Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the continuous filtration of liquids containing solid matter, in particular for cleaning wastewater, by means of a filter bed consisting of a particulate filtering medium, which is continuously moved through a vertically positioned cylindrical annular space (2) through which the liquid to be filtered continuously flows radially from the interior to the exterior. The particulate filtering medium containing the separated solid matter is continuously tapped from the lower end of the annular space (2), transported to the top, freed of the filtered solid matter and fed back into the annular space (2) at its upper end. With this kind of method and device, to be able to prevent in a better and more simple manner blockages caused by the separated floc of solid matter, the invention provides that as particulate filtering medium a particle mixture is used with a particle-size range comprising two or more particle sizes, ranging from coarse (2.5 mm) to fine (0.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus provides treatment of water to remove, for example, hydrogen sulfide and iron, dissolved or dispersed in ground water. The system is provided with water from a conventional well and pump and includes a venturi-type aerating device which may be supplied air by a compressor. The air and water mixture are supplied to a first aerating tank through a spray nozzle which reduces the aerated water flow to a mist of fine droplets. A draw tube adjacent the bottom of the first tank provides the water to a treatment tank which is partially filled with a chemically active filtration media. The treatment tank is also equipped with a draw tube which draws off the treated water at the bottom of the tank and provides it to a third, deaerating tank wherein the air separates from the water and is purged to the atmosphere. Reduction of hydrogen sulfide content from 30 ppm to less than 5 ppm has been achieved.

Abstract: A water-based heating or cooling plant incorporating a filtration device and a pipeline network for bleeding water from the heating or cooling plant to the filtration device, the filtration network for bleeding water from the heating or cooling plant to the filtration device, the filtration device having a tank with an upright column of horizontal layers of granulated filtration materials, the densities in the layers increasing from the layer at the top downwardly to the most dense bottom layer, at least one layer being a mechanical layer and at least one layer having a chemically active material to increase the pH value of the water to a magnitude exceeding neutral. The invention includes a method for operating the plant and for backwashing the granulated filtration material.

Abstract: A column apparatus containing a shallow bed of material between fluid transporting fractals of large active surface area results in highly efficient processing with small equipment size.

Abstract: A draining wall includes a plurality of panels filled with a granular filtering material and separated from each other by intermediate elements cast in the ground, a member, embedded in the lower part of each intermediate element, enabling communication to be established between the panels of each pair of adjacent panels, and auxiliary devices applied into contact with the end faces of the intermediate elements so as to cover the mouth of the communication-enabling members. Each auxiliary device is open on the side applied against the intermediate element, has a height greater than the diameter of the mouth, delimits a volume around the mouth, and has either perforations over at least a part of its surface whose size is smaller than that of the granules constituting the filtering material or an opening to which a perforated pipe acting as a receiver is connected.

Abstract: A water insoluble polymeric composition which is a reaction product of a cyclodextrin monomer and a polyfunctional crosslinker from the group of polyisocyanates, dihalohydrocarbons, and dihaloacetylhydrocarbons is disclosed together with a process for removing a target organic compound from an aqueous composition including contacting the aqueous composition containing a target organic compound with a water insoluble cyclodextrin polymer which is the reaction product of a cyclodextrin monomer and a polyfunctional crosslinker from the group of polyisocyanates, dihalohydrocarbons, and dihaloacetylhydrocarbons for time sufficient to form a reaction product between the water insoluble cyclodextrin polymer and the target organic compound whereby the concentration of the target organic compound in the aqueous composition is reduced. Organic chromophores added to the water insoluble cyclodextrin polymers can provide organic nonlinear optical materals.

Abstract: The concentration of dissolved arsenic in water is reduced by contacting the water containing the arsenic with zinc oxide.

Abstract: An enclosed, elongated structure for placement in the ground to filter and biologically pretreat wastewater after it leaves a septic tank and before it enters a drain field. The structure includes an upstream chamber or compartment connected to an inlet and containing a filter media such as stone and two or more baffles positioned crosswise to the direction of flow to direct the wastewater through multiple, sequential downward and upward flow paths through the stone for filtering and for anaerobic biological conversion of undesirable substances in the wastewater. A downstream chamber or compartment vented to atmosphere contains a filter media such as gravelly sand and receives the wastewater flow from the upstream chamber for further progressive filtering and for aerobic biological conversion of undesirable substances. Beneath the gravelly sand is a U-shaped perforated pipe for collecting the wastewater and directing it to an outlet leading to the drain field.

Abstract: An aeration and filtration system for eliminating waste products in a fluid body having a surface floor is disclosed. The aeration and filtration system includes a support bed disposed above the surface floor of the fluid body and a filter bed of porous media disposed above the support bed. The system further includes a pump having a plurality of inlets adjacent the fluid body level, at least some of the inlets being a plurality of perforated pipes connected to the pump for drawing fluid to and through the filter bed, and a motor connected to the pump.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for purifying wastewater, including water which may or may not contain fatty acids or oils, by producing in situ a hydrophobic flocculant including a water-insoluble metal hydroxide. In the preferred methods, metallic cations are produced by the gradual dissolution of consumable, similar metal sources, preferably, a fluidized bed of metallic particles. The motion of the particles of the fluidized bed maintains the surfaces thereof clean of oxides and other contaminants in order to facilitate the gradual dissolution thereof. Oxidation of the dissolved cations to form the water-insoluble metal hydroxide is achieved by flowing an oxidizing agent, e.g., air or pure oxygen, through the system. Contaminants are entrapped and removed within the insoluble flocculants, including the water-insoluble metal hydroxide and, optionally, metallic soaps which are formed in the presence of fatty acids.

Abstract: A process is described for the removal of mercury present at levels of 1-5000 ppb in waste water discharged from clinical research laboratories, industries and hospitals. The process involves preoxidation of the influent waste water with very small amounts of hypochlorite (16-100 ppm levels)or hydrogen peroxide, in a pretreatment tank. The waste water is then serially filtered through two pre filters and four carbon columns at a flow rate of 5 bedvolumes/hr. The preoxidation, prefiltration, organic removal, heavy metals removal (second column) and polishing stages (third and fourth) are important to achieve very low levels of mercury in the effluent. The last three columns contain activated coconut shell carbon impregnated with mercaptothiazoline . The three columns of the mercaptothiazoline impregnated carbon remove mercury and other heavy metals successively and reduce their levels in the influent to very low levels that is well below the enforced limit of 1 ppb.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a thickened slimes fraction blended with a tailing fraction for delivery to a discharge or disposal point (38). The method includes the steps of forming a bed of tailings fraction on a de-watering screen (28) and delivering a thickened slimes fraction onto the bed of tailings fraction. The slimes fraction (30) is then allowed to de-water through the bed and the screen.

Abstract: A continuous filter device for liquids has a filter chamber that receives a granular bulk material forming a filter bed. The filter chamber has rectangular inner-walls with a liquid-permeable inlet side and a liquid-permeable outlet side positioned opposite the inlet side. A liquid-impermeable outer wall is positioned at the inlet side and forms together with the inlet side an inlet chamber. The inlet side has openings allowing flow of a liquid to be filtered from the inlet chamber into the filter chamber. A liquid-impermeable outer mantle is positioned at the outlet side and forms together with the outlet side a filtrate collection chamber. The outlet side has openings allowing filtrate flow from the filter chamber into the filtrate collection chamber. A cone-shaped removal chamber is connected to a lower end of the filter chamber. A flow discharge chamber is connected to an upper end of the filter chamber.

Abstract: A purification apparatus and method for enabling the purification of the lake and pond waters, is installed as a fluidized bed sewage system directly on the raw water area. The apparatus takes in the raw waters in the lake and pond and purifies the water. The purified water is fed back to the raw water area by the pump.With this purification apparatus, the salt materials such as phosphate in the lakes, and the overall area of the waters can be purified while preventing the generation of phytoplanktons.

Abstract: A filler-packing apparatus comprises a bundled filler-receiving space assembly, a movable bottom stopper assembly having bottom stoppers which are insertable into bottom openings of the filler-receiving spaces of said assembly, and top stoppers which are respectively insertable into top openings of the filler-receiving spaces and enabling packing filler in a plurality of columns in a short period of time. A filler-packing method uses this apparatus and thereby enables packing of the filler into the filler-receiving spaces in short period of time uniformly. An assembly of columns is uniformly packed with a filler and assembled by using the filler-packing apparatus and the filler-packing method.

Abstract: The phytotoxic action of too high a concentration of peroxygen compounds such as peroxycarboxylic acids and hydrogen peroxide in the combating of phytopathogenic microorganisms, such as fusaria, in the water systems of plant irrigation systems, especially greenhouses, can be eliminated. The water is treated with a peroxycarboxylic acid solution which is brought in contact with a solid decomposition catalyst for active-oxygen compounds before the water is used for irrigation, in order to reduce the content of peroxycarboxylic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The water contacts and flows through a fixed bed of decomposition catalyst, by trickling over it or flowing through the conduits of a monolithic block coated with a decomposition catalyst such as platinum, palladium or rhodium.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis process for treating a phenolic stripped sour water stream containing soluble and insoluble contaminants is provided. Prior to passage through a reverse osmosis membrane, the phenolic stripped sour water stream is cooled, subjected to air flotation and filtered through a sand filtration system to remove insoluble contaminants, and passed through a water softener to remove divalent and trivalent metal cation contaminants. The pH of the stream is adjusted prior to the water softener, and again prior to the reverse osmosis membrane, to stabilize the solubility of soluble organic contaminants present within the stream.

Abstract: This invention comprises a process and apparatus for producing purified drinking water from surface or ground fresh water sources using no chemical pre-treatment or coagulants, by usage of a positively-charged filtration media to attract the typically negatively-charged suspended solids present in the water source. The process, which can be portable, includes a filtration system having a filtration/recirculation/backwash component and a disinfection step. The process further includes a system controller which receives electrical signals from float controls to control the filtration, recirculation, and backwash steps. This process produces drinking water which meets or exceeds the guidelines set by the World Health Organization for turbidity and microbiological content.

Abstract: An intermittently operating slow sand filter uses the damming of water in a raised pipe to provide a constant level of water in a slow sand filter container. The container includes a water inlet and outlet, and is partially filled with sand or other filter material. A pipe from the water outlet in the slow sand filter is raised upward to the desired level of water over the sand before descending to a water reservoir. Water backs up in the pipe and the container to the desired level above the top of the sand, even when the flow of water is intermittent. The schmutzdeuke forms at the top of the filter medium. The water level in such a manually operated slow sand filter, using fine quartz sand as the filter medium, and at ambient temperatures (about 21.degree. C.) is maintained above about 1 cm above the top of the filter medium and below about 8 cm above the top of the slow sand filter.

Abstract: The main application of the invention lies in making cartridges, filters and complete filter systems for regeneration purposes, in particular for regenerating swimming pool water, and for that purpose it comprises at least a system for physically treating water by means of an inert granular material enclosed in at least one envelope through which said water can flow, passing through said material; according to the invention, the material is of cellular structure, having relative density of less than 1, and is constituted by pozzolan having a grain size that is less than or equal to 25 mm.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of filtering semen comprising admixing Sephadex beads of about 40 to 120 microns in diameter in the column of a semen filtering device having openings at both ends with a media, permitting the beads to hydrate, expand, and settle in the column to form a multi-layer filter having passages of predetermined sizes therebetween permitting passage therethrough of motile spermatozoa, adding to the multi-layer filter a washed semen specimen suspended in a liquid media suitable for use with semen, and recovering the semen that pass through the filter.

Abstract: A portable liquid surface skimmer efficiently removes small spills of petroleum derivatives from the surface of water, and is useful, for example, on thin sheen spills of oil or gasoline, in boating marinas. The skimmer is controlled by a long handle held by an operator, with a swivel connection to the skimmer body. The skimmer body is placed in the water empty, to take on a controlled amount of water as ballast, putting the skimmer at a proper level to skim the surface using a floating weir. A withdrawal conduit from the skimmer's sump leads to a storage tank or more preferably to some form of separator on shore or on a dock, for further separation of water from the contaminants. In one preferred form of the system and method, the skimmed oil/water mix is passed through a special filter medium which removes the petroleum sufficiently that the water can be returned to its source, eliminating the need for hauling large volumes of liquid away to a disposal site.

Abstract: Water to be treated is introduced into a first ozone mixer (5) and subjected to a magnetic force, and ozone supplied from a first ozonizer (4) is injected into the water for oxidation and coagulation of substances to be oxidized. Then, coagulated substances are removed by a first filter (6). The resulting water is introduced into a second ozone mixer (8) and subjected to a magnetic force, and ozone supplied from a second ozonizer (7) is injected into the water. Thereafter, the water is passed through a reaction vessel (9) filled with activated carbon, and then coagulated substances are removed from the water by a second filter (10).

Abstract: A water filtration technique is designed to maximize the efficient performance of a variety of granular filtration media. The technique maintains the granular filtration media in a compacted state between a perforated outer media container and a perforated inner media container, where the perforated inner media container is a smaller similitude of the perforated outer media container. In the preferred embodiment of the filtration device of the present invention, the perforated outer and inner media containers are substantially spherical. By maintaining the granular filtration media in a static-state throughout filtration, highly efficient filtration is achieved. In contrast, during the backwash function, the normal inward flow is reversed to outward radial flow and granular filtration media is agitated, fluidized and quickly and vigorously cleaned. A plurality of high-velocity centrally-located water jets create the outward radial flow during backwashing.

Abstract: A cooling tower water treatment system removes contaminants include chlorine, calcium carbonate as calcite, and microorganisms from water in the system with redox media in a fluidized bed. The treatment system includes a treatment bed, in the form of a column, having a reaction chamber of a first diameter and a retention chamber of a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter. Redox media, in the reaction chamber, is fluidized by water flowing in a direction countercurrent to gravity and is held in place, without the use of screens or filters, by a reduction in flow rate of the fluidizing media resulting from the larger diameter of the retention chamber. Preferably, the treatment system includes a physical filtration unit, such as an automatic backwashing sand filter, to prevent entry of particulates and scale into the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A water treatment method uses a removable, disposable cartridge having an internal mesh structure. A permanent heater heats water fed to the cartridge. Precipitated solids collect on the mesh surface provided temperature and residence time are appropriately maintained. The heat breaks down the bicarbonate hardness of the water thereby depositing carbonates on the mesh surface and heavy metals will be codeposited due to the resultant change in pH. The cartridge has a head-space for collecting entrained gasses such as volatile organic compounds, chlorine and air. Water sterility is achieved by heating the water over an appropriate period of time. Turbidity is removed within the cartridge due to settling induced by the low fluid velocity controlled by a controller and by a filter provided at the outlet of the cartridge. The filter will become blocked when bicarbonate hardness is carried over forcing a user to replace a spent cartridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter material and to a process for removing ozone from gases and liquids, in which a gas stream or a liquid is brought into contact with a filter material made of an unsaturated cycloolefin polymer or cycloolefin copolymer. The filter material can be used with all ozone-containing gas streams and liquids. Thus, for example, it is used in the removal of the ozone used in sterilization or formed by a copier machine, in addition for removing and detoxifying ozone in liquids.

Abstract: A method and bioreactor (10) apparatus is described for growing plant cells, particularly to produce plant derived chemicals is described. Bioparticles (11) containing magnetically susceptible particles are provided in a column (12) surrounded by a solenoids (13, 14, 14A) which act to hold the bioparticles in position in the column. One of the solenoids with a magnetically susceptible screen (24) acts as a valve to allow a portion of the bioparticles to be removed from the column. The method is particularly described for producing daidzein and genistein.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus (1) in the form of a treatment vessel comprising a high voidage media bed (2) situated above a low voidage granular media bed (3). Fluid (4) to be treated, combined with an effluent recycle flow stream (5) and intermediate recycle flow stream (6) as appropriate, flows down through the flooded aerated high voidage media (2), through an intermediate section (7) containing a collector in the form of a trough (8) and down through the aerated packed bed of granular media (3). The trough (8) is known as a washout trough. The high voidage media is supported on a support means such as a grille or grid (9). During a cycle any surplus treated water passes out of the intermediate section (7 at 10), while backwash liquors pass out of the vessel at (11). The usual operating level of the liquid in the vessel is shown at (12), treated liquor or effluent passing out of the vessel at (13). Process air passes into the vessel (1 at 14).

Abstract: A fluidized bed filter is described and claimed. The filter is exemplified for use in an aquaculture system. A preferred embodiment of the filter of the subject invention comprises a cylinder having an inlet port. Water is pumped into the inlet port. The force of the water fluidizes the filter medium within the cylinder. Filtered water escapes the system over the open end of the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluid treatment apparatus including a fluid bed reactor. The fluid bed reactor includes a flow distribution system having a flow distributor for introducing untreated fluid into the reactor. The untreated fluid is introduced at a flow rate sufficient to generate an upflow velocity within the reactor that fluidizes the media bed within the reactor. The flow distribution system also includes a backflow prevention apparatus for supplying an auxiliary fluid to the flow distributer in the event flow of untreated fluid to the flow distributor is interrupted. The auxiliary fluid flushes the flow distributor while the media bed defluidizes to prevent the media bed from backing up into the flow distributor as it settles to the bottom of the reactor.

Abstract: In a method for backwashing a water processing system using a buoyant filter layer constrained under wire mesh screen extending across a processing vessel, a water surface level in the processing vessel is lowered below the wire mesh screen. Air is subsequently released from under the buoyant filter layer to separate substances clogging the filter layer, while allowing the release of air out of said vessel from an upper part thereof. By lowering the water surface level below the upper wire mesh screen, the filter material is allowed to move more freely because the filter material is not restricted by the wire mesh screen from making upward movement. Hence, when air is released from under the filter layer, the filter material can move uniformly over the entire filter layer, and the clogging substances such as SS captured by the filter material and the biological film formed on the surface of the filter material can be favorably removed without damaging the filter material.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing dissolved hydrogen sulfide from water including an atomizing tank defining an open end. A manifold is positioned adjacent the open end. The manifold defines an inlet channel having a first inlet port and a second inlet port. The first inlet port is in communication with aerated water containing dissolved hydrogen sulfide. An atomizing nozzle is in communication with the second inlet port for atomizing the water to cause the dissolved hydrogen sulfide to react with oxygen in the air to form sulfate in the atomizing tank. At least one filtering tank is in communication with the atomizing tank for filtering the sulfate from the water. The method of the present invention includes the steps of: (a) aerating water containing dissolved hydrogen sulfide with air at a predetermined pressure; and (b) atomizing the water to cause the dissolved hydrogen sulfide to react with oxygen in the air to form sulfate.

Abstract: A removable storm drain filter to be used in combination with an absorbent media, and a catch basin having grated inlet and standpipe outlet to remove pollutants carried in surface drainage. The storm drain filter is designed to fit within a catch basin, below the grated inlet, and upon the upward terminus of a vertical stand pipe. A filtration vessel (50) is provided to contain absorbent media and to provide a primary flow path through the absorbent media and a secondary flow path (bypass) for high flows. The filter includes a cover plate (70), structurally supported by and above the filtration vessel, to prevent deposition of sediment upon the absorbent media and to prevent direct striking of the absorbent media by influent storm water. The storm drain filter further includes a floatables screen (60) to prevent clogging of the absorbent media by floating debris such as leaves, pine needles, and cigarette butts.

Abstract: An improved vertical filtration unit includes a bell-shaped lower end for the air-lift tube, an injection ring for introducing air into the air-lift tube at a considerable volume, and a washbox with a more efficient scrubbing arrangement for washing dirt particles from the filtration material. The bell-shaped lower end makes the transporting of a mixture of dirty filtration material and water to the top of the filtration unit more efficient than with the conventional straight tube bottom. The tube receives compressed air from two horizontally positioned inlets positioned 180.degree. from each other. The flat and round target plate makes the scrubbing of filtration material more efficient, while a baffle prevents the filtration material from being ejected from the washbox.

Abstract: An automatically-regulated, self-flushing method of filtering a liquid suspension includes passing the suspension through a granular filter material. The flow of suspension is halted to relieve the pressure in the system, so facilitating the settling of the removed particles down the filter. Further settling of the particles may be achieved by passing an airstream through the filter material. A reverse flow of the filtrate then effects a backwashing action on the filter material so that further settling of the particles is encouraged. The filter material may be contained in a drain passage which follows a generally sinuous path. The drain passage may serve a waste landfill site in which toxic, hazardous or domestic waste is disposed.

Abstract: A filter cartridge containing resin beads for purifying fluids such as water and chemicals has a cylindrical housing with an interior compartment containing a fixed septum and a moveable piston-like septum. The resin beads are packed between the fixed septum and the moveable septum. The moveable septum is displaced upstream to account for expansion of the resin beads while the flow of the fluid through the filter cartridge causes the upstream septum to maintain a packing pressure on the resin beads. The downstream fixed septum will preferably have a cone-like shape.

Abstract: It is possible to filter a suspension or emulsion in a filter bed of particulate filter medium by allowing the suspension to flow upwards through the filter bed simultaneously as the medium flows downwards through a filtering tank wherein filtration takes place. Filtration thus takes place during counterflow between suspension and filter medium. The supply of suspension takes place in the lower part of the filter bed and the filtered liquid phase is taken away from a zone above the filter bed. The polluted filter medium close to the bottom of the filter tank is taken out for conveyance to a washing apparatus above the filter bed and after washing is returned to the upper side of the filter bed. For providing a filter which has a considerably lower construction height for a given and unchanged volume of the filter medium, the washing apparatus is lowered so that its lower part is at a level below the upper surface of the filter bed.

Abstract: A process of dewatering primary-treated sewage which includes mixing the sewage with a coagulant or flocculant aid, usually activated polymer. The sewage is then mixed and flocculated at conditions which involve extensive mixing turbulence of the sewage and whereby part of the sewage is recycled so as to be again subjected to such mixing and flocculating. Flocks form the solid particles in the sewage. The pH of the sewage is chemically adjusted into the basic pH range or to a higher basic pH. The sewage is applied to a sand bed whereby the flocculated solids in the sewage are separated from the liquid in the sewage, by collecting on the top of the sand bed. The flocculated solids located on the top of the sand bed are air dried. The dried flocculated solids are removed from the top of the sand bed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus by which contaminants are removed from a liquid flowing through a filter vessel having an inlet for providing a contaminated liquid flow into one end thereof and an outlet through which filtered liquid can exit the vessel. A filter screen supports a relatively large quantity of particulate filter media within the filter vessel on the filter screen for normal filter operation and captures contaminants by flowing contaminated liquid through the inlet while filtered liquid exits through the filter screen and outlet, leaving the contaminants on the filter media. The system automatically occasionally cleans the media in a unique cleaning cycle, that includes one or a plurality of closed loop flow paths that fluidizes the media within one filter vessel and cleans the media externally of the filter vessel by flowing the fluidized filter media along the closed loop flow path.

Abstract: A method for complete treatment of septic tank effluent or other contaminated liquid by contriving for it to flow in an ultra-thin film over a surface treatment medium such as fabric or sand. It provides diffusive aeration, biological reaction and physical filtration on a molecular scale.The device transfers contaminated water, or other liquid, from a container to a final collector completely purifying the liquid in the process. The purified effluent can then be reused for household, industrial, irrigation or other uses, or disposed of as normal surface run-off in streams or lakes.To increase efficiency, said container encloses a progressively more finely pored media precisely situated with effluent seeping gradually through progressively finer pores to provide uniquely effective pretreatment.

Abstract: A process for use in the final stages of purification of sewage water in which the effluent is placed under pressure by a pump and forced through a filter. Part of the effluent is sampled and chlorinated by a chlorine gas injector and then reintroduced into the lager body of effluent. The entire mixture is held within a detention chamber in order to allow the chlorine to dissipate, and then pumped out into a natural stream through a pipe in which air bubbles are injected in order to replenish the oxygen level.

Abstract: A pelletized composition and method of using this composition for removing pollutants from storm water runoff. A bed of the pellets has a useful initial permeability to storm water runoff, and retains a significant proportion of this permeability for a period of several years. Preferably, the pellets are dried to a moisture content of less than 25 wt. % so that they are able to withstand a crush force of at least 7 lb., without structural failure. Optionally, the pellets may contain gravel that forms a core of the compost pellet and that assists in causing the compost to agglomerate into a rounded pellet. When immersed in water, the pellets retain the original dry shape and maintain a significant proportion of the crush strength while providing interstitial spaces through which storm water can flow thereby reducing the problem of sedimentation that is encountered in unpelletized beds of compost used in this service.

Abstract: A novel process for treating a fluid is disclosed. Generally, the process utilizes a novel fluidized bed reactor and down flow filter. The process includes filling the reactor, and thereafter fluidizing the media bed contained therein. A catalyst is added, and the entire batch fluid is allowed to react with the catalyst. After appropriate settling of the media bed, the batch fluid is recycled. A filtration step is then included and appropriate disposition of the collected filtrate may be effected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for performing chemical and/or physical and/or biological reactions, in which the reactants are brought into operative connection with reaction particles 13 promoting or making possible the reaction. The invention furthermore relates to reaction particles 13 as such. It is proposed to use as reaction particles 13 essentially planar particles with a thickness of about 5 .mu.m to about 1500 .mu.m and an area of about 5 (mm).sup.2 to about 1000 (mm).sup.2. Reaction particles 13 can be used, e.g., as growth surface for biomass. In particular, they can be introduced in a waste-water reactor 1 and thoroughly mixed with the waste water. Reaction particles 13 have a very high specific surface, which, moreover, is easily accessible. Furthermore, reaction particles 13 can be easily set in motion, e.g., by a stirrer 12.

Abstract: Acidic halides, especially chlorides, are removed from gas by contact with particles of solid caustic covered by aqueous and hydrocarbon phases, respectively. Effective neutralization is achieved without swelling or plugging the bed of solid caustic. Halides are removed as brine. Efficient caustic utilization is achieved by controlling water vapor levels in the gas based on pH of brine product.

Abstract: A novel process and related apparatus for removing common contaminants from used motor oil. Propane, butane or similar solvent is mixed with the contaminated oil to form a solution. This solution is agitated and then given time to settle thus allowing gravitational separation of asphaltic pollutants. The solution is then percolated through a columned filter to remove heavy metallic contaminants and the solvent recovered by heating the solution.

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

Abstract: The apparatus transforms animal waste produced during husbandry activities into useful materials such as organic-based manure and/or fertilizer to thereby mitigate the pollution problems associated with husbandry activities. A base part of the apparatus includes an endless conveyor having a filter in the form of an endless loop. A liquid-collection receptacle is interposed between the upper and lower runs of the filter so as to collect liquid filtrate from the waste material. A first hopper is located beneath one end of the endless loop so as to collect the solid content of the waste conveyed along the upper run of the filter. A second hopper is provided to accommodate material to be added to the solid content of the waste. The materials are fed from the respective hoppers into a mixing chamber whereupon they are mixed by a mixer. The base part of the apparatus is connected to a closed system of treatment tanks.

Abstract: This invention provides a fluidized bed reactor with improved method and apparatus for inhibiting and clearing clogging of the fluid distribution network in such reactor. In particular, at least one channel or reservoir of fluid is provided over at least a selected portion of the distribution network, with fluid from such column/reserve being released to maintain flow and pressure in the distribution network as the media bed is defluidized. For the preferred embodiment, the fluid column is (a) a feed pipe connecting a fluid inlet which is above the reactor fluid level to the distribution network; and (b) a plurality of risers which, for the preferred embodiment, extend from the end of each lateral tube of the distribution network. A vacuum breaker is provided for each fluid column to permit fluid to flow from the column into the network when pressure is removed.