Abstract: An apparatus and method for recycling drilling mud contaminated with particulates, consists of channelling a stream of contaminated slurry onto a screen deck, with the partly cleansed liquid entering a mixing tank. Liquid within the tank is continually mixed. An exit conduit removes liquid from the tank on a continuous basis, where it is given an additional purification with a cyclonic separator. The heavier fraction is further screened, with the resulting purified liquid re-entering the tank. The lighter fraction exists the cyclonic separator, and a portion of the lighter liquid is withdrawn for use as a substantially cleansed liquid. Another portion of the lighter fraction is re-circulated back into the tank, thus providing multi passes through the system to provide enhanced purification. The cleansed liquid may be directed into a separate mixing apparatus, in which additional slurry-forming powder such as Bentonite is added for forming a new slurry.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to handling the wastewater, or condensate, from a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor. More particularly, the present invention provides a process wherein the wastewater of a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor, such as a Fischer-Tropsch reactor, is sent to a gasifier and subsequently reacted with steam and oxygen at high temperatures and pressures so as to produce synthesis gas. The wastewater may also be recycled back to a slurry preparation stage, where solid combustible organic materials are pulverized and mixed with process water and the wastewater to form a slurry, after which the slurry fed to a gasifier where it is reacted with steam and oxygen at high temperatures and pressures so as to produce synthesis gas.

Abstract: A process for separating oily films from sand particles carried in a solvent free water stream includes the use of a jet pump scrubber in a density classification tank to treat such oily coated particles at controlled operating temperatures above 65° C. whereby, at such controlled temperature, enhanced cavitation in the jet pump separates the oily film from the sand particles to form slop oil, the tank providing for recirculation of the particles through the jet pump before discharge.

Abstract: A process for treating which contains carbonaceous solids, includes subjecting the water to hydrolysis in a biological hydrolysis reaction stage, in the presence of sulfate ions, thereby to produce treated water, a slurry component, and a sulfur-containing component. Treated water, the slurry component, and the sulfur-containing component are withdrawn from the reaction stage.

Abstract: A continuous flow slurry cleaning method, apparatus and system including a filter portion and a mud re-circulation manifold for receiving partially filtered slurry, containing the slurry and mixing the slurry with liquid ready for use and thereby enabling a continuous, re-circulating flow through the filter portion. The continuous flow slurry cleaning apparatus and system further include a tank for storing and delivering liquid ready to be used by a drilling machine. The continuous flow slurry cleaning method, apparatus and system further includes a mud circulation/agitation system for keeping solids in suspension and for mixing additives along with the liquid ready for use and thereby modifying the makeup of the liquid ready for use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of dispersions and is particularly suitable for making dispersions with a viscous or solid dispersed phase in a continuous phase with a lower viscosity.

Abstract: The measurement of blood flow in a dialysis shunt is obtained by injection of an indicator material into a venous line leading from dialysis equipment to the shunt. The blood flow in an arterial line leading from the shunt at a location downstream of the venous line to the dialysis equipment is monitored by an arterial line sensor for the presence of the indicator material. A detector connected to the sensor provides a dilution curve in response to the presence of the indicator material and the blood flow in the shunt is calculated from the area under the dilution curve. The locations of the arterial and venous lines in the shunt can be reversed to obtain a measurement of blood recirculation from the venous line into the arterial line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the techniques of treating a liquid material to be treated, which enables efficient fractional removal of toxic materials such as PCB in a liquid mixture. The treatment method of the invention comprises the step of permitting a liquid material containing materials having different solidifying points to be cooled at a temperature at which desired material(s) is solidified while others are not solidified and the step of separating the solidified material from other liquid materials whereby the desired material is separated, and therefore large facilities are not necessary and toxic materials can be reliably separated and removed.

Abstract: A method and system for extraction of chemicals from an groundwater remediation aqueous effluent are provided. The extraction method utilizes a critical fluid for separation and recovery of chemicals employed in remediating groundwater contaminated with hazardous organic substances, and is particularly suited for separation and recovery of organic contaminants and process chemicals used in surfactant-based remediation technologies. The extraction method separates and recovers high-value chemicals from the remediation effluent and minimizes the volume of generated hazardous waste. The recovered chemicals can be recycled to the remediation process or stored for later use.

Abstract: A vacuum assist system and process for handling cutting fluid and chips collected from a series of machine tools includes a closed header pipe extending below a series of sumps associated with the machine tools, the sumps draining into the header pipe. The header pipe has a down leg extending vertically down to a filter tank which is opened periodically to drain the header pipe, developing a vacuum which assists the flow of liquid down the header pipe so as to insure a sufficient flow velocity in the header pipe to carry the collected chips out of the header pipe and into the filter tank with the cutting fluid.

Abstract: A method and device for renal replacement therapy is described that sterile-filters solution that can subsequently be used as a replacement fluid in the same unit. The devices and methods include a pump that can be reversed from its normal forward-pumping direction to sterilize a container of replacement fluid to produce sterile replacement fluid. The sterile replacement fluid is captured in a fluid bag. Upon sterilization of the contents of the container, the pump switches to run in its normal forward-pumping direction. The sterile replacement fluid produced by the previous process is now injected into a patient to perform renal replacement therapy. The waste produced during the renal replacement therapy can be trapped in the container that previously held the non-sterile solution. Systems for sterile filtration and subsequent renal replacement therapy that include pre-connected, sterilized, disposable kits for fluid management and batch collection of sterilized fluid are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing solids from a liquid/solid mixture disposed in a tank and rising to a mixture level, the apparatus including a suction assembly defining a suction opening, the suction assembly linked to a vacuum that causes suction at the opening, a support assembly formed about the suction surface including first and second essentially circular housing walls having wall edges and a filter belt loop sealed to the edges and sized such that the belt is slack and subject to deformation between the edges, a belt section disposed to cover the suction opening and a processor controlling a motivator to periodically alter belt position with respect to the suction opening.

Abstract: Systems and methods handle air and rinsing fluid during fluid processing. The systems and methods eliminate air from a fluid processing system prior to, during, and after use. The systems and methods provide a connector assembly for establishing fluid flow from a fluid source. The connector assembly has discrete first and second passages that prevent communication between the fluid in first passage and the fluid in the second passage. Prior to system use, the connector assembly may be utilized in a priming function to remove residual air from a fluid circuit prior to use. The connector assembly may also be utilized after use to perform a rinse-back function. The rinse-back function serves to remove residual fluid from the system after use. The connector assembly can comprise two, single lumen connectors or one connector with two lumens.

Abstract: A system for separating solids from a fluid stream. The system includes a first separator device mounted to a container. The container includes a settling compartment and baffle plate module, with the initial settling compartment receiving the fluid from the first separator device. The fluid stream proceeds through the baffle plate module. The solids within the fluid stream will descend to the bottom of the container. A spiral blade is positioned at the bottom of the container, with the spiral blade adapted to convey solids to a first pump member. The speed of rotation of the spiral blade may be varied. The first pump member discharges the slurry to a second separator device. The second separator device will discharge the separated fluid stream into the baffle plate module. In one embodiment, the first separator device is a linear shaker and the second separator device is a cyclone separator and linear shaker mounted in tandem.

Abstract: A process for reducing hair, trash or fibrous materials concentration in a waste water treatment system having a membrane filter in conjunction with a bioreactor comprises flowing a portion of mixed liquor through a screen in a side stream. The flow rate of the mixed liquor through the screen is about no more than the average design flow rate of the waste water treatment system. The screenings can be either treated or disposed of directly or in combination with the waste activated sludge. The openings of the screen are between about 0.10 mm and about 1.0 mm in size as can be provided by, for example, a rotary drum screen. The invention can be used to provide both screening and sludge thickening.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for filtering particles out of a liquid, in which the liquid containing particles is supplied to a sedimentation tank (12), and the liquid is made, by means of hydrostatic liquid pressure prevailing in the tank, to flow through a filter member (18) on the shell surface of a drum (14) mounted in the tank (12). When the liquid in the tank has risen to a predetermined level above the drum (14) as a result of clogging of the filter member (18), cleaning of the filter member (18) in situ in the tank is initiated.

Abstract: A process for recovering crystals from a slurry which comprises supplying a slurry comprising crystals and a solvent to a rotary vacuum filter and successively conducting filtration under suction, washing, filtration under suction and cleavage of a cake continuously by rotation of a cylindrical filter medium, wherein a vapor having a same composition as that of the solvent is supplied as a blowing gas for cleaving the cake. The crystals can be continuously recovered for a long period of time without clogging of a filter medium when the crystals are recovered from a slurry by using a rotary vacuum filter.

Abstract: Make-up water derived from an on-shore treatment facility is returned to a slurry processing unit on board a dredge by means of a water supply pipeline floating alongside a slurry delivery pipeline that conveys dredged material to the on-shore treatment facility. After separation from the slurry solids, the return water is pressurized to a transport pressure at the treatment facility with a centrifugal pump and then boosted to the desired working pressure once aboard the dredge. This two-stage pumping and re-cycling process reduces the amount of clear make-up water needed for proper operation of the slurry processing unit by more than 50%. This has resulted in a substantial reduction in the overall cost of remediation by reducing the amount of water that must be cleaned prior to disposal.

Abstract: The method relates to bringing about a mixed state of at least two fluids in a second part (34) of a line, which have flowed through a first part (32) of this line. This is attained in that a fractional flow of the fluids is withdrawn from the second part (34) of the line at a point (43), and this fractional flow is resupplied to the second part (34) of the line at a different point (45). A employment to avoid clogs in modules in a crossflow filtration system is described, along with apparatuses for performing the employment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of recycling wash-water resulting from the treatment of a film provided with a carbon particles based backing layer, and especially from a washing treatment to remove the said carbon particles based backing layer. The method comprises the step of passing the wash-water through an ultrafiltration unit equipped with an electrically charged hydrophilic ultrafiltration membrane, e.g. an acrylonitrile copolymers based membrane. The method enables the recycling of the wash-water made uncolored with a high efficiency and considerable lowering of the water consumption used in this step of the processing.

Abstract: Catalyst particles are separated from the wax in a reactor slurry reactor by feeding a portion of the slurry to a dynamic settler. Heavier catalyst particles settle and are removed as the slurry at the bottom of the settler is recycled back to the reactor. Clarified wax is removed at the top of the settler. A multi-channel baffle prevents turbulence, improving retention of the desired heavier catalyst particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for separating whole blood into blood components. The device has a collecting container for collecting whole blood, a primary container, and one or a plurality of satellite containers downstream from the primary container. The collecting container is connected to the primary container via a branch line containing a leucocyte filter. In addition, a bypass line is provided between the collecting container and the primary container for creating a fluid connection that circumvents the leucocyte filter. The primary container is also connected, via an additive line, to an additive container containing an additive agent for storing a blood component. The method involves collecting the donor's whole blood in the collecting container and conveying it, via the bypass line, into the primary container. The whole blood located in the primary container is then separated by centrifuigation into an erythrocyte layer and a mixed layer of blood plasma and thrombocytes.

Abstract: A system is provided for withdrawing permeate from a substrate. The exemplary system includes a vessel configured to contain substrate, two or more compartments configured to receive substrate from the vessel and to return a portion of received substrate to the vessel, and a filter positioned at least partially within each of the compartments and configured to separate permeate from substrate during operation of the filter. At least one of the compartments is configured to contain cleaning solution and substantially prevent cleaning solution from contacting substrate in the vessel during cleaning of the filter. The exemplary system is configured for cleaning the filter in situ in at least one of the compartments while operating the filter in at least one other of the compartments. A method for adapting a filtration system for cleaning thereof and a method for withdrawing permeate from a substrate using a filtration system are also provided.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide, liberated by introducing fouling inhibiting bubbles into a tank containing an immersed membrane module, is captured and returned to the tank by way of the bubbles to minimize increases in pH in the tank water caused by carbon dioxide stripping. Minimizing the pH increase reduces the amount of acid required to produce a desired pH in the tank water or, with scaling feed water, reduces the rate of membrane fouling.

Abstract: Abrasive components and clear fluids are separated from an aqueous chemical mechanical slurry used for planarization of semiconductor materials, to permit the reuse of the clear liquid effluent in non-process applications as well as for gray water for irrigation, process cooling water, or as make-up water for a reverse osmosis system, or safe disposal in the industrial waste stream, as desired. A solids detection device determines the concentration of abrasive solids in the aqueous waste effluent stream, and a diverter valve receives and diverts the entire aqueous waste effluent stream to at least one reuse water collection tank when the abrasive solids concentration is below a desired threshold, and diverts the entire aqueous waste effluent stream to at least one concentrate water collection tank when the abrasive solids concentration is greater than or equal to the threshold. With the additional use of ion exchange, the resulting water stream can be reused in high purity water applications.

Abstract: Dilute solutions of fermentation sales may be concentrated by extracting water using low-miscibility, low-molecular-weight secondary and tertiary amines, e.g. triethylamine (TEA), diisopropyl amine (DIA), N,N-diethylmethylamine (DEMA), and mixtures thereof. At 30° C.-55° C., which corresponds to typical fermentation temperatures, these low-molecular-weight amines or their mixtures, can extract large amounts of water from dilute aqueous solutions containing fermentation salts. Thus, dilute fermentation salt solutions can be concentrated by selectively removing water. At these low temperatures, the amine phase contains 20-35% water and a much reduced quantity of fermentation salt. When the temperature is raised, water phases out of the amine, allowing the amine to be recycled and reused to extract additional water. Using this approach, about 82.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating raw contaminated water includes a housing including a separator element. The separator includes a membrane which prevents flow of contaminants and allows flow of water such that raw water passing over the membrane passes through the membrane while contaminants are excluded. A gas injection system is used to inject gas into the contaminated water stream prior to entering in a concentration chamber.

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. In one embodiment, 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. Alternatively, predetermined patient parameters can be monitored and the adjustment of pumping rates may be responsive to these monitored parameters.

Abstract: A process for treating phosphatising bath overflow and/or wash water after phosphatising, phosphatising being performed using an acid, aqueous phosphatising solution which contains from 3 to 50 g/l of phosphate ions, calculated as PO43−, from 0.2 to 3 g/l of zinc ions, optionally further metal ions and accelerator, characterised in that the accelerator is an organic molecule or molecular ion having a molecular weight of at least 80 g/mol, and that the phosphatising bath overflow and/or the wash water is subjected to ultrafiltration. The permeate from ultrafiltration is preferably separated further by means of nanofiltration or reverse osmosis. The permeate from the second separation may be recycled as wash water; the retentate may be recycled to the phosphatising bath.

Abstract: A method of removing water from wet organoborane by dissolving the wet organoborane in an organic solvent in which water is incompletely soluble, decanting any insoluble water, and distilling the organic phase to remove water which may be contained therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is an economical single stage membrane process intended to provide very high overall water recoveries from natural sources or wastewater containing high concentrations of hardness and other inorganic scale-forming compounds while preventing scale formation on the membrane and prolonging the useful life of the membrane. The water is first pre-treated in order to separate all suspended matter using a suitable oil separation device, dissolved air flotation, coagulation, flocculation, clarification, single or multi-media filtration, ultra-filtration, micro-filtration or a suitable combination of these pre-treatment steps. The pre-treated water is then purified using a simple, economical single stage membrane system operating at a suitable pressure depending on the water TDS and desired permeate recovery. In order to prevent scale formation on the membranes, the membrane concentrate is softened using a “low-cost” ion exchange softening resin with high selectivity for hardness precursors.

Abstract: Improved methods of drilling well bores utilizing foamed aqueous drilling fluids are provided. The methods basically comprise circulating an aqueous drilling fluid containing a single foaming and defoaming surfactant and a gas downwardly through a rotary drill pipe and drill bit connected thereto. Well bore cuttings generated by the drill bit are lifted to the surface by foam produced from the aqueous drilling fluid and gas. Upon reaching the surface, the foamed aqueous drilling fluid is defoamed whereby the cuttings and gas are removed therefrom and the aqueous drilling fluid is combined with additional foaming surfactant when needed and additional gas. The foaming and defoaming of the aqueous drilling fluid are accomplished by changing the pH of the aqueous drilling fluid from basic to acidic which causes the single foaming and defoaming surfactant to foam and defoam the aqueous drilling fluid.

Abstract: A method for the separation of a predetermined compound comprising i) partitioning the compound in a two-phase (system A) in which at least one of the phases is rich (phase 1) and the other is poor (phase 2) in a thermoseparating polymer (I), ii) collecting one phase (phase 1 or phase 2) containing said compound, and iii if desired, further working up said compound from the phase collected in step ii, characterized a) in that polymer (I) is a micell-forming thermoseparating polymer, and b) in that phase 2 possibly contains at least one agent that is cloud point-decreasing for thermoseparating polymer (I), such as a polymer (II) that is incompatible with polymer (I) or a salt.

Abstract: A method of operating a milling bath wherein a metal workpiece to be milled is immersed in a milling bath containing a milling medium, the metal oxidizing owing to a chemical reaction between the metal and milling medium and being transformed into a soluble complex. The resultant mixture is subjected to a separation process which separates the excess milling medium from the complex, the recovered milling medium being used for the further operation of milling baths and the complex being subjected to a preparation process. A mixture of dissolved complexed metallic ions and milling medium is removed from the milling bath at a concentration of dissolved complexed metallic ions which is far below the saturation limit thereof. The separation process is a nanofiltration process in which the milling medium is separated from the mixture according to the principle of reverse osmosis, the residue simultaneously being concentrated with complexed metallic ions.

Abstract: A process for separating a liquid mixture of at least two components A and B which form an azeotrope with one another, optionally together with further components, comprises (i) distilling the mixture to be separated in the presence of an auxiliary H which with each of the two components A and B forms a binary azeotrope AH or BH which has a boiling point lower than that of H, and (ii) isolating an A,H-containing fraction which is depleted in B compared to the mixture to be separated and a B,H-containing fraction which is depleted in A compared to the mixture to be separated.

Abstract: According to a method and a system for purifying bathing water for a swimming pool (1), water is passed through a filter (2) for filtration of the water. A subflow (6) of the filtered water on the downstream side of the filter is passed through a UV system (3) for photochemical treatment. A second subflow (7) of photochemically treated water is withdrawn from the first subflow (6) for nanofiltration or reverse osmosis treatment in a membrane filter device (4). The invention makes it possible to remove carcinogenic substances, such as THM and AOX from the water. A method according to the invention may also be used for removing biocides, pesticides and peroxides, in order to prepare water for drinking.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for separating water-containing solvent mixtures having two or more phases, using one or two gravitational separators (4, 16) and to the use of this apparatus, and also to a process for separating water-containing solvent mixtures having two or more phases. Using the novel apparatus it is possible to separate even small-density-difference solvent mixtures having two or more phases. To this end, a coalescence separator (1) has been provided upstream of the first gravitational separator (4).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for microfiltration useful in softening water as well as in removing other dissolved constituents where the method comprises passing water that contains a precipitate through a semipermeable tubular membrane. Filtrate is received from the outside of the tubular membrane and the filtrate contains levels of dissolved compounds at concentrations below those that would be predicted by the solubility limits of the compounds. The method may be practiced at elevated pressures without incurring significant fouling of the membrane. It is particularly suited to removing cations such as calcium and magnesium that contribute to water hardness. The water may be treated prior to passing through the membrane by adjusting pH, adding complimentary anions, or adding a flocculant. The apparatus comprises a series of semipermeable tubular membranes housed in a module. The membranes are fluidly connected to an inlet and two outlets.

Abstract: A hot water extraction process for extracting bitumen from tar sands is taught using a conditioning agent containing sodium sesquicarbonate. The conditioning agent replaces the caustic soda agent previously used in tar sand extraction. The use of sodium sesquicarbonate substantially eliminates the production of sludge in tar sand extraction and maintains or improves bitumen recovery. The process allows for hot conditioning agent solution to be recycled to the process by use of a recycle storage tank.

Abstract: Removables 12 trapped by a first filter film 10 are used as a second filter film 13, and clogging of the first filter film 10 is prevented, and an external force such as bubbles is applied to the second filter film 13 to maintain filtering capacity. And when removables are mixed with the filtered water, the filtered water is recirculated again to the tank in which the wastewater is stored, and after it is checked that a desired inclusion rate has been reached filtration is started again.

Abstract: A method for separating a lighter liquid from a heavier liquid according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise the following steps. First, the lighter liquid and the heavier liquid may be introduced into a settling tank and thereafter allowed to form a first upper liquid fraction and a first lower liquid fraction. The first upper liquid fraction may comprise the lighter liquid with residual amounts of the heavier liquid contained therein. The first upper liquid fraction is then decanted into a trough. The first upper liquid fraction decanted into the trough is then allowed to form a second upper liquid fraction and a second lower liquid fraction. The second lower liquid fraction may comprise the heavier liquid with residual amounts of the lighter liquid contained therein. The second lower liquid fraction is thereafter drained from the trough and allowed to form a third upper liquid fraction and a third lower liquid fraction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating waste water including the steps of: oxidizing the waste water, and then treating the oxidized waste water with a reverse osmosis membrane having high salt rejection rate. By being treated with the reverse osmosis membrane, the waste water is separated into a impermeated liquid which contains a oxidizable substance, and a permeated liquid which contains almost no oxidizable substance.

Abstract: A method of separating radioactive cut material from non-radioactive abrasive cutting material is disclosed herein. The method includes the steps: determining a magnetic susceptibility of a radioactive material to be cut; selecting a magnetic susceptibility of a radioactive material to be used with a water jet cutting tool such that the abrasive cutting material has a different magnetic susceptibility than the radioactive material to be cut; capturing a mixture of radioactive cut material and abrasive material generated during operation of the water jet cutting tool; and separating the radioactive cut material from the abrasive cutting material using a magnetic filter.

Abstract: A process for separation of an oil-containing aqueous emulsion includes mixing the oil-containing aqueous emulsion with carbon-dioxide and subjecting the emulsion and carbon dioxide for a specified time within an autoclave to an elevated pressure and an elevated temperature. A rising stream of bubbles is formed within the autoclave by suddenly relieving the pressure within the autoclave with the rising stream of bubbles serving to separate the oil-containing aqueous emulsion into an oil-rich phase and an oil-depleted emulsion. The oil depleted emulsion is transferred to a segrating tank. At least a fraction of the oil-depleted emulsion within the segregated tank is subjected to ultrafiltration to separate the fraction into a permeate and a retentate.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating or segregating an insoluble or immiscible fluid mixture including less-dense solids and/or buoyant solids into its denser component, less-dense component, and less-dense solids and/or buoyant solids is disclosed. An aspect of the invention is directed to a technique that may relieve and even eliminate the fouling of down stream elements through the use of a flushing cycle in one instance, alternative access lines in another instance, or alternative access lines and flushing in yet another instance. The apparatus may be advantageously used to separate grease/water mixtures of commercial food preparation operations into a gray water component for disposal in sewer lines and a grease component for storage and subsequent appropriate disposal.

Abstract: A coolant supply and recycle system and method for cleaning used machine tool coolant and returning it to the machine tools for reuse. A tank receives used coolant containing metal chips from one or more machine tools. A pump is in communication with the tank, and is operative to extract used coolant from the tank into an inlet portion of the pump. Within the inlet, the pump includes an inducer-chopper operative to prime the pump and to chop the metal chips to effect a reduction in their size prior to discharging the used coolant from the pump. An impeller is recessed in the pump above the inducer-chopper to create a vortex of the used coolant and sized-reduced metal chips and force them from the pump discharge. The pump discharge portion is connected to a filter for removing the metal chips and supplying the clean coolant back to the machine tools.

Abstract: A pollution cleanup system and method is especially useful for the on-site treatment of polluted water. The system includes a filter media, a pump, a holding tank and valves for operation of the system. Polluted water is passed through the filter media and cleaned. It is then tested for purity and passed, for example, into a storm drain. If needed for further cleaning, the water may be recycled through the filter media.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and filter apparatus (10) for filtering and/or treating water are shown and described, each embodiment being for multiple-stage processing of water or other liquid, with storage intermediate between the stages. Preferably, water is passed through a first zone (28) of a filter housing cavity and conducted through an intermediate port (16) to storage (24). When water is demanded by a usage device (22), water flows in reverse from storage back into the filter (10), to flow through the second zone (42) for a second stage of filtering/treatment, and then preferably out an outlet port (18) to the usage device. Water may also flow from the water source directly through the first and second zones (28, 42) and to the usage device (22), without intermediate storage. Preferably, both first and second zones are contained and axially arranged within a single filter housing (12).

Abstract: A self-cleaning filter with a bypass port is provided for a washing machine that recirculates water back to the wash tub. The filter includes a housing with a filter element disposed therein. The filter element normally filters lint and other material from the water drained from the wash tub, with the water then being recirculated back to the wash tub. When the filter element becomes clogged, the water automatically flows through a bypass port in the filter, such that recirculation continues. The filter element is automatically cleaned by back-washing the filter.

Abstract: Horizontal solids recycler to treat waste water comprising refuse solids from hog farms which comprises an intake and loading hopper adapted to establish a uniform curtain of the waste water, a mesh to which an over flow of the waste water is directed, a tumbler cylinder to which is mounted the mesh and which is mounted to a frame which rests on guide wheels, blades mounted within te tumbler cylinder to raise moistured solids, wherein said waste water of said moistured solids is passed through a mesh, a collecting bin to collect the solids coming from the tumbler cylinder and raised by the blades which comprises a separator to separate the remaining waste water from the solids, a screw to transport the solids, which is mounted to the collecting bin, a pressing section which comprises a perforated cylinder to which the solids are fed by the screw, a collecting and recycling hopper to which said perforated cylinder is mounted to, and which said collecting and recycling hopper collects and recycles the waste wat