Abstract: A process and product for extracting particulate solids from pit-like enclosures and thence separating the particulate solids from the liquids used to vacuum the particulate solids out of the enclosures by utilizing a stream of water under pressure for loosening the solid waste collected in the bottom of the enclosure and simultaneously vacuuming the loosened solid waste and the liquid out of the pit though one or more porous tanks containing filters and separately disposing of the solid waste deposited on top of the filters and the liquids passing through the filters.

Abstract: An improved salt basket for dewatering solids, particularly salts resulting from evaporation of industrial wastewaters. The salt basket system includes a pressurizable vessel having a screen floor situated above a bottom liquid collection head, an inlet for the brine/solids slurry from which solids are to be separated and dried, an inlet for air, an inlet for steam (the latter two inlets may be combined, where convenient), an inlet for solids free feed, and a drain outlet (these two may be combined where convenient into a combination feed/drain connection). Preferably, an automated system for introducing feed brine and for removing the solids product is provided. For safety, a pivotally attached lower door has a hydraulic failsafe closure mechanism and locking safety latches to prevent the door from inadvertently opening.

Abstract: A process for the separation of naphthalenesulfonate-based carbonyl condensates from water is provided. The process comprises contacting a mixture comprised of water and a naphthalenesulfonate-based carbonyl condensate (preferably a material selected from the group consisting of formaldehyde condensates of naphthalenesulfonic acids, formaldehyde condensates of lower-alkyl substituted naphthalenesulfonic acids, and mixtures of two or more of such materials) with a liquid organic phase comprised of a lipophilic non-quaternary amine to form an aqueous phase depleted with respect to said mixture of naphthalenesulfonate-based carbonyl condensate and a liquid organic phase enriched in naphthalenesulfonate-based carbonyl condensate. The process further comprises separating said aqueous phase depleted with respect to said mixture of naphthalenesulfonate-based carbonyl condensate and said liquid organic phase enriched with respect to naphthalenesulfonate-based carbonyl condensate.

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 cloudy water recovery and recycling apparatus and method of use. The apparatus recovers cloudy water defined as water recovered from the rinse cycle of a clothes washing machine. The apparatus is comprised of an electronic controller, a storage tank, a trap having a lint screen, a pumping means, and a pressurized storage container. Water from a clothes washing machine is separated into rinse water and wash water by an electronic controller. The wash water is disposed of and the rinse water is strained to remove lint, collected in the storage tank, treated with dye and bactericide, pumped from the storage tank to a pressurized container and then utilized to flush at least one toilet.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a reactor for removing impurities from a liquid, in particular for de-inking, including a tank (1) within which the liquid to be purified together with a gas or air is introduced (2-3); a drain of the purified accepted through an outlet (7) of said tank (1); inlets (8-11, 9-12, 10-13) at different heights of the tank (1) connected to said purified liquid outlet (7) together with the inlet of gas or air; a rotating shaft (18) inside the tank (1) carrying blades (20, 21, 22, 23) at the different heights of the tank within which the liquid together with gas or air is introduced; the blades (20, 21, 22, 23) have progressively increasing heights when moving towards the lower portion of the tank (1). The invention also concerns the method embodied by the above-described reactor.

Abstract: In an HVAC system, an apparatus and method cleanses glycol-containing heat transfer fluid from the HVAC system in a batch process. Heat transfer liquid is admitted to the apparatus from a low pressure side of the system. The heat transfer fluid is filtered in a batch process and returned to a high pressure side of the HVAC system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for washing agricultural products generates and purifies a wastewater. The wastewater is fed to a first coagulation compartment. A first compartment overflow contains a relatively higher amount of the coagulant and of coagulated contaminants than does the first compartment underflow. The first compartment underflow is fed to at least a second coagulation compartment. A compartment overflow and a compartment underflow are provided in the second compartment and in any successive compartments. The compartment overflow contains a relatively higher amount of the coagulant and of the contaminants than does the compartment underflow. A source of ozone is generated by an ozone generator. The compartment underflow from the last of the coagulation compartments is treated with ozone so that ozonized final compartment underflow provides a source of de-contaminated wastewater.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of a wastewater feed originating from a styrene/propylene oxide production plant and containing hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, phenols and salts, by freeze-concentration combined with salt crystals removal, thereby separating the wastewater feed into an at least two-fold concentrated waste product, salt crystals, and a substantially pure water product.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for enzymatically degumming vegetable oil where the vegetable oil to be degummed is adjusted to a pH from 3 to 6 and is mixed with an aqueous enzyme solution, which contains one of the enzymes phospholipase A1, A2 or B. In a degumming reactor the enzymes are permitted to act on the oil at temperatures from 20.degree. to 90.degree. C. with stirring. Before or after a separation of the degummed oil a separation promoter or a solubilizer is added at temperatures from 20.degree. to 90.degree. C. to the liquid which has been withdrawn from the degumming reactor. A substantially sludgefree solution, which contains used enymes, is thus recovered and is recycled at least in part to a location preceding the degumming rector. The content of recycled used enzymes in the total amount of the enzymes dispersed in the oil is at least 10%.

Abstract: A filtering method for removing particulate matter and dissolved heavy metals from cooling tower water by passing the cooling tower water through a filter assembly containing a particulate matter filter and a heavy metals filter having a filter element having metal particles bound together in a porous metal sponge-like structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing the number of leukocytes in cellular products like platelets collected in an on line or continuous blood separation processes. The systems and methods reduce the number of leukocytes from a cellular suspension before its separation into a cellular-rich concentration. This leads to effective and efficient leukocyte removal and a high quality blood product suited for therapeutic use, with and without long term storage.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing a biological fluid and treating a separated component of the biological fluid are disclosed.

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: Apparatus and method is described for dewatering sludge obtained from a flotation tank, which efficiently handles the sludge and avoids the need for adding polymers to reflock the sludge. The sludge dewatering portion includes a conveyor (40, FIG. 1) which has an uppath portion (42) that receives sludge that is dropped over a cliff (32), the conveyor having a downpath portion (44) which firmly compresses the sludge as it continues to move along the conveyor. The conveyor preferably extends at an incline to the horizontal with the downpath portion lying higher than the uppath portion, and with a fluid conduit lying under the conveyor and carrying liquid downwardly along the incline to a pump (74) that pumps the liquid along a return conduit (80) back to the flotation tank. One conveyor includes an elongated shaft (50, FIG.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for processing a biological fluid including leukocytes during cardioplegia are disclosed. A method for processing a biological fluid including leukocytes comprises passing a cardioplegia fluid through a bacterial removing filter; mixing the cardioplegia fluid with the biological fluid including leukocytes to form a cardioplegia mixture; and, passing the cardioplegia mixture through a cardioplegia mixture filter assembly to produce a leukocyte-depleted cardioplegia mixture, said assembly comprising a porous medium to remove leukocytes from the cardioplegia mixture.

Abstract: A filtration system removes both particulate and dissolved matter from liquid cleaning solvent. The system is enclosed within a single unit which incorporates both a positive displacement pump and a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a two stage filter with a hollow, cylindrical, activated carbon core which is connected to the intake side of the pump.

Abstract: Described is a method to recycle laden fluid containing explosives or neutralized chemical agents. For example, the explosive laden fluid is passed through four filtering stages; a clarifier, a filter press, a sand filter and, ultimately, a reverse osmosis device. The feed water to the reverse osmosis device is a saturated solution of explosive or neutralizing chemical agent. The resulting permeate is about 10 ppm of explosive or neutralizing chemical agent.

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: Disclosed are preferred devices and methods which provide extracorporeal treatment of blood or other fluids for effective plasmafiltration or hemofiltration alone or in combination with dialysis.

Abstract: A portable wastewater treatment system for recycling an aqueous surfactant solution utilized in a parts washer assembly for cleaning parts. The system including a contaminated solution storage tank, a treated solution storage tank, and a portable wastewater treatment apparatus wherein contaminated aqueous surfactant solution is collected in the contaminated solution storage tank, withdrawn from the contaminated solution storage tank, injected with air and passed into a mixing zone where the mixture is sprayed with water. The treated solution in the mixing zone is passed into a quiescent zone where light sludge is passed to the top of the quiescent zone and heavy sludge is passed to the bottom of the quiescent zone, the treated wastewater being disposed between the light sludge and the heavy sludge and the treated wastewater being passed from the quiescent zone into a discharge zone where the treated wastewater is discharged therefrom. The heavy sludge is selectively discharged from the quiescent zone.

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 removing polymer particles from the stripping solution used in the treatment of printed wireboards comprises passing a solution having resist particles dispersed therein over a screen having openings of 100 microns, where the screen is maintained at an angle of from 40 to 70.degree. to the horizontal. The apparatus comprises a curtain tube consisting of an inner concentric tube with a plurality of holes and an outer concentric tube with a slot wherein the position of the slot is adjustable, filter means comprising a screen, and a pump for circulating the solution. In one embodiment, the filter means comprises a cylindrical screen.The stripping solution comprises an aqueous solution of an organoamine, ionic nitrogen compound or alkali or alkaline-earth hydroxide, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention entails a method and a system for continuously removing oil from the cleaning solution being utilized in a tank for cleaning parts and particularly removing oil from parts prior to an electrocoating operation. Oil containing cleaning solution is pumped to a smaller oil removing tank where the cleaning solution is subjected to a cooling operation. Once the cleaning solution within the oil removing tank is cooled to a certain level, the oil bonded with the surfactant portion of the cleaning solution is separated and removed through a gravity removal process. This process is continuous as the cleaning solution from the parts cleaning tank is continuously circulated through the oil removing tank where oil is effectively stripped or removed from the cleaning solution before it is returned back to the parts cleaning tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for separating substances from an influent fluid by means of dissolved-gas flotation, in which a flotation tank has at least one fixed fluid inlet for the influent fluid and at least one mixture inlet for a fluid-gas mixture. Associated with the mixture inlet is a depressurization element for at least partial decompression of the fluid-gas mixture directly into the flotation tank, with the depressurization element being arranged essentially below the influent liquid inlet. The essential advantages of the invention are that, owing to the direct decompression directly below the flow of the influent liquid, a more efficient flotation process is effected. The losses after decompression can be kept low, and the gas bubbles formed can be immediately employed for flotation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water desalination system that can be used in a home or commercial entity which uses a reverse osmosis or nanofilter membrane element in a unique flow configuration which promotes self cleaning of a membrane element to prevent a buildup of salts and minerals on the membrane surface. The systems use the dynamics of water usage in a water service line, not connected to the membrane to flush a recirculation/reservoir tank that feeds the reverse osmosis or nanofilter membrane periodically. The systems also produce little or no waste effluent that must be dumped into a waste system, thereby wasting water and causing an environmental problem.

Abstract: A plant for the separation at high temperatures of contaminants from plastic material in small pieces or in leaves, including at least one stage (2) for the separation of contaminants, which in turn includes a centrifugal separator device designed to separate an input flow of plastic material in small pieces or in leaves, with contaminants and a conveying fluid comprising water and steam, into a main flow of the material and the conveying fluid and into a secondary flow of the contaminants and the conveying fluid. The separation stage includes, moreover, a cyclone designed to receive in input the secondary flow and to divide it into a discharge flow of the contaminants and water and into a flow of steam which is conveyed towards the inlet of the separation device of the same stage and/or of the previous stages.

Abstract: In a plasma filtration process including a treatment with a primary filter for separating blood into blood cells and plasma and a treatment with a secondary filter for removing harmful macromolecules from the separated plasma for purification, the secondary filter is washed by passing a washing liquid through an inner chamber of the filter, an outer chamber thereof or both the chambers in an amount corresponding to 5 to 50% of the priming volume of the filter every time the filtration pressure has reached 70 to 100% of the withstanding pressure of the secondary filter. This washing procedure reduces the time required for the filtration of plasma to about 60 to 70% of the time conventionally needed, shortens the patient restraining time, and decreases the amount of washing liquid to be used to consequently diminish the disposal loss of plasma from the system.

Abstract: In a method of operating a bank of parallel hydrocyclone separators for deoiling water, each separator has a mixture inlet, an overflow oil outlet and an underflow water outlet. The flow through at least one separator is sensed, either directly, or indirectly by sensing the pressure difference across the separator. If the flow approaches a threshold below which there is insufficient flow for satisfactory operation, an additional supply of water is fed to the mixture inlet fo the separators.

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: A process for separating grease and solid materials from a waste material so as to produce an aqueous discharge liquid. Waste material containing grease, water and solid materials is passed into a screen tank where course solid materials are separated out of the waste material. The filtrate is accumulated and injected into a series of filters wherein each filter is finer than the previous filter. The filtrate is then agitated to produce a foamed liquid which is substantially separated into a foamed oil portion and an aqueous liquid portion. The aqueous liquid portion is separated from the foamed oil portion and discharged into a sewage system. The solids captured during the filtering process are collected and in turn dried to produce a dried material which can be ground and mixed with other products and processed into animal feed, pesticides or the like.

Abstract: In a mechanical cell for blending elastomer particles and solution into uniform mixtures, a solid core with an entrance surface, an exit surface spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the entrance surface, and a plurality of minute core passageways therebetween for flow of an elastomer-containing hydrocarbon solution from the entrance surface to the exit surface, the passageways have a characteristic dimension of predetermined size to reduce globules of elastomer to small particles distributed evenly in liquid hydrocarbon solution without plugging the passageways. Typically the passageways have a characteristic dimension of predetermined size to reduce globules of elastomer selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, polyisoprene, a nitrile rubber, and a copolymer of a 1,4-conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic monomer, to small particles distributed evenly in liquid hydrocarbon solution comprising a vinyl aromatic monomer.

Abstract: A sluicing operation for entertainment comprises a two portion unit, having storage facilities and sluicing area with at least one trough at approximately a 2.degree. angle. The storage facilities have a water/ore separation unit, precious material holding bin with measuring device, conveyor and ore weighing device. The conveyor transports the precious material and ore to a holding unit where it is dispensed. Pipes circulate the water or ore/water combination. The bottom of the trough can be mesh, the ore filtering through onto a second conveyor where it is carried to an ore receiving area. A flared side sluicing pan with a perforated base separates the highly polished ore and precious material. A controlled artificial river forms a permanent sluicing operation using passive filtration dams with controlled inlet ports. The water is filtered through filtration matting before entering the inlet ports. The riverbed is filled with gemstone and gold enriched sand and gravel.

Abstract: A fluid mixture from which an unsaturated hydrocarbon has to be separated, is passed in the first stage at superatmospheric pressure to one side of a first semiselective gas separation membrane with a non-porous active layer, and a liquid complexing agent is passed along the other side of said first membrane, where said unsaturated hydrocarbon is bound through complexation in the interface of membrane and complexing agent. In the second stage said unsaturated hydrocarbon is dissociated from the complexing agent through temperature increase, the mixture of complexing agent and dissociated unsaturated preferably is passed at superatmospheric pressure to one side of a second semiselective membrane with a non-porous active layer and the unsaturated hydrocarbon migrates to the other side of the membrane and is discharged. Finally, the complexing agent is recycled.

Abstract: A mud pan apparatus provided for use in combination with a well drilling device. The mud pan apparatus includes a housing having a bottom, opposed sidewalls and opposed end walls. Together, the bottom, sidewalls and end wall of the housing form a reservoir which is adapted to receive a slurry laden with earth deposits produced during the well drilling operation. A plurality of sprockets are rotatably mounted on opposite sidewalls of the housing and a chain that is provided around each set of sprockets. A plurality of space scrapers are secured to the chains so that the scrapers extend between the chains and thus across the bottom of the housing. A motor rotatably drives the pulleys which causes the scrapers to move along the bottom of the housing and up one side of the housing to thereby remove earth deposits from the housing and onto the ground.

Abstract: An apheresis apparatus and method is disclosed for increasing the purity and yield of platelets separated from donated whole blood in a centrifuge. The whole blood in the centrifuge is diluted by recirculating fluid, such as plasma or saline, at a first flow rate, to mix with further withdrawn whole blood prior to entering the centrifuge. As plasma is collected, it is recirculated through the centrifuge at a second flow rate to further improve the separation between the intermediate density components, i.e., platelets and white blood cells in the "buffy coat." The plasma is then recirculated through the centrifuge at a third flow rate and platelets are displaced out of the centrifuge while the plasma is recirculating through the centrifuge at the third flow rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aeration of waste water in a dissolved air flotation waste water treatment system includes a container for receiving and retaining waste water for settling of heavy particles and flotation of light particles to the surface of the waste water. Waste water is removed from the container and supplied to a free standing tank. Pressure in the tank is maintained at a predetermined level through the injection of compressed air into the tank. Waste water removed from the tank is pumped through a multiple jet configuration wherein air from the tank is entrained in the waste water as the water is injected back into the tank. The aerated water is discharged from the tank back into the container, thereby providing an efficient aeration process. Aerating the water in a free standing tank separate from the container increases clarification quality as a result of reduced disturbance of the particles floated to the surface of the waste water and reduced need for chemical addition to the waste water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a filtration knowledge base is used in a filtration process for separating a liquid component and a solid component from a slurry. The concentrations of the solid component in the slurry, and of the solid component in the separated liquid, are monitored and stored in a knowledge base along with a quantity relating to the amount of filtering. The knowledge base can be used for controlling the slurry-producing process, routing the separated liquid, automated billing and automated compliance reporting.

Abstract: This invention generally provides a process and apparatus for the separation of oil or fat from food particles, carbohydrate matrices and crumbs in a continuous process, and for the reuse and/or recycling of the separated oil or fat. This invention more particularly provides an apparatus and a process in which the crumbs are mixed with hot water and agitated for a predetermined time, after which the agitated mixture is introduced into a non-turbulent container where the oil/fat, the water and the crumbs are allowed to stratify. Upon stratification, a high quality oil/fat separates and rises based on its relative buoyancy and can then be removed and reused. The water and the crumbs also separate by stratification and can also be similarly removed.

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: A method of separating solid particles from a mixture of solid and liquid components comprises filtering the mixture to provide a damp filter cake and adding a liquid densification aid to the filter cake to promote densification of the cake. The method is useful for separation of inorganic, generally crystalline, materials from aqueous slurries, for example. Suitable densification aids are flocculating agents such as solutions of alginates and gelatin, and surface active agents. The densification aids promote closer packing of solid particles in the filter cake and assist removal of residual liquid component trapped in interstices between particles.

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: In a continuous process for drying a sludge composed of combustible material and water, the wet sludge is first mixed with a proportion of material which has been dried in the process and is then fed into a hot gas stream from a burner. The hot gas stream carries the mixture along and dries it, and a proportion is tapped off and mixed with the incoming wet sludge. A part of the remainder is fed, with supplementary fuel, if necessary, to the burner to create the hot gas stream. The rate of fuel supply is varied in dependence on a temperature of the hot gas stream when it exhausts from the mixture drying operation.

Abstract: An improved salt basket for dewatering solids, particularly salts resulting from evaporation of industrial wastewaters. The salt basket system includes a pressurizable vessel having a screen floor situated above a bottom liquid collection head, an inlet for the brine/solids slurry from which solids are to be separated and dried, an inlet for air, an inlet for steam (the latter two inlets may be combined, where convenient), an inlet for solids free feed, and a drain outlet (these two may be combined where convenient into a combination feed/drain connection). Preferably, an automated system for introducing feed brine and for removing the solids product is provided. For safety, a pivotally attached lower door has a hydraulic failsafe closure mechanism and locking safety latches to prevent the door from inadvertently opening.

Abstract: A sump system and method for collecting liquid from a number of locations includes a series of sumps each collecting liquid at a particular location, and a central sealed collection tank drawing liquid from all of the sumps by overhead draw pipes. A single large capacity pump pumps liquid back to filtration equipment, with a predetermined vacuum level maintained in the tank by opening and closing an outlet valve between the pump and the filtration equipment. The collection tank may be initially filled from an overhead clean supply header.

Abstract: There is described a process for the removal of at least one component of a liquid mixture, the basic process comprising directing a liquid mixture against the feed side of a membrane, directing a condensable vapor sweep stream past the permeate side of the membrane in a manner such that the flow of the condensable vapor sweep is substantially countercurrent to the flow of the liquid mixture, thereby transporting at least a portion of at least one component of the liquid mixture from the feed side to the permeate side of the membrane to form a combined permeate side mixture of condensable vapor and at least one transported component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dissolved air floatation (DAF) and for gas-liquid contacting operations by dissolved air floatation. A number of involute flow channels in a container have inlets and outlets positioned at either end for involutional or evolutional flow of a mixture of liquid and dissolved gas. Liquid turbulence and mixing are prevented in order to achieve a near plug-flow condition for maximum separation. Other uses of the method and apparatus include hydraulic flocculation of suspended matters in a liquid, separation of non-floatable suspended matters, oxidation of dissolved organic matter, activated sludge processes, purification of water using a biocide, separation by absorption of gases, stripping by desorption of dissolved gases, and gas-liquid reactions.

Abstract: The waste stream is mixed with a solvent that absorbs the oily material without dissolving in the water phase. The remaining water/solids mixture is then separated by vibratory screening, and the solids are again contacted with solvent to remove the bulk of the remaining oily material. The remaining mostly solid material is screened again and then dried to remove any remaining solvent. The solvent is processed to remove the dissolved oily material, which is then sold or discarded. The water from the screening and drying steps is processed to remove any solvent entrained with the water, and the resulting solvent, solids and oil-free water is discharged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recycling water based workpart cleaning fluid of the type used to wash workparts (B) free of soils, such as emulsified and non-emulsified cutting oils and lubricants, particulate matter and other hydrophobic fluids. A parts washer (12) is provided for cleaning workparts (B) contaminated with soils. The contaminated cleaning fluid is discharged from the parts washer (12) in a slip stream and directed to a process tank (22). The contaminated cleaning fluid is pumped from the process tank (22) to a prefilter (28) where large particles are screened. The cleaning fluid is then directed to regenerated cellulose membrane filters (34) where the water based cleaning fluid and the hydrophilic water soluble substances in the base, i.e., the detergents, are imbibed through the membrane (34) as permeate while the soils pass as retentate. The permeate is returned to the parts washer (12), whereas the retentate is directed back to the process tank (22).

Abstract: A lubrication system for an body maker of the type which is used in a container fabrication facility to shape a metallic can body includes a filter, a first conduit for conveying coolant from the body maker to an inlet side of the filter, a second conduit for conveying coolant from an outlet side of the filter to the body maker, a pump in one of the conduits for pumping coolant in a circuit which includes the filter, the conduits and the body maker, and a coolant makeup system for adding coolant to the circuit. The coolant makeup system is constructed and arranged to continuously supply coolant to the circuit to make up for continuous losses of coolant at the body maker.