Abstract: A solids separation system may be used to separate solids, such as cuttings from drilling fluids used in well drilling operations. The system includes a settling tank having transverse baffles defining a fluid receiving chamber, a fluid output chamber and one or more intermediate chambers. Fluid introduced into the fluid receiving chamber can flow in a sinuous path through apertures in the baffles to the fluid output chamber. Solids settle to the bottom of the settling tank. A material conveyor, preferably an auger, extends along a bottom surface of the settling tank to an outlet port in the fluid receiving chamber. A centrifuge is connected to the output port to receive fluid in which solids have been concentrated. Fluid output from the centrifuge is reintroduced into the settling tank. The apparatus and method of the invention permit a single centrifuge to be used to handle a higher volume of fluid than is possible with conventional methods and apparatus. This provides significant cost savings.

Abstract: A sediment filtering apparatus and a method for removing sediment from a waterway. One or more collector assemblies are secured to a river bottom and have a leading, ramp surface facing upstream and over which the water flows. As the water/sediment mixture passes the apex of the collector, the trailing edge drops off rapidly thereby reducing the stream velocity and allowing the sediment to settle from the flow. The sediment then collects on the downstream side of the collector and via one or more openings reaches an internal cavity. A suction pipe is placed under negative pressure and draws the water/sediment mixture to a filtering apparatus which then returns filtered water to the waterway. The sediment and debris filtered therefrom is then easily removed.

Abstract: An in process fluid delivery reservoir and method is disclosed for continuously filtering particulate matter and oils from industrial fluids, such as coolants, oils, aqueous emulsions, etc., which are necessary in the operation of machine tools. The reservoir utilizes a primary containment area with a primary chip screen and a first baffle to trap much of the particulate matter and contain tramp oil. The reservoir also contains secondary and tertiary containment areas which utilize upper and bottom baffles to further trap the particulate matter and tramp oils, when said reservoir is utilized with aqueous emulsion. The industrial fluid remaining in the tertiary containment area is ready to be delivered to the machine tool for reuse.

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: A process for recovering protein, fatty and water components from a float material produced by a waste water treatment system, wherein the protein and fatty components can be further processed for inclusion in various products, such as animal feed. The recovered water component can also be further processed before discharged into a sewer system.

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: Apparatus in fluid communication with a water leg portion of an offshore drilling or production platform sump tank for conveying the separated water into contact with an organophilic clay such that the hydrocarbons and other organic materials commingled with the sump tank water will be adsorbed onto the organophilic clay and the water will pass through the clay and will be conveyed back to the ocean water without contamination.

Abstract: The effluent outflow from a shipboard oil/water separator is further reduced in oil content by passage through ultrafiltration membranes arranged in series as an added downstream treatment prior to overboard discharge. Effluent from the oil/water separator is buffered by delivery through a feed pump and use of a recirculation pump through which such downstream ultrafiltration treatment is subject to conditional flow control as well as periodic backflush cleansing of the filter membranes.

Abstract: This invention provides a process to tremendously reduce the bulk volume of contaminants obtained from an effluent stream produced subsurface remediation. The chemicals used for the subsurface remediation are reclaimed for recycling to the remediation process. Additional reductions in contaminant bulk volume are achieved by the ultra-violet light destruction of halogenated hydrocarbons, and the complete oxidation of hydrophobic fuel hydrocarbons and hydrophilic hydrocarbons. The contaminated bulk volume will arise primarily from the disposal of the toxic metal ions. The entire process is modular, so if there are any technological breakthroughs in one or more of the component process modules, such modules can be readily replaced.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of extractant from the aqueous effluent continuously exiting from a solvent extraction circuit, in which the effluent is contacted with the same water-immiscible diluent being used in the circuit as solvent for the extractant, such that the extractant transfers from the aqueous effluent phase to the diluent phase. The diluent phase, now enriched in extractant, is separated from the aqueous effluent, now depleted in extractant. The separated diluent phase can then be recontacted with effluent or may be combined with the organic phase of the solvent extraction circuit.

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 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: Provided is a novel method and system for recovering aggregate fine size particles from a carrying medium. The method comprises:(a) introducing a feed containing particles to a sand screw, and separating the particles into separate groups of large and fine particles, the fine particles being present in a fine particle stream;(b) introducing the fine particle stream from the sand screw to one or more hydraulic centrifugal separators which overflow a fine particle stream and discharge a coarse particle stream;(c) introducing the overflow fine particle stream from the one or more hydraulic centrifugal separators to a thickening tank and removing precipitated material as an underflow stream from a lower portion of the thickening tank; and(d) introducing the underflow from the thickening tank to a filtering unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses, in certain embodiments, a method for treating a concrete slurry to recover constituents thereof, the constituents including water, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and cement solids, the method comprising removing aggregate from the concrete slurry with aggregate separation apparatus, the aggregate separation apparatus producing a secondary slurry containing cement solids, feeding the secondary slurry to a clarifier in which cement solids settle out from the secondary slurry to a bottom of the clarifier and a liquid which is primarily water is disposed above the cement solids, removing the liquid from the clarifier, feeding settled out cement solids in liquid from the clarifier to a centrifuge, separating settled out cement solids from the liquid in the centrifuge producing an amount of liquid and an amount of settled out cement solids with liquid.

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: Method and apparatus are provided for separating coarse and ultrafine solids from a liquid stream to produce a substantially dry solids discharge and a clarified liquid. Apparatus is provided comprising a combination of a settling tank, a plurality of filter screens spaced along an endless link-chain conveyor, a screen vibrator and directed air streams. In operation, coarse solids settle preferentially to the tank bottom. Ultrafines solids remain in suspension. Relatively coarse filter screens are conveyed from a point outside the tank to traverse a prolonged path through the liquid. Ultrafine solids are captured on the screens, by filtering the liquid through an ever finer build-up of filter cake. The relatively large number of passes of the screens through the liquid provides effective filtering of suspended solids. Further, the screens dredge settled solids from the tank bottom.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating material which includes solid and/or particulate matter from flowing liquid and/or gas. The apparatus includes a separation panel positioned in a fluid flow path, and the separation panel is housed in a separation chamber. Fluid can be introduced into the separation chamber by an inlet to establish a circular flow of the fluid within a confine of the separation panel, so material entrained in the fluid is trapped within the confine of the separation panel. The separation panel, separation chamber and inlet can be dimensioned and disposed such that as the apparatus operates, the flow of the fluid outside the separation panel is in a direction opposite to a direction of the flow of the fluid within the separation panel.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-stage apparatus for continuous waste water filtration, comprising a first tank provided with a waste water inlet pipe to supply waste water containing suspended solids to the tank, means for adding a coagulant to the waste water and an outlet pipe, a second tank receiving the mixture of waste water and coagulant from the outlet pipe, the second tank being sufficiently large to allow larger suspended solids to settle and being provided with a lower, openable port for discharge of the settled solids and having an upper weir for discharge of partially-cleared water, a continuously-driven, non-taut perforated belt, having a surface positioned to receive, at a first location, a stream of the discharged, partially-cleared water, the belt perforations being sized to enable the passage of clear water therethrough while retaining fine and coagulated solids on the surface for subsequent discharge at a second location, and the belt being non-taut to form a trough for retaining a body of wa

Abstract: Waste water is reclaimed for reuse by combined use of settling tanks, ozonation and filtration. The settling tanks remove substantial solid matter from the waste water. The waste water from the last settling tank is treated with ozone to remove contaminants and purify the water. This ozonated water is then returned to the last settling tank to mix with the waste water. This ozonated water in the last tank is then subjected to a plurality of filtering actions before being stored in a clean water holding tank. Partially treated water or discharge from filters is returned to a different holding tank to mix with waste water and dilute the waste water.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating and dewatering of sludge taken from small-scale sewage treatment plants. The apparatus, which preferably is mounted on a vehicle, incorporates chamber-type units for dewatering, which can be connected by way of feed and return pipes, controllable valves, and pumps that can be switched on and off. A dewatering vessel with filter walls and separate sludge and filtrate chambers is connectable with a sludge chamber and a filtrate chamber, respectively, of a second dewatering vessel by way of joining pipes comprising at least one feeding pump and one controllable valve each, a radiation chamber arranged in the filtrate return pipe of one of the dewatering vessels, and a stone trap arranged in one other sludge feed pipe.

Abstract: A portable vacuum loadable liquid-solid separator tank having a bed with a drain, surrounding sides and a dividing wall. A grate overlays the interior of the vessel, bed, and sides, and forms the dividing wall. A filter overlays the grate, extending up the sides and covering the top and the dividing wall. The separator is filled with a sludge which is then separated from the liquid it contains by gravity and hydrostatic pressure which force the liquid through the filter. Liquid is drained out of the bottom of the vessel and the solids are transported within the vessel. The solids are removed through a gate that may be provided in the tank, or by using a hydraulic lift system in much the same manner as a garbage truck empties a municipal dumpster. The filter is removed with the solids and usually discarded.

Abstract: Spent solutions from photographic processors are fed into a conduit (18) to which subsequently are added precipitating agents from a first source (22) and flocculating agents from a second source (28); so that, well grown or ripened clumps of flocculated solids are formed along the conduit before being emptied into a gravity collecting vessel and shipping container (38) from which clarified liquids are displaced by a mass (50) of accumulated flocculated solids, typically through a filter (58, 142, 150, 158, 162, 166, 220)for removal of any unsettled fines. Many of the clumps of flocculated solids become enlarged enough to individually extend across and substantially fill a cross-sectional area of the conduit. As a result, the enlarged clumps substantially block passage of and strain from the solution remaining fine particles which then adhere to the clumps.

Abstract: A system to collect by vacuum conveyance, separate, and discharge two mixed immiscible liquids with different specific gravities comprising a grit, sediment, particulate, and floating debris removal/collection chamber 11, vacuum tank 51, optional heavy phase supplemental separation stage 47A, and optional light phase supplemental separation stage 47B. Vacuum tank 51 is under a constant regulated vacuum, which sucks mixed immiscible liquids with different specific gravities from their respective remote source(s) through conduit(s) connected to vacuum tank 51. Collection conduits can have manually, mechanically, or electro-mechanically controlled valves at their source ends. Any grit, sediment, particles, floatable debris, and entrained air in the collection conduits is removed from the mixed liquid stream prior to undergoing any phase separation stages. Initial phase separation occurs automatically in vacuum tank 51, which provides quiescent conditions for gravity separation of mixed immiscible liquids.

Abstract: A waste-oil cleaning method includes filling a processing tank with waste oil, allowing non-oil liquids in the waste-oil to settle to the base of the tank, then withdrawing the settled non-oil liquids from the base of the tank. After these non-oil liquids are withdrawn, the remaining partially cleaned oil is cleaned by pumping oil out of the tank and passing the oil sequentially through a mesh filter and a centrifuge.

Abstract: A method for enhancing solvent extraction of organic wastes from contaminated waste mixtures. A contaminated waste mixture is contacted with a solvent with high driving force for solvation of water, and most preferably with a solvent which is both anhydrous and which has an appreciable affinity for solvation of water. While the solvent is in contact with the contaminated waste mixture, a portion of the organic waste is dissolved in the solvent. Then, the solvated organic waste and residual solvent is removed from the contaminated waste mixture. Solvent is recovered, preferably by distillation, and is then dehydrated, prior to repeating the cycle. The technique substantially improves the degree of removal of certain organic wastes from contaminated waste mixtures, and has been demonstrated to be particularly useful for removal of pesticides from organic waste mixtures.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating gas-liquid interfacial contact conditions for highly efficient mass transfer between gas and liquid comprises a gas-liquid contactor assembly including a hollow porous tube surrounded by an outer jacket defining a gas plenum between the jacket and the porous tube; a liquid feed assembly including a nozzle for injecting liquid into the porous tube in a spiraling flow pattern around and along the porous tube; a gas-liquid separator assembly at the first end of the porous tube including a nonporous degassing tube coaxially aligned with and connected to the porous tube, a gas outlet port coaxially aligned with the degassing tube to receive a first portion of gas flowing from the degassing tube, a first gas duct coaxially aligned with and connected to the gas outlet duct to convey the first portion of gas therefrom; and a liquid collection assembly. A second gas discharge assembly to collect and convey gas from the first end of the porous tube is also disclosed.

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 process for recovering protein, fatty and water components from a float material produced by a waste water treatment system, wherein the protein and fatty components can be further processed for inclusion in various products, such as animal feed. The recovered water component can also be further processed before discharge into a sewer system.

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 filtering arrangement is provided for effluent from a septic tank prior to passage to a drain field or other disposal. The filtering arrangement makes use of an open-top, U-shaped filter means into which the septic effluent is conducted from the top, preferably through a T-fitting providing an open-topped channel leading into the U-shaped filter. The filter may be formed of an outer perforated casing and an inner lining of an open-cell-type polymeric material which effects the filtering of the effluent. The U-shaped filter is preferably suspended from the T-fitting. A preferred filter includes an inner and outer casing with a fibrous filter material between. The filter also preferably has an imperforate lower portion to retain a permanent body of liquid in the bottom of the filter. The arrangement provides fail-safe filtering automatically adjustable for varying flow rates and conditions of the filter. The polymeric filter medium is changed periodically to maintain efficiency.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and method for substantially reducing or eliminating total suspended solids (TSS), biological organic discharge or biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and fats, oils and greases (FOG) contaminants. The system includes at least one mixing chamber for mixing wastewater with at least one dewatering agent or chemical and air to form an aerated mixture and at least one tank having a plurality of compartments for facilitating flotation, settling and removal of contaminants from the aerated mixture as it flows through the tank. Preferably, the system includes first and second mixing chambers and first and second tanks arranged in series with each of the tanks including drag lines for removing floating and settled contaminants.

Abstract: A closed system for reclaiming ink, solvent, and water from waste lithographic ink, or other ink types, without generating hazardous by-products is disclosed. The recycling process is performed under vacuum conditions on standard equipment, such as an agitation station, an evaporator chamber, a grinder, a condensation tank, and a vapor exhaust recovery condenser, readily available in the ink industry. Waste ink containing ink solids, solvent, water, and possibly foreign material such as debris, lint, paper, and dust, is first mixed to create a homogeneous slurry mixture of the ink, solvent, water and foreign materials. Next, water and solvent is evaporated from the slurry mixture and collected so that it may condensate and then settle. The slurry mixture is ground and heated up in order to evaporate any remaining water and solvent from the slurry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor (10) and method for detecting the presence of water or glycol in an oil system. The water/glycol sensor includes a water/glycol concentrator (12) which concentrates the water and glycol in a concentrating zone (84). A water/glycol detection probe (14) is located in the concentration zone (84) such that minute quantities of water or glycol in the system may be detected.

Abstract: A suitable liquid-solid separator tank having a bed with a drain, surrounding sides and a dividing wall. A grate overlays the interior of the vessel, bed, and sides, and forms the dividing wall. A filter overlays the grate, extending up the sides and overlapping the side grate and covering the dividing wall. The separator is filled with a sludge which is then separated from the liquid it contains by gravity and hydrostatic pressure which force the liquid through the filter. Liquid is drained out of the bottom of the vessel and the solids are transported within the vessel. The solids are removed through a gate that may be provided in the tank, or by using a hydraulic lift system in much the same manner as a garbage truck empties a municipal dumpster. The filter is removed with the solids and usually discarded.

Abstract: A liquid filter apparatus particularly useful in removing particulates from parts washing solvent. A filter assembly includes an exterior, fluid, impermeable container, preferably in the form of a flexible sidewall bag, and an interior filter element with permeable sidewalls and inlet and outlet ends, preferably in the form of a sleeve. In use, liquid entering the sleeve may pass unfiltered entirely through the sleeve and exit through a sidewall of the exterior container, or all or any part of such liquid may pass through the filter sleeve and into a portion of the apparatus outside the sleeve but inside the exterior container. From this portion, the liquid emerges in a filtered condition. Consequently, the filter continually operates in both filtration and bypass modes.

Abstract: A coalescer system (10) for oil-in-water soluble oil emulsions utilized as coolants and cutting oils for machining processes in industrial plants, comprises a deep bed of granular hydrophilic media particles (24) to effect coalescence of insoluble soaps and reverse phase water-in-oil droplets. The coalesced insoluble soaps and reverse phase emulsions flow to the liquid surface in tank (12) along with other contaminants that have an affinity for the reverse phase oil droplets and insoluble soaps, all in the form of floating waste (26). The waste (26) is then discarded. Effluent coolant may be transported back into the cooling system. The system (10) increases the stable life of the oil-in-water emulsion, minimizes the formation of foam, and removes other abrasive or otherwise harmful nonhomogeneous contaminants from the soluble oil emulsion.

Abstract: A water treatment system and process separates contaminants from water by flotation, by forming a removable floating scum of impurities utilizing a bubbling process, by filtering out suspended solids, by stripping dissolved impurities from the water with air, by oxidizing organic compounds, by adsorbing organic compounds, and finally, by disinfecting. Utilization of the disclosed process and system will transform contaminated water into an environmentally suitable state.

Abstract: A method of treating fungible produce at a wash station having a floor, comprising the steps of washing the produce, using a wash nozzle, with liquid containing a chemical treating agent. Effluent from the washing is collected in a storage tank. Liquid in the storage tank is conducted to a secondary tank, via a screen. Liquid in the secondary tank is conducted to a self-cleaning, self-backwashing filter. Back wash is conducted by gravity to a plurality of bag filters which collect particulate and discharge the filtered back wash into the secondary tank, above the screen. Liquid is conducted from the lower outlet of the self-backwashing filter to the storage tank. Liquid from the storage tank is conducted to the wash nozzle. The chemical treating agent is not filtered out by any of the filtration steps so that the chemical treating agent contained in the effluent from the washing may be reused and need not be dumped.

Abstract: A drying bed for waste sludge in a wastewater treatment facility having a vertical drainage riser extending vertically from a subnatant discharge pipe near the bottom of the drying bed. A sludge inlet at an end of the drying bed communicates with a source of watery sludge. Water communicates through a mesh screen that wraps the vertical drainage riser and through openings in the vertical drainage riser to the subnatant discharge pipe. A valve is selectively opened to control the flow rate of the water from the subnatant discharge pipe. A method of dewatering waste sludge is disclosed.

Abstract: For purification of liquids used for cooling and/or lubrication interspersed with metallic and/or other materials contaminations, especially for separation of rolling scale and of substances containing oil or grease from the industrial process water in open or exposed cooling circulation cycles in the smelting industry, especially in rolling mills, it is proposed to separate the coarse rolling scale by gravity sedimentation from the contaminated process water, to subsequently remove the mid-size and fine rolling scale particles from the process water prepurified in this manner by magnetic separation, to divide by flotation the thus finished clarified or purified process water into fractions containing oil concentrate, water and the finest rolling scale particles carrying little oil, the purified process water is to be used as a cooling agent, the entire rolling scale separated out of the process water is smelted in the form of sinter and the concentrate containing oil is either rejected or subjected to a wast

Abstract: A system for removing particulates, formed as metal is machined, from coog and lubricating fluid. The system has a tank filled with fluid. The bottom of the tank slopes forward. The tank receives contaminated fluid at its top rear. The contaminants are swarf (chips removed from the workpiece) and fines (which come both from the workpiece and the grinder, borer, or drill). After the swarf is removed from the contaminated fluid by a magnetic filter, only fines remain. The fluid contaminated with fines flows from back to front in the tank, passing under a baffle projecting vertically downward from the top of the tank. A whoosh plate causes the fines to settle out into the tank, while uncontaminated fluid flows over the whoosh plate and is reused. The fines collect at the tank's bottom, from where they are pumped out and mixed with the magnetically-removed swarf for removal.

Abstract: An energy conserving method and apparatus for using induced gas flotation to separate finely dispersed oil and solids from water and doing so in such a manner as to minimize the power consumption, reduce the amount of water carried with the oil and solids skimmings and eliminate complex mechanisms that would require a high degree of maintenance.Initial flotation gas is induced through a high velocity venturi using the inlet flow to supply the kinetic energy. Secondary flotation is supplied by inducing the vapor through a high velocity venturi utilizing recycled water to provide the kinetic energy. A single pump, of relatively low horse power, circulates the recycled water.The oil and solids skimmed from the surface of the water are transferred to an integral compartment for dewatering. The water is returned to the process stream by the single recycle pump.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for treating wastewater in a recirculating filter is disclosed. Solids are removed from the wastewater by gravitational separation and the wastewater is flowed to a tank. At least a portion of the wastewater is flowed from the tank to a filter comprised of filter media and flowed through the media to produce a filtrate. The amount of wastewater in the tank is sensed. When the amount of wastewater sensed is at least a predetermined amount, a fraction, less than all but more than none, of the filtrate is returned to the tank. When the amount of wastewater is less than the predetermined amount, more than the fraction of filtrate is returned to the tank by decreasing resistance to flow of the filtrate to the tank. The apparatus includes a tank and a filter interconnected by a conduit for conducting liquid from the tank to the filter. A conduit assembly interconnects a filter outlet and a discharge conduit for conducting liquid from the filter to the discharge conduit.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of treating liquid carrying suspended solids comprising the following steps: (i) introducing the liquid into a primary treatment vessel (1) and causing agglomeration of solids suspended in the liquid to form flocs which are not settleable to any substantial degree within the time the said liquid is permitted to remain in the primary vessel; (ii) transferring an aqueous component comprising the flocs from the primary treatment vessel (1) to a secondary treatment vessel (5) where a floc of a settleable nature is caused to form; and (iii) permitting said floc to settle under gravity in the secondary vessel (5) and recovering an aqueous component having a substantially reduced concentration of suspended solids relative to the original liquid; wherein the liquid is subjected in the primary vessel to flow patterns, including a low energy circulating flow about a vertical axis of the primary vessel, which provide conditions for the formation of the substantially non-settleable flocs conta

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: The invention relates to an apparatus for removing dirt particles (with and without oil deposition) from water or from waste water without free oil, in particular waste water which occurs in commercial laundries after the washing of garments, work clothes and the like. It includes a closeable tank (10) which has an inflow opening (11) and at the bottom a sieve drain (12, 13), and in the interior above the drain a layer of textiles is provided which contains in particular used garments as filter.

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: A method for clarifying a contaminated fluid in a main separator vessel having therein a cyclonic flow chamber. A spiral preliminary spinner introduces the contaminated fluid to be separated in a stratified condition into the cyclonic flow chamber by a tangential inlet so as to establish a swirling body of fluid; the cyclonic flow chamber has concentric shells positioned below the tangential inlet for discharging separated solids to a collection area and separating an oil and water mixture into a fluid flow zone formed by the cyclonic flow chamber and the wall of the separator vessel wherein water and oil are separated by aeration provided by eductors; a vertical outlet port discharges separated oil and gas from the upper portion of the cyclonic flow chamber to a fluid flow zone wherein oil and gas are separated. The separated water, oil, gas and solids are removed through discharge ports.

Abstract: A method and materials for separating oil from water, using stacked disks to coalesce the oil, is disclosed. The method of coalescence allows configuration of systems which are compact, efficient, adaptable to modular configuration, and have a very high flow rate.

Abstract: A method for purifying a hydrocarbon fluid comprising residual hydrocarbons or a blend of residual hydrocarbons with distilled hydrocarbons, to be used as fuel for a diesel engine or a gas turbine, the hydrocarbon fluid containing contaminants colloidally dispersed as stable micelles, the method comprising the following steps, in sequence: (a) disrupting colloidal structure of the micelles by heating the hydrocarbon fluid under pressure to a temperature of at least 110.degree. C.