solids and particulates from a water containing liquid wastestream comprising chemically treating the wastestream with an acid, a coagulant, and a flocculant and subsequently flowing such treated wastestream upwardly through a vertical plate pack chamber.

Abstract: This invention most generally relates to a method of and a device/apparatus for use in precipitating out suspended solids, particularly those found in septic tanks, and having the particular objectives, features and advantages of: 1) Special formed collection and support structure which will not restrict or inhibit the flow-through of liquid in a septic tank; 2) Liquid flow directing devices causing undulating and directed liquid flow; 3) Compatibility with existing septic tanks; 4) Collection panels with collection surfaces with-current and counter current to liquid flow within the tank and permitting cross current flow-through of the panels; 5) Special structure adaptable to be easily removed and cleaned. Even more particularly, the invention is directed to a septic tank maze apparatus comprising means for causing the incoming liquid having the suspended materials suspended therein to flow in an undulating path in a direction substantially parallel to collection surfaces of collection panels.

Abstract: A system for the reduction and separation of highly emulsified and/or immiscible components mixed in a fluid, particularly useful for treating waste water contaminated with oils and oily emulsions, as from depleted oil wells, vehicle washing stations, and meat rendering plants. The system is operative for reducing the amount of organic and inorganic contaminants, and is particularly suitable for reducing the amount of oil, with oil-consuming microorganisms, and separating oil that is not consumed within the system from the water so that the oil may be recycled and the water discharged into wetlands or sanitary sewers without further treatment. The system comprises a multi-stage, recirculating series of treatment tanks. In a first stage, the fluid is recirculated through a treatment loop where the fluid is aerated and then passed through a coalescer.

Abstract: In a clarifier, control of liquid flow in flow channels is done by arcuate flow control members so as to minimize flow rate variations from one channel to another channel. Such control is provided while: (1) reducing the weight of lamina through the use of light-weight sheets; (2) allowing lamina settling angles to be varied by connecting the lamina to an adjustment mechanism; (3) permitting individual lamina to be removed from rails separately from all of the other lamina; (4) avoiding sagging of individual lamina positioned at a selected settling angle by using a compression column; and (5) allowing the flow to be controlled in a non-linear manner relative to the settling angle by using the arcuate flow control members.

Abstract: Diagonal flow pattern of inclined sheet settling system achieved by elongated rows of inclined sheets adjacent to elongated, outlet weirs discharging directly into elongated outlet channels with non turbulent distribution of the incoming liquid throughout the elongated length of the inclined sheets and means to remove settled material from the elongated floor of the said system by means of a power motivated reversing rope driven floor mounted and floor spanning reciprocating trolley that is able to take up the settled material from the floor and deliver this via a flexible hose and hydrostatic head to the exterior of the unit, and that does not require floor pockets.

Abstract: A mechanism for wastewater treatment which includes a plurality of solids settling chambers, at least a primary, secondary and a tertiary filter for selectively filtering waste water and effecting settling of solids of different sizes in the settling chambers and flow equalization ports for effecting demand flow of wastewater through the mechanism and the eventual discharge of high quality effluent. Chlorination and optionally dechlorination are effected as integral process functions of the wastewater treatment mechanism.

Abstract: This invention generally provides a process and apparatus for the separation of material and more particularly, the separation of material(s) using a separation fluid and based upon the relative buoyancies of the components of the material solution. This invention more particularly provides an apparatus and a process in which the feedstock is first introduced into a separation hopper wherein partial separation occurs by the less buoyant solid particles contained in the feedstock descending to and entering a separation chamber. The separation fluid flowing upwardly in the separation chamber is adaptable to match the settling velocity of the desired solid particle separation.

Abstract: A tank receives raw water for clarification by flotation. An array of lamellae define a set of generally vertically oriented channels with solid side walls. Flotation occurs in each channel. The channels are preferably inclined. With a round tank, a frame rotates an interlocking array of radial and concentric lamellae. A stationary raw water inlet distribution box fills the channels with raw treated water. An aligned clarified water collection box withdraws clarified water. A stationary skimmer directs floating sludge to a removal conduit with a variable pitch screw conveyor. Sliding seals on the lamellae isolate individual channels or groups of channels as they move through the tank. The channels lock and move columns of water through the tank with substantially no turbulence.

Abstract: The water filtration apparatus is based on the principles of swirl-separation, flow-straightening and biological filtration. The waste stream is introduced into a swirl chamber. Overflow from the swirl chamber is introduced into a biological chamber in the form of a vertically-oriented tube bundle, where it is straightened, its velocity is reduced and it is allowed to contact a biologically active media. The overflow from the tube bundle is then removed. Underflow is removed from the bottom of the swirl chamber.

Abstract: Oil, water, and sludge are separated from a mixture thereof to provide waste oil, usable water, and concentrated sludge. The sludge can be further reduced in volume to facilitate disposal. The invention includes a system having a vessel with a coalescer supported therewithin to form an upper oil containment chamber at the top of the vessel, a contaminated water inlet chamber at one side, a lower sludge containing chamber at the bottom, and a treated water outlet chamber at the other side. The coalescer includes a number of corrugated plate members disposed parallel to one another and inclined respective to the horizontal. The corrugations of the plate members, when viewed in horizontal cross-section, form a sinusoidal wave pattern. There being a wide, long, thin, inclined, sinusoidal passageway formed between the plate members that extend from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber.

Abstract: A phase separator apparatus is disclosed which utilizes phase separator modules for insertion in a separation tank. The modules include a frame for retaining a plurality of impingement plates within the frame utilizing removable retention means, such as slots, allowing easy removal and replacement of the impingement plates. The phase separator module also includes vertical baffles for blocking the flow of fluid to be separated and forming a quiescent region on either side of the impingement plates normal to the direction of flow to the fluid to be separated. The removable retention means, such as slots in the frame, not only allow removal for cleaning and maintenance of the plates, but also provide a means for adjusting the spacing of the gap between the plates, the plate length or a combination of both, in order to modify the efficiency of the separator.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pulsating sludge bed clarifier especially for the treatment of low turbidity waters, which uses incline plates in the sludge bed and some recirculated sludge. The clarification is greatly enhanced by recirculating a relatively small part of the sludge concentrate to a reactor chamber used for the premixing of water to be treated and the coagulant. The small amount of recirculated sludge cuts down significantly on the polymer flocculant, which is the most expensive chemical in the process that is required to be used, and can also serve to improve the adsorption of colors and similar materials, increase the density of the sludge blanket, and improve the rate of throughput of the system.

Abstract: A system for on-site recovery of reusable industrial waste components, such as solvents, from a liquid waste stream includes a trailer that is internally partitioned to separate system components through which the waste stream passes in a first partitioned section of the trailer from support and control components in the second trailer section. Input waste is fed into a horizontal thin-film evaporator within the first trailer section, while steam is fed in a closed loop through the evaporator from the second section of the trailer for evaporating volatile solvents in the waste stream, and thereby separating the volatile solvents from non-volatile liquid and solid components of the waste stream. The evaporated volatile solvents are fed to a heat exchanger, again enclosed within the first partitioned section of the trailer, for recondensation through heat exchange with a coolant fed to the heat exchanger in a closed loop from the second trailer section.

Abstract: A device for separating a moving fiber from processing fluid is disclosed and claimed. A chamber defining hydrophilic and hydrophobic flow paths respectively is exemplified. The device is placed so that substantially all water associated with processing exits via the hydrophilic path while the fiber exits via the hydrophobic path.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon material of the starting product is separated in an extractive distillation column in which an N-substituted morpholine whose substituents do not have more than seven carbon atoms is used as a selective solvent. The overhead product comes down as a top product of the extractive distillation and is fed through a coalescer in which the sump product comes down with a solvent content of 20 to 75% by weight at a temperature of 20.degree. to 70.degree. C. and subsequent to that is fed into a separating vessel. There it is separated into a heavier and lighter phase. After that the heavier phase is conducted into an extractive distillation column and the lighter phase into the overhead product distillation column.

Abstract: Liquor-clarifying apparatus comprises a tank 1, inlets 2 for suspension to be clarified, outlet 3 for clarified water, outlet 4 for sedimented solids, and a plurality of settling assemblies each comprising a stack 6 of downwardly inclined plates 7 mounted around a vertical collection duct 39. This duct generally comprises a downwardly extending duct 18 that leads directly into an upwardly extending duct 27. The plates 6 are preferably conical or pyramidal and are preferably self-spacing and capable of being clipped together by a push fit. A downwardly extending skirt 40 may be provided. Orifices 25 allow clarified liquid to pass from between the plates into the collection duct and preferably these orifices are elongated.

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

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for separating a liquid medium in different components by gravity in a manner that a medium to be separated is set in slow rotating motion (2) with the axis of rotation substantially vertical, so that the heavier component concentrates in the bottom section of a slow-moving vortex and the lighter component concentrates in the top section of a slow-moving vortex (2). For a more pronounced separation activity and simpler equipment, two or more slow-moving vortexes (2) are contacted with each other in horizontal direction. The outer sections of various settling basins (1) are in contact with each other by way of a gate or channel (40). Various sub-basins (1) can be connected in series or in parallel.

Abstract: A sedimentation process for the collection and removal of solid particles from a liquid includes a basin provided with a plurality of planar baffles or settler members each having opposite ends attached to support rods, with the latter obviating the need for any beams or the like, to support the lower edges of the settler members. Manipulation of an adjustment mechanism permits simultaneous alteration of the inclination of all of the settler members without halting operation of the process. Influent is directed into the basin through a plurality of ports spaced longitudinally of one side wall thereof to more evenly distribute the influent throughout the bottom expanse of the settler members. Preferably, the settler members comprise stretchable membranes with the support rods including a shiftable, lockable mechanism permitting quick installation and variation of the tension as applied to the settler members.

Abstract: A sedimentation tank for separating activated sludge from a suspension of activated sludge and sewage water, with an intake (11) for the suspension, an outlet (3) for the activated sludge at the conical bottom, and a discharge (4) at the top for the sewage water that the activated sludge has been eliminated from. A pipe (7) that is open at the top and closed at the bottom by a floor (9) is accommodated at the center of the tank and an inlet (10) that communicates with the intake opens into the pipe in the vicinity of the floor. The central pipe extends above the surface (20) of the liquid in the tank, which is dictated by how much is leaving, is loosely surrounded by another pipe (8) that extends above and below the surface of the liquid, and accommodates an agitator (12) with a speed that can be set to shape the suspension at the top of the pipe into a paraboloid (21) of rotation, which extends to the edge and from which the suspension spills over the edge.

Abstract: A cross flow plate separator of the type having an assembly of parallel plates inclined to the horizontal plane in a container between a supply chamber and a discharge chamber, and at least one collecting chamber above or below the plate assembly for collecting components separated from liquid flowing between the plates from the supply to the discharge chambers, and wherein transverse dividing baffles extend the collecting chambers to a depth below a collected sediment layer or into a floating layer as the case may be, is improved by provision of auxiliary transverse baffles in the collecting chamber between the larger dividing baffles, the auxiliary baffles each having one edge in contact with the plate assembly and extending into said collecting chamber a distance substantially short of either sediment or floating layers, to suppress liquid flow exterior to the plate assembly between the dividing baffles.

Abstract: A clarifier basin is provided with upflow channels for removing solids from liquid that flows up the channels. The channels are defined by pairs of spaced sheets. Each sheet is provided with three-dimensional (3D) members, such as spherical bubbles or ellipsoids, that are in a two-dimensional array or regular pattern. The sheets are positioned closely adjacent to each other so that the 3D members on one sheet nest with the 3D members of the adjacent sheet to form interstices that collect the solids. The sheets are movable to enlarge the interstices so that air bubbles can flow up a selected channel and remove the solids for collection by a reservoir located above the selected channel. An air supply and the reservoir traverse the channels to remove the solids from the channels on a one-by-one basis.

Abstract: Method of treating liquid by sedimentation in which reagents are injected into a flow of untreated liquid and there is created in the flow a colloid mixing and stabilization area; the flow is passed into an intermediate aggregation area and then into a sedimentation area equipped with separator plates from which clarified liquid is taken; characterized in that insoluble granular material which is more dense than the liquid is injected into the liquid in predetermined proportions in the mixing area where the flow is made turbulent, turbulence is induced in the intermediate aggregation area to maintain the granular material in suspension, virtually all of the granular material is brought into the sedimentation area, the sludge recovered in the sedimentation area is removed, the granular material is removed therefrom (D) and is recycled after cleaning.