Abstract: Strong base ion exchange resins derived from crosslinked vinylbvenzyl chloride polymers are particularly suitable for purifying condensate waters for steam regenerating equipment. Preferred embodiments utilize gellular anion exchange resins to remove corrosion products from boiler condensate waters.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing material from a biological solution consisting of a reactor chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a bioactive compound immobilized on particular supports within the reactor, means for retaining the particular supports within the reactor, means for recirculating the solution and the supports at a high flow rate within the reactor, and means for agitating or dispersing the recirculating solution-support mixture throughout the reactor chamber so as to prevent packing of the supports while not subjecting the solution to excessive or damaging forces.In the given example, an apparatus for the extracorporeal removal of heparin from blood is provided. Heparinase is immobilized on cross-linked agarose beads recirculated at a high flow rate through the reactor. Agitation of the blood-bead mixture sufficient to prevent packing of the beads within the reactor chamber is provided by means of a series of openings in the recirculation tube dispersing the mixture throughout the chamber.

Abstract: Closed filtering system for relatively fast and efficient removal of white blood cells from a red blood cell mixture. System comprises at least two blood bags in closed communication with each other via an intermediate filter assembly comprising a housing containing continuous filtering fiber. A preferred housing is tapered and the fiber preferably has a generally Y-shaped cross sectional area and it is adapted to permit substantial removal of white blood cells from a red blood cell mixture with minimal red blood cell hemolysis when the mixture is diluted with perservative solution and passed from one bag to the other at a relatively high flow rate. Filtration is completed within 24 hours, preferably within 6 hours, of whole blood donation.

Abstract: A stream of contaminated liquid flows into a vessel, through a filter media comprised of at least 50% pecan hulls, while clean liquid exits the vessel, leaving the contaminants deposited on the filter media. The deposited contaminants are scrubbed from the media by circulating the media along a toroidal flow path within the vessel until the contaminants have been transferred from the media into the liquid. The scrubbing action is achieved by a pump suction which is spaced from a pump discharge. The pump discharges through a perforated nozzle. The nozzle extends through a housing. An annulus is formed between the nozzle and the housing. Dirty scrub water flows from the pump, through the nozzle perforations, into the annulus, and away from the vessel, while at the same time the toroidal flow path is maintained.

Abstract: A waste water treatment facility includes a gravity flow treatment bed which receives waste effluent from a plurality of individual septic tanks. The treatment bed includes a bottom layer of small gravel particles, a layer of larger gravel particles covering the bottom layer, a strip of crushed limestone, a layer of straw or hay on the large gravel layer, and a layer of topsoil in which reeds are planted for treating the effluent. A perforated header pipe distributes the incoming effluent across the bed, and a perforated collection pipe collects the treated effluent and delivers it to a sump. The effluent passes from the sump through a chlorinator and a chlorine contact chamber before being discharged to the ground.

Abstract: This invention relates to polyurethane(urea) compositions which contain foam and which are preferably cationically modified, contain non-abrasively bonded fillers and have a very high water absorbability (WAF).Production is effected by reacting isocyanate-terminated prepolymers with a quantity of water far exceeding the stoichiometric quantity in the presence of foams in particle or film form. The reaction mixture may also contain lignite powder and/or peat, other inorganic and organic fillers and/or biomasses (living cells, living bacteria, enzymes).The polyurethane(urea) compositions contain up to 95% by weight of foam particles and may contain further fillers (preferably lignite and/or peat). The compositions are swollen and have a high water content during production. Their water absorbability (WAF) when suspended in water is 33 to 97% by weight of water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a highly filterable, water insoluble vinyl lactam polymer and to a process for improving filterability of such polymer which comprises irradiation with a source of radiant energy at a dosage sufficient to effect additional cross-linking and or saturation of the polymer.

Abstract: A filter device for removing contaminants from liquid flowing therethrough comprising a vessel having an inlet for providing a contaminated liquid flow into the interior thereof and an outlet through which filtered liquid can exit the vessel. A screen means contained within the vessel supports a filter media thereon. A pump has a suction and discharge located within the vessel and respective to the screen whereby the filter media can be fluidized and thereby cleaned without removing the media from the vessel. The scrubbing action transfers the contaminants from the filter media into the scrub water and thereby enables the contaminants to be removed from the vessel by discharging the scrub water therefrom.

Abstract: The process of regenerating a soil-laden detergent solution comprising contacting said solution with a soil collector comprising a polyfunctional quaternary ammonium compound which is at least substantially insoluble in the solution and/or immobilized on a solid correspondingly insoluble in the solution.

Abstract: A system for processing and reclaiming machine tool coolant wherein filtering apparatus mounted upon a portable frame is transported to the machine tool and includes pumps for cycling coolant from the machine tool coolant reservoir through coarse and fine filters to remove contaminating foreign matter, including bacteria. The apparatus includes an accumulating reservoir receiving and supplying pumped coolant and the pumps are controlled by float-operated switches maintaining a sequence of pump operation to assure efficient pump operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to products obtained from sugar mill boiler ash, methods of using such products as a filtration material, and/or adsorbent material and methods of manufacturing such products. More specifically, this invention relates to filtration materials, with either a low or relatively high activated carbon content derived from the combustion of sugar cane residues whose characteristics and properties can be preselected and controlled to provide predetermined performance characteristics, and methods of obtaining such products through processing techniques which control the properties of such products. The invention also provides adsorbent materials of very high carbon content useful for applications other than a filter medium.

Abstract: Liquid which has been partially clarified in the settling zone of a clarifier tank is channelled through a filtration compartment containing a buoyant particulate filtration media. The media particles are periodically agitated so that trapped solids are separated from the media and retained in the clarifier tank.

Abstract: This invention relates to polyurethane(urea) compositions which contain foam and which are preferably cationically modified, contain non-abrasively bonded fillers and have a very high water absorbability (WAF).Production is effected by reacting isocyanate-terminated prepolymers with a quantity of water far exceeding the stoichiometric quantity in the presence of foams in particle or film form. The reaction mixture may also contain lignite powder and/or peat, other inorganic and organic fillers and/or biomasses (living cells, living bacteria, enzymes).The polyurethane(urea) compositions contain up to 95% by weight of foam particles and may contain further fillers (preferably lignite and/or peat). The compositions are swollen and have a high water content during production. Their water absorbability (WAF) when suspended in water is 33 to 97% by weight of water.

Abstract: A liquid purification system using buoyant filter media for removing suspended solids from liquid comprising a vessel having a wastewater inlet and a clarified effluent outlet. Baffles are provided in the vessel to define an upflow region for the wastewaters over a weir into a downflow region for subsequent removal by the effluent outlet. Buoyant media is provided in the upflow and downflow regions where the buoyancy of the media in the upflow region carries some of the buoyant media over into the downflow region until equilibrium is reached. A device may be provided for the continuous removal, washing and return of buoyant media to the system.

Abstract: According to the invention, the enclosure (1) contains a granular material (4) having a specific mass less, or respectively greater than that of the liquid to be treated. When the liquid is admitted through an upper inlet line (2), a granular bed is formed at the bottom of the enclosure (1) or at the upper part thereof and the colloidal particles form aggregates there. When the supply of liquid to be treated is interrupted, the granular material rises to the upper, respectively lower, part of the enclosure (1) and releases the aggregates formed, which can be recovered.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus including a fluid monitoring head and a replaceable filter cartridge removably fastened to said head. The cartridge includes a shut off mechanism for interrupting fluid flow through the cartridge when a predetermined quantity of fluid has been treated by the filter. The fluid monitoring head is releasably coupled to the shutoff mechanism when the filter is installed. The shutoff mechanism includes a valve element threadedly carried by a shaft that forms part of a driven member, operatively connected to a drive member forming part of the monitoring head. As the driven member rotates, the valve element is gradually unthreaded until it separates and is driven to a flow interrupting position by a biasing spring. The coupling between the drive and driven members includes apertures on one of the members which are engaged by resilient tongues formed on the other member.

Abstract: Disclosed is the filtration of fluids by utilizing porous biogenetic silica ash devoid of fiber alone or combined with additives. The biogenetic silica may be in particles or prilled or pelleted. Solid particles and liquids are filtered from gases and liquids by passing them through the biogenetic silica. The additives are materials which attract the impurities into the pores of the biogenetic silica, such as water-swellable polymers or carbon remaining on the biogenetic silica when incompletely pyrolyzed. The carbon can be activated.

Abstract: A system for water treatment includes the steps of superchlorinating the water to a level sufficient to destroy bacterial content in the water very rapidly, passing the water through a sand filter in which the medium includes beads of magnesium hydroxide and subjecting different portions of the filtered water to differing degrees of filtration by an activated charcoal filter, whereby to remove a sufficient proportion of the chlorine added to the water to reduce the residual chlorine to a level sufficient to maintain the water sterile without substantially influencing the taste of the water. Preferably, the sand and charcoal filters are disposed horizontally, and the depths of the filter beds are graded horizontally to provide the differing degrees of filtration to the water.

Abstract: In a method for separating solid reaction products from silicon produced in an arc furnace, molten silicon produced in the arc furnace in a reduction of SiO.sub.2 and carbon is filtered through a heated layer composed of SiC/Si after a so-called holding phase at a temperature in a region above a melting point of the silicon. The layer is preferably fashioned as a bottom plate of a crucible. The melt has eliminated from it SiO.sub.2 and SiC particles contained therein. The method serves for the production of silicon for solar cells. Due to the separation of SiO.sub.2 and SiC out of the molten silicon, an efficiency of above 10% is achieved in the solar cells fabricated from this material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treating a medium and more particularly to treating a medium to reduce or inhibit biofouling.The invention provides a method for the reduction or inhibition of biofouling of a part of a system which is subject to contact with a medium capable of causing biofouling by providing biological material. The method comprises contacting the medium with a support material (which is preferably a high surface area material) so as to cause biological material to form on the support material in preference to the part of the system.The invention may be applied, for example, to inhibit or reduce biofouling of heat transfer surfaces in cooling water systems.

Abstract: A deep bed filter of the type comprising an upright vessel of particulate filter medium, inlet means at the top of the vessel for introduction of an aqueous stream to be filtered, outlet means at the bottom for removal of filtered liquid and means for backwashing the medium by an upward flow of liquid, has as the filter medium bone char and sand, the bone char being located substantially above the sand. The sand generally comprises a particulate mineral filter material selected from silica sand, fused alumina, garnet, zircon, ilmenite and glass.

Abstract: A new filtration device which floats in a body of the liquid to be filtered and which makes use of a bed of granular buoyant filtration media. The device comprises buoyancy means for giving the device sufficient buoyancy to float in the body of liquid; flow-defining structure attached to the buoyancy means and defining a flow path through which liquid may flow upwardly from the body of liquid; porous retaining means disposed across the defined flow path for holding a bed of buoyant filtration media against the force of liquid flowing upwardly through the path; and outlet means in communication with said flow path for conveying filtered liquid away from the filtration device.

Abstract: A water purifier consisting essentially of manganese dioxide particles having a 20 to 48 mesh size and macroscopic pores which are so large in size as to permit passage of water therethrough. The particles may have active sites of needle-like or columnar crystals of manganese dioxide on the surfaces thereof. A method for making such water purifier is also described.

Abstract: Gold values are recovered from mixtures thereof contained with sulfur, especially mixtures obtained from the hydrometallurgical processing of copper. The process comprises the following steps:(a) forming an aqueous suspension of the mixture containing the gold and sulfur values;(b) adjusting the chloride concentration of the suspension so that the suspension contains at least about 12 weight percent of chloride;(c) maintaining the oxidation reduction potential of the mixture in the range of about 650-750 millivolts;(d) adding cupric chloride or ferric chloride, if not already present in the mixture, in sufficient amounts to cause the gold contained in the mixture to dissolve into the solution; and(e) recovering the gold from the solution in an electrolytic cell, or by reaction with carbon.

Abstract: A particle precipitator in the form of a cylindrical tank accepts raw water through a tangentially and horizontally mounted pipe. The precipitator is divided into three separate chambers, a lower, middle, and upper chamber separated by two baffles. The raw water enters and circulates into the lower chamber and because the lower chamber is of much larger volume than the inlet pipe, the velocity of the raw water is substantially reduced. During the raw water's residence time in the lower chamber, many of the larger particles are permitted to precipitate out to the bottom of the precipitator tank. The water then flows through a center opening of the lower baffle to the middle chamber and around the outer edges of the upper baffle to the upper chamber. By the time the water reaches the upper chamber, most of the larger particles have had a chance to precipitate out and the water in this upper chamber is substantially cleaner than it was when it entered the precipitator tank.

Abstract: The present invention proposes the utilization of a bed of finely divided, naturally occurring, strongly hydrophilic, strongly oleophobic materials for the coalescent removal of oil from water-oil mixtures containing appreciable amounts of entrained gas, such as crude oil. Preferably, the bed materials have a water wetting-to-oil wetting ratio greater than about three and are of a particle size ranging from about 20 mesh to about 60 mesh. Specifically utilized materials include fruit pit shells and nut shells such as apricot pit shells, peach pit shells, walnut shells and the like. The method consists of flowing a water-oil mixture containing entrained gas through a deep bed of fine particles and coalescing the oil internally of the bed into globules of a size incapable of passing through the interstices of the bed.

Abstract: A filter system has a filter media comprised of particles of filter material contained within the lower end of a vessel. Liquid flows into the upper end of the vessel and down through the filter media, thereby removing unwanted contaminants from the liquid. When the accumulated contaminant load in the filter media reaches a selected value, the filter media is cleaned of contaminants by vigorously circulating the media within the vessel. This scrubbing action transfers the contaminants from the filter media into the scrub water, and thereby enables the contaminants to be removed from the vessel by discharging the scrub water therefrom. All activity is stopped to enable the media to gravitate back to the bottom of the vessel. The cleaned filter is returned to operation.

Abstract: A system for the rapid dewatering of sludge in large quantities makes use of a filter plate of design and construction capable of supporting heavy mechanized mobile equipment and without damage to the filter media. The filter plate features a monolithic plate of granular filter material used as the filtering medium in sludge beds for dewatering or reducing residual solids or sludge of potable water treatment systems. The filter material is made structurally rugged and with a smooth hard surface for the retention of sludge solids. The filter material is supported upon a substructure of aggregate providing approximately 40% internal voids for the gravity flow or drainage of filtrate and the back flow of chemicals and gases used in the rapid water reduction process. The assemblage is constructed of such strength as to allow for use of heavy handling equipment such as front end loaders in the removal of the dried sludge or cake upon the completion of the rapid water reduction process.

Abstract: A process for separating and collecting iodine from a liquid phase comprising adding an acid is to the liquid phase, and then conducting the liquid phase through an activated carbon filter.

Abstract: A filter system for entraining solid matter contained in a fluid wherein a mass of particulate filter material is suspended in a fluid confined within an enclosure and the fluid containing the solid matter to be filtered therefrom is pumped into the mass of particulate filter material so as to cause weltering of the particulate material and gravitational separation of the solid matter from the fluid.

Abstract: A method for obtaining uniform stream in an adsorption column is disclosed. This method uses an adsorption column having at least one single-flow passage in which the ratio of the inner diameter of the column to the average particle size of a packing to be packed in the adsorption column is at least 20, and comprises classifying the packing to be packed in the adsorption column and packing the fractions of the packing into the adsorption column in the order of particle size. Thus, a desired substance or substances contained in a mixture can be adsorbed and then separated as a uniform stream in an adsorption column.

Abstract: An effluent water filter device and method comprised of a cellular grid packed with an activated carbon and enclosed in a housing. The cellular grid is formed of a bacteria retarding material such as stainless steel. The housing is formed of a frame having screens on either side and locking end cap rings. The filter pack may be in any shape either rectangular or cylindrical.

Abstract: A sludge treatment technique adapted for separating volatile liquid hydrocarbons and/or water from sludge solids in a horizontal enclosed tank having a supported bed of filter particles. Liquids are permitted to drain and evaporate under controlled conditions and a removable top closure permits exposure of sludge solids to ambient U-V radiation and weathering conditions whereby lead-containing sludge is detoxified to environmentally acceptable levels.

Abstract: A filtration process and apparatus for the removal of solids from liquids is provided having a filter bed vertically disposed in a chamber which has a solids-containing liquid passed horizontally therethrough. The filter bed is regenerated after becoming loaded with solids. During filtering the liquid is divided into at least two partial streams, and each partial stream is conducted through a respective filter bed arranged in a chamber, which is comprised of reticulated particles of polyurethane. After the particles have been completely loaded with the solids, the liquid feed to and the liquid discharge from the respective chamber are interrupted. The solids adhereing to the particles are then transferred by agitation and/or gas treatment into a liquid volume remaining in the chamber, and the liquid volume is discharged together with the solids. The process is especially adaptable to be utilized in wastewater treatment, or for the removal of solids from scrubbing media.

Abstract: A methfd of filtering fine solids from a fluid (gas or liquid) flowing upwardly through a chamber containing a semifluidized bed of discrete filter particles. During a filtering operation, the upper or packed section of the bed is immobilized by a porous retainer at the top of the chamber and, as the operation proceeds, the packed bed section gradually expands downwardly, and the fluidized bed section below it progressively decreases in size, thereby extending the duration of the filtration run and yielding a more uniform distribution of solids throughout the filter medium.

Abstract: A filter system wherein there is a first chamber containing fluid at a predetermined level, a shroud positioned in the first chamber immersed in the fluid, said shroud defining a downwardly-open second chamber, a quantity of discrete, buoyant bodies supported in the shroud by flotation, said discrete, buoyant bodies defining a filter media, a conduit connected to the top of the shroud for delivering fluid to the shroud at a pressure to displace the discrete, buoyant bodies downwardly therein as the fluid is forced downwardly into the shroud and into the lower part of the first chamber below the shroud, a second chamber surrounding the first chamber, a conduit connecting the top of the shroud with the second chamber, a conductor connected to the bottom of the second chamber providing an outlet from the bottom and valves in the several conduits operable on the one hand to admit fluid into the shroud and to permit fluid to be withdrawn from the third chamber while blocking flow of fluid from the first chamber to

Abstract: A polymer slurry is passed past a filter and a wash fluid is caused to flow at a substantial angle with respect to the flow of the polymer slurry and toward the filter such as to replace at least a substantial portion of the fluid of the polymer slurry.

Abstract: A filter module wherein the fluid to be filtered is projected into a chamber containing a floating bed of buoyant bodies confined within the chamber at the top side and wherein the point of entry of the fluid is constantly moved about the center of the bed so that successive portions of the bed are subjected to weltering while the remainder is quiescent such that the solids are separated from the bodies dispersed by weltering and gravitate to the bottom of the module and are drawn off and the filtrate is drawn off through the quiescent portion of the bed at the top.

Abstract: A Bayer process solution is filtered through a bed of particles of a granular substance containing Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 to remove copper and zinc species from the solution. The particles preferably have an Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 content of about 40 to 100% by weight. For more effective removal of zinc, the particles are coated with a metal sulfide, preferably zinc sulfide.

Abstract: A containment reservoir for a liquid, such as petroleum oil, comprising, a walled ground containment space or pit, opening upwardly, with the space containing a liquid impervious flexible liner generally following the contour of the space, and with the liner comprising a layer of pervious fabric material having on at least one of its sides a layer of liquid impervious material, such as rubber, the liner being operable to prevent escape of liquid through the liner from the containment space; means are provided coacting with the liner covered containment space for removing liquid from the reservoir. A covering layer of pervious fabric material filters anything, including liquid, passing into the reservoir. A method of forming the reservoir from predetermined width strips of liner stock, and a method of retaining and salvaging oil spilled along a railroad track environment is also disclosed.

Abstract: Nonfibrous suspended solids, such as quartz, clays and phosphate slime solids, are removed from water by filtration through a bed of MgO.

Abstract: A method for separating out carbon particles from a composition comprising a plastic and carbon particles of submicron dimensions comprising the steps of adding the composition to an organic solvent for the plastic which does not dissolve the carbon particles at a concentration sufficiently dilute to allow the carbon particles to be free from the plastic and filtering the resulting mixture in a calcium carbonate column which traps essentially all of the carbon particles.

Abstract: A process for the filtration of biopolymer solutions is described, comprising contacting a biopolymer solution with an adsorbent material having a pH in the range of 8.5 to 10.0, preferably for a period of about 15 minutes. Synthetic calcium silicate and magnesium oxide are the preferred contacting materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to contact-making between a gas phase, at least one liquid phase, and at least one comminuted solid phase.The process uses a cell or compartment provided with at least one deflecting means such as the sloping wall 3 designed to impart an overall circulatory motion to the solid phase and with gas phase distributor 1, supplying this compartment with solid products, supplying this compartment with a liquid phase so as to cover entirely the solid when at rest, and feeding the compartment with the gas phase through the distributor 1 for the purpose of generating in said compartment a periodic pulsing stage consisting of gas-phase decompressions and layer contractions.The invention permits achieving an intimate contact between three distinct phases for the purpose of transfer(s) or of reaction(s) between these phases.

Abstract: A process for removal of suspended solids and adsorbable contaminants from an influent liquid containing same. A filter bed of porous polyurethane particles is provided, and a particulate adsorbent selective for the adsorbable contaminants is placed into the pores of the polyurethane particles. The suspended solids--and adsorbable contaminants--containing influent liquid is passed through the filter bed for deposition of the suspended solids on the polyurethane particles and adsorption of the adsorbable contaminants by the particulate adsorbent to yield a solids--and adsorbable contaminants--depleted liquid effluent, which is discharged from the filter bed. The influent liquid is passed through the filter bed until the filter bed is at least partially loaded with deposited solids and adsorbed contaminants, whereupon same are removed from the filter bed polyurethane particles to regenerate same, prior to repetition of the cycle.

Abstract: A filter regeneration method comprising mixing precipitate deposited on a bed of filtering particles throughout the bed to thereby reduce the pressure drop across the filter generally occurring during use. Regeneration is conveniently accomplished by fluidizing the precipitate and filtering particles into another portion of the filter. Two types of apparatus are described in which the regeneration method may be used.

Abstract: The process disclosed includes treating settled sludge and/or organic debris recovered from a wastewater treatment system and thermally converting the treated material and/or comminuted organic solid wastes separately or in combination into steam, combustible gas, residual tars and oils and other energy by-products which are recycled as heat for increasing the thermodynamic efficiency of the process. In one embodiment of the invention the process includes cleaning the combustible gas which is provided during the thermal conversion, with the clean gas driving a heat engine such as a gas engine or gas turbine generator or the like. In another embodiment of the invention the gas drives the heat engine without the above described benefit of the aforenoted cleaning.

Abstract: Filter apparatus for removing fine solids from aqueous effluents, e.g. waste water filtration, comprises horizontal upper and lower rigid filter plates formed of aggregate fixed in a matrix of cured organic resin defining therebetween a secondary filter zone containing loose filter media, first and second fluid confining chambers above and below said filter plates respectively from which liquid can flow through the filter plates, a vertical conduit for conducting liquid from beneath the lower filter plate for discharge into the first chamber through an opening in the upper filter plate, conduits for inlet and outlet of liquid to said secondary filter zone and second chamber and a sparger to spray wash water on the top surface of the upper filter plate. In a filtering mode, the liquid suspension to be filtered flows into the first chamber via said vertical conduit and then passes, in turn, through the upper filter plate, the filter zone, the lower filter plate and the second chamber to discharge therefrom.

Abstract: A single enclosed chamber includes a lower destabilizing area, a central filtering and coalescence area containing coalescence material, and an upper flotation and separation area. Emulsion is introduced into the lower destabilizing area and is destabilized therein. The emulsion is then passed upwardly into the central filtering and coalescence area. The dispersed phase of the emulsion is attracted to the coalescence material in the form of droplets, and as the emulsion continues to pass upwardly therethrough the droplets grow in size. During passage of the emulsion through the filtering and coalescence material, matter in suspension is filtered from the emulsion. Within the flotation and separation area is located a separation device including a lower convergent portion and an upper divergent portion.