Abstract: An oil recycling system and method which uses the same container to supply new oil and recycle old oil is accomplished through the use of a transfer tube designed for draining oil from the container into an engine and mutually exclusively oil from the engine oil sump into the container. The invention includes an oil collection bag which receives oil draining from an interface between the engine and an oil filter and transfers the oil via an oil collection bag tube into the container concurrently with oil draining from the engine via the transfer tube into the container.

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

Abstract: A grease/oil/water separator device and assembly for a vehicle wash system having a grease/oil/water separator tank which has three tank compartments. A first tank, a settling tank, is provided with entrance and exit piping such that a diagonal cross-flow of water allows sludge and debris to fall to the bottom of the settling tank. Water enters a second tank, the trap tank, from the settling tank, the trap tank being provided with entrance and exit piping such that a diagonal cross-flow of water is created so as to allow oil and grease to be separated from the water with the exit piping being located at the bottom of the trap tank which then enters the third tank, the pump tank where the grease and oil separated water is pumped into a sand filter which further filters the water.

Abstract: A method for removal of water soluble organics from acidified oil process water is disclosed. The method comprises a step in which free oil is removed from such water by water-wet ultrafiltration to produce a water-rich filtrate stream which is then directed through a reverse osmosis membrane to produce a WSO-depleted stream and a WSO-rich reject stream. The method includes a recycle stream.

Abstract: A method of processing one or more multi-component sidestreams from a separation tower through a hydrocyclone(s) to remove a particular component from the sidestream before returning the remaining components of the stream to the tower for further processing. A sidestream is withdrawn from a first vertical point along a separation tower and is passed through a hydrocyclone which is operated at a split ratio so that the maximum amount of the unwanted component (e.g. water) is removed from the feedstream through the underflow of the hydrocyclone. The remaining components in the feedstream (now substantially free of the unwanted component, flows out the overflow of the hydrocyclone and are passed back into tower through a second vertical point below the withdrawal point to be further processed in the tower. Additional sidestreams can be withdrawn from the tower and processed in the same manner through respective hydrocyclones.

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: Systems and methods resuspend cellular-rich concentrates of blood by rocking the separation chamber to create variable agitation forces within the separation chamber. The systems and methods also add resuspension fluids to aid the resuspension.

Abstract: The process relates to the reinhibition of recycled antifreeze/coolant. The process is particularly well suited for use with recycled, used antifreeze/coolant from the cooling systems of internal combustion engines.

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 and apparatus to restore grey water resulting from a cleaning activity such as laundry using ozone as a cleaning agent in a closed loop system for recycling to preserve water, to reduce system size, and to enhance the efficiency of the cleaning system.

Abstract: A fluid classifier for separating particles from a lading for operation with a lading tank including a filter unit for mounting in the tank and having capillary passages for fluid flow from the tank externally of the filter unit to the interior of the filter unit for providing a pressure differential across the capillary passages resulting from a difference in fluid level in the tank and within the filter unit, a drive for rotating the filter unit in the tank, and a pump for pumping fluid from filter unit interior to the outlet. Ultrasonic transducers positioned along the filter unit for agitating the lading adjacent the capillary passages. A method of controlling fluid flow through the capillary passages.

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 process isolates, in a closed circulation, the soluble fluid carried over into a rinsing bath from said rinsing bath and to return the fluid into the upstream bath. To this end, enrichment by separating the soluble fluid from the rinsing bath is provided, the enriched fluid, which has been carried over, is returned into the upstream bath together with solvent, where the solvent is separated out with the use of a membrane.

Abstract: A low contaminant level is maintained in a high flow rate paper machine coating fluid circulation system by shunting a significant minority portion of the total flow through a full flow, atmospherically open, self-cleaning screen having a fine mesh screen cloth. Accept flow from the open screen is directed to the flow inlet of an entrained air purging apparatus for dispersing consolidated particulates of excessive size. Flow from the particulate disbursing apparatus is thereafter pumped through an enclosed pressure screen of moderate screen mesh.

Abstract: The present invention is a filtration method and device for separating particles of a suspension according to their mass. The invention includes a rotating uncloggable filter. The filter rotates inside of a stationery housing. Separation by particle size is achieved by adjusting the rotational speed of the filter. The filter is particularly useful for washing photographic suspensions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removal of solids from aqueous wash solutions such as, but not limited to, solutions used in hot jet-spray parts washers. Coarse solids are removed by a vortex separator during all operations. Solids accumulated in the parts washer storage tank are intermittently removed and fine solids are removed by intermittent depth filtration. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the purging of the vortex separator to the primary stage of depth filtration.

Abstract: A method of treating a fluid containing matter in suspension and/or in solution by using separation membranes, in which method a "feed" additive for adsorption and/or filtration purposes is added to the fluid to be treated, and a "backwash" additive for the purpose of improving backwashing is added to the membrane backwash fluid, wherein a backwash additive is chosen that is capable of being neutralized by the feed additive, the backwash fluid which contains the backwash additive and which has washed away unused feed additive is collected as a backwash discharge, the backwash discharge is allowed sufficient contact time to enable neutralization to take place in said discharge, and the resulting product is separated into a residual product that is concentrated in solid matter and a fluid that is recycled to the inlet of the installation.

Abstract: A ship typically is constructed with an outer hull, and an inner hull which defines the usable space of the ship. Between the outer hull, and the inner hull, the ship will generally have a low point, or bilge, for collection of any water which gets onto the ship. Therefore, one of the chambers of the ship can preferably be outfitted with processing equipment for cleaning the bilge water. The apparatus and associated method for cleaning the bilge water generally involves at least a gravity separation in a gravity separation chamber to separate at least some oil from the bilge water. Since a gravity separation is generally not sufficient to produce environmentally safe water, the ship can also be equipped with a further filtering arrangement for further processing of the bilge water.

Abstract: A system and method for returning coolant from a number of machines to filter units, in which contaminated coolant collected in machines sumps is drawn upwardly through draw tubes and into an overhead downwardly inclined collector header by applying a vacuum in the collector header. The draw tubes extend above the collector header and are inclined downwardly and enter the collector header to aid the flow of coolant down the collector header. The contaminated coolant is drawn through the filter units, and the filtered coolant is drawn into venturi ejectors which generate the system vacuum, emptying into a clean tank from which is supplied filtered coolant back to the machine units.

Abstract: Process for purifying and filtering fluids, especially water, containing suspended contaminants and using gravity separation means as well as membrane separation means, in a finishing stage, comprising the step of introducing a pulverulent reagent into the fluid stream to be treated downstream of the gravity separation and upstream of the membrane separation, wherein said pulverulent reagent is recycled from the purge of the membrane separation means to the upstream of the gravity separation means.

Abstract: Leucocyte depletion filter assemblies and methods for removing leucocytes and other deleterious matter from a leucocyte-containing liquid are disclosed. Leucocyte depletion filter assemblies have a generally cylindrical housing having first and second chambers and an inlet into the first chamber and an outlet from the second chamber and a vent. A porous degassing element is positioned between the first and second chambers to remove gas from the liquid and the degassing element communicates with a vent covered with a liquophobic membrane which allows gas but not the liquid to flow through the vent. A hollow, cylindrical filter element is positioned in the second chamber and comprises a fibrous mass of microfibers capable of decreasing the leucocyte content of the liquid at a flow rate capacity of six liters per minute at a differential pressure of less than 15 psi.

Abstract: A solute can be separated from a solute/solvent solution by dissolving a gas-forming material into said solution and then adjusting the temperature, pressure and solute concentration of the resulting solution such that a Joule-Thompson free expansion of the gas-forming material released from the solution will produce a three-phase separation of the components of said solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for separating a multiphase liquid mixture into a plurality of streams. The invention has particular utility in the oil industry where particulate solids are produced with an oil/water mixture. Preferably, the mixture is first cyclonically separated to remove particulate solids from the oil and water. Then the mixture is delivered to a liquid/liquid hydrocyclone where a substantial portion of the oil is separated from the remaining mixture which now primarily comprises water. The pressure of the remaining mixture is elevated such as by a pump and is then subjected to a further cyclonic separation step to remove any remaining fine solids in the mixture.

Abstract: A continuous process for the separation of small particles from larger particles in a biological preparation passes a liquid stream of the preparation through a first filter or screen, which retains larger particles, passing smaller particles in the liquid. The large particles have retained on their surfaces wetting water, in which are entrained some of the small particles. The large particles are directed to a liquid having a concentration of smaller particles lower than the concentration of smaller particles in the wetting water, and mixed therein. The smaller particles separate from the larger particles in the mixed suspension, which is then directed to a second filter or screen, for further separation. The smaller particle/liquid stream may be recycled to the biological preparation stage, the liquid suspension for the large particles, or to a separator means where the smaller particles are separated off from the liquid stream.

Abstract: A method for removing insoluble materials from a liquid mixture, including spinning at least one centrifuge separator at a predetermined speed and pumping the mixture to the spinning centrifuge separator at a predetermined rate. The rate in which the mixture is pumped to the separator is varied in response to a variable angular moment of force in the centrifuge separator caused by density variations in the mixture. The method is carried out by an apparatus including at least one centrifuge separator coupled in fluid communication to at least one pump. A closed-loop feedback system is operably coupled to the devices driving both the separator and the pump to control the rate in which the mixture is supplied to the separator. The rate is determined by the angular moment of force in the separator which then allows the system to increase, maintain, or decrease the output of the pump.

Abstract: A multipurpose hemofiltration system and method are disclosed for the removal of fluid and/or soluble waste from the blood of a patient. The system and method are equally applicable to adult, pediatric and neonatal patients. The system continuously monitors the weight of infusate in a first reservoir and drained fluid in a second reservoir and compares those weights to corresponding predetermined computed weights. When necessary, the pumping rates of the infusate, drained fluid and blood are adjusted in order to achieve a preselected amount of fluid removal from the patient's blood in a preselected time period. Application of this system and method provide repeatable and highly precise results.

Abstract: A process for removing aluminum and sulfate values from an aqueous solution containing the same which comprises passing the solution through a semi-permeable membrane in a pressure vessel. The permeate solution is depleted of aluminum and sulfate ions and the concentrate solution is concentrated in aluminum and sulfate ions. The concentrate solution can be re-used in alum manufacture and the permeate solution can be discharged into public waterways without further purification.

Abstract: A system for cleaning contaminated fuel in a fuel tank by introducing a suction line to substantially the lowermost part of the tank for suctioning off free water and heavy contaminants settled in the tank. The materials are then routed via suction to a first strainer, where free water and contaminants are trapped and retrieved. The filtrate then moves to a separation vessel, whereby the fuel is filtered through a primary filter medium, and the contaminants settle to the bottom of the vessel and are collected. The filtered fuel is then routed to a tertiary filter before being returned to the fuel tank to agitate the contaminants and facilitate this removal by the suction side of the system. This closed loop process is continued until the filtered fuel is substantially free of contaminants.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the purification of water, oxygen/ozone-gas mixture is introduced under high pressure in the water to be purified, and the thus obtained oxygen/ozone-gas mixture enriched water is passed to a purification stage which comprises at least one reactor. Not or insufficiently degraded contaminants are retained by a membrane filter unit and recycled to the purification stage. Thus contaminants, such as hydrocarbon compounds and the like, are recirculated until they are converted to carbon dioxide and water.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of organic materials trapped in the emulsions generated in solvent extraction plants. The emulsions are first washed in aqueous solution. The washed emulsions are then subjected to a mechanical breaking process in aqueous/organic dispersion, inducing the inversion of the continuity of phases in the emulsions and the release of the phases involved. Subsequent separation of the phases by decanting enables the removal of significant quantities of solids and increases the overall recovery of the organic trapped in the emulsions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of regulating a flotation system having an inflow quantity of suspension flow dependent on production demands, including a primary flotation stage and a secondary flotation stage where the secondary flotation stage treats the froth of the primary stage, transporting de-aereated froth from the primary flotation stage to a collection vessel which is in fluid communication the secondary flotation stage; recycling suspension flow from the secondary flotation cells of the secondary flotation stage in part to an inlet of the primary flotation stage, and in part to an inlet of the secondary flotation stage, and regulating the level of de-aereated froth in the collection vessel by controlling the amount of suspension flow recycled from said secondary flotation stage to the inlet of the secondary flotation stage.

Abstract: A system and method for removing asbestos and other hazardous solids from a slurry collected during removal of insulation from pipelines, equipment and other structures. The slurry is collected in a collection pan that is attached to a shroud of a hydrocleaning machine. Solid particles are separated from the slurry by passing the slurry through various stages of filters. Pumps are used to transfer the slurry from the collection pan through the filter stages. A first flocculent is injected into the slurry to coagulate the solid particles into individual masses. A second flocculent is injected into the slurry, downstream from the injection point of the first flocculent, in order to coagulate a majority of the remaining solid particles. The coagulated masses of solid particles are removed by passing the slurry through a screen shaker. The slurry discharged from the screen shaker is then passed through further filters.

Abstract: Apparatus for filtering cellulose acetate solutions, including a backflush filter to effect filtration so as to avoid solvent losses and filtering aids that must be dumped, dilution means including solvent supply means for diluting the backflush liquid, separation means for eliminating solid insoluble components, and means for recycling backflush liquid freed from solids to a plant for producing new cellulose acetate spin solution.

Abstract: When applying a method and an arrangement for purifying water, an inflow of contaminated water is converted to a pressure elevated flow which is divided in a purifying unit into a purified outflow and a contaminated outflow, which in turn is divided into a return flow and a reject flow. With the intention of providing a large return flow under high pressure for the purpose of rinsing clean the filter unit during operation, the return flow includes a first return flow (return conduit 24) which is recycled to the pressure-elevated flow (pressure conduit 16) and which is larger than the inflow, and further includes a second return flow which is pressure-restricted with respect to the first return flow, and the second return flow is returned to the inflow.

Abstract: The aqueous effluent from the wash cycle of a process for cleaning electronic circuit assemblies of rosin flux and other organic residues with an aqueous alkaline cleaning solution comprises treating the effluent with an alkaline earth metal compound which reacts with the rosin flux to cause precipitation of an alkaline earth metal rosinate. Alkali saponifiers such as alkali metal carbonates and bicarbonates and carboxylate organic adjuvants in the cleaning solution are also removed from the effluent by reaction with the alkaline earth metal compound to form water insoluble alkaline earth salts which are precipitated from solution.

Abstract: The aqueous effluent from the wash and/or rinse cycles of a process for cleaning electronic circuit assemblies of rosin flux and other organic residues with an aqueous amine cleaning solution comprises treating the effluent with an alkaline earth metal oxide which reacts with the rosin flux to cause precipitation of an alkaline earth metal rosinate and the retention of free amine in aqueous solution.

Abstract: The method of treating used liquid coolant employed in the coolant passages of an engine or radiator, and employing a coolant pumping structure, that includes providing a source of supply coolant liquid, and a used coolant reservoir; operating the pumping structure to displace supply coolant liquid from the source into the coolant passages, thereby displacing used coolant from the passages for flow into the reservoir structure; and chemically treating the used coolant liquid to remove metallic and other contaminants therefrom, thereby to produce treated coolant liquid usable as the supply coolant liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating solids from liquid containing same comprises a cylindrical casing within which a rotor assembly or block having a conicalmesh rotates about a vertical axis with the mesh walls upwardly diverging. A liquid-solid slurry is introduced tangentially to the inside of the mesh at a top inlet. Stationary wiper arms inside the mesh remove the solids from the mesh as it rotates. Fluid pressure inside the mesh, pumping effect of the rotating blades, gravity force on the slurry and particularly tangential pump suction at the bottom of the casing, drive the liquid out through the mesh, while the solid material is expelled vertically downwards through a central outlet opening in the bottom of the mesh.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the controlled introduction of submicron-sized bubbles into a fluid stream. The gas-micronizer apparatus of the present invention operates in a manner that maximizes the turbulence of the liquid flow stream at the interface of the porous surface while flowing essentially parallel to the porous surface through which gas enters to form bubbles, thereby ensuring that the gas streams through the pores are dispersed quickly into the bulk liquid flow and/or are of sufficiently small size as to behave as rigid spheres that do not easily coalesce. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane is of generally tubular shape with a nominal surface porosity of 25-30%, and an average pore size below 1 micron (and ideally about 0.2 micron). Fluid is provided to the inlet of the membrane element (by means of a pump) through an inwardly tapered approach conduit. An outwardly tapered exit conduit extends from the outlet end of the element, thereby forming a venturi arrangement.

Abstract: In a process for filtering plasma by separating blood into blood cells and plasma by a primary filter and filtering the separated plasma by a secondary filter to remove macromolecules from the plasma as harmful components, the loss of plasma to be discarded from the system by a procedure for eliminating plugging of the secondary filter can be diminished by opening an inner chamber of the secondary filter to the atmosphere to thereby lower the internal pressure of the chamber every time increase of the pressure to an upper limit value due to an increasing plugging tendency of the secondary filter is detected, and washing the interior of the secondary filter from the inner and outer chamber sides after the internal pressure has lowered.

Abstract: In a dialysis system wherein blood is removed from a patient's vascular system and passed through a dialyzer system comprising an inlet arterial line, a dialyzer, and an outlet venous line, the blood being fed via the inlet arterial line to the dialyzer and returned to the patient via the outlet venous line, a material having a physical property differing from that of blood is injected at a point in the venous return line. The fluid in the dialysis system upstream from the injection point is monitored for the presence of the different physical property whereby direct recirculation from the venous return line to the arterial intake line is detected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for de-inking waste paper pulp using a foam flotation process to recycle printed waste paper for the manufacture of new paper. Pulped printed paper is fed as a slurry to an inlet of a shallow tank. Internal guide walls in the tank establish a flow path from the inlet to an outlet. The walls are sized and positioned to create a generally uniform cross-sectional flow area. A plurality of modules are disposed along the flow path. Each module includes at least one injector that aerates the flow and an extractor that removes floated ink foam. A portion of the flow from each module is recycled to an upstream module, preferably by a conduit and associated pump. In a preferred form, an injector (or injectors) alone located at the inlet is fed by the next downstream module and an extractor alone is located near the outlet. The invention also includes a main recycling loop from the downstream end of the flow path to the upstream end.

Abstract: A flue gas desulfurization process wherein the liquid bottoms product from the scrubber tower is subject to forced oxidation in a reaction/oxidation tank. Afterwards, this oxidized bottoms product is delivered to hydroclone means for separation into an overflow stream containing an aqueous slurry of mostly fines, fly ash, and unused reagent and an underflow stream containing predominately a gypsum slurry. The overflow stream is initially recycled back to the tank with another stream being subsequently returned or recycled back to the scrubber tower while the underflow stream is dewatered for the removal of the gypsum therein.

Abstract: A hydrocyclone separator separates an oil and water stream into an underflow stream containing primarily water and an overflow stream containing a relatively higher oil concentration than the underflow stream. Quality control of both the underflow stream and the overflow stream is of concern, and typically a de-oiling separator is placed downstream on the underflow stream, and a dewatering separator is placed downstream on the overflow stream from the hydrocyclone separator. A degassing separator is also generally utilized upstream of the inlet to the hydrocyclone separator. Various monitoring and control systems are provided for controlling the split ratio of the underflow and overflow streams of the hydrocyclone separator.

Abstract: A thin film membrane filtration system recovers particulate from the waste water stream of a wood panel fabrication process to a desired concentration of approximately 30-50% solid by weight. The high concentration level enables improved transport or disposal. Rather than discard the concentrate, however, the concentrate is added into subsequent wood panel "particle board" batches at a rate of approximately 0.5 to 0.65 gallons per 1000 pounds of wood product. The concentrate reduces press time, serves as a scavenger for tying up formaldehyde and serves as a resin extender for strengthening internal bonds of fabricated panels. The membranes capture the particulate into an accumulated concentrate, while passing permeate output to a recycle water stream.

Abstract: The process for the working-up of effluents and disposal of the loads, present therein, by a combination of concentration by membrane filtration, evaporation and gas phase oxidation, is particularly viable economically because the concentrates to be incinerated have a very low salt content.

Abstract: Waste water discharged from a reverse osmosis unit served by a water feed line and producing potable water is returned to the water feed line for water conservation purposes. After periodic flushing of the reverse osmosis unit, the flush water may be returned to the water feed line or channelled to a drain. After each cycle of operation, any pressure differential between the water inflowing to and water outflowing from the reverse osmosis unit is relieved.

Abstract: A deep bed upflow filter (10) for removing suspended solids from an influent stream to provide a clean filtrate, comprising an upright vessel (12) having a vertical axis (14), top and bottom ends (16,18) and contiguous upper (20), lower (22), and intermediate (24) regions between the ends. The upper region contains filtrate (26) up to a first elevation (28) and an outlet (30) for drawing the filtrate out of the vessel. The intermediate region contains particulate filter media (32) for removing the suspended solids from influent moving upwardly through the media as the media, dirtied with solids, moves downwardly into the lower region. The lower region is generally tapered (36) inwardly toward the vessel bottom and contains dirty media (34) that has moved downwardly from the intermediate region. Influent is introduced (44) between the intermediate and lower regions, and the dirty media is collected (46) at the bottom and transported (50) to a regenerative washing compartment (52).

Abstract: Apparatus is described for use in an industrial plant that contain machines (14) having oil reservoirs (12), which facilitates cleaning of the oil. The apparatus includes a stand (20) and equipment mounted on the stand, including input and output hoses (36,38) whose ends can be dropped into a machine oil reservoir. The equipment on the stand also includes a centrifuge (24), pump (26), valve (34), and porous filter device (40). In a first mode of operation, the pump draws oil from the reservoir to flow through the input hose into the centrifuge, and then to the output hose to flow back to the reservoir. The valve can be switched to a second mode wherein fluid from the input hose is directed through the pump to the porous filter device, for final cleaning of the oil before returning it to the reservoir. The stand has wheels to enable it to roll to another machine and clean its oil.

Abstract: Systems are described for removing organic solvents such as kerosene-based solvents, from aqueous solutions, in leaching processes for recovering metal such as copper from ore. A unit for recovering small amounts of kerosene-based solvent from raffinate (which comprises acidic water with a small amount of solvent and debris) includes both a plate-type coalescing device (60, FIG. 2 ) and a granular bed (62) in series, and preferably located in the same vessel (54). The raffinate first moves through the plate-type coalescing device where much of the kerosene is removed, to greatly increase the useful period of the granular bed (before it has to be backwashed). In a unit (20, FIG.