Abstract: A method for cleaning process apparatus used for production of liquids, especially for cleaning filters, for example membrane filters. The apparatus is contacted with a solution of periodate. It is especially preferred that the cleaning process is carried out at a temperature between 15 and 95° C.

Abstract: A method and system for filtering water in aquarium tanks comprising: a macerating/comminuting chamber with a continuously self-cleaning screen covering the discharge outlet that only allows, optimally sized, easily digestible, organic material to pass out of the macerating/comminuting chamber and into an, optionally self-cleaning, media containing denitrifying microbes. There are three different embodiments that use the method of the current invention. These comprise: a reverse flow under-gravel filter apparatus with the macerating/comminuting chamber and filter screen on the discharge side of the pump, a reverse flow under-gravel filter apparatus with the macerating/comminuting chamber and filter screen on the inlet side of the pump, and an external box filter apparatus with the macerating/comminuting chamber on the discharge side of the pump.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the concentration sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of concentration values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read concentration values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment.

Abstract: A method for recovering tallow from meat processing wastewater includes adding a coagulant composition to the wastewater to agglomerate suspended fat, oil and grease particles in the wastewater, separating solid waste materials from the wastewater and isolating tallow from the solid waste materials. The coagulant composition includes tannin.

Abstract: An aquarium filter system mainly has a base and an uprightly mounted filtering cylinder; the filtering cylinder is provided therein with a pump unit, it can be optionally used to spray forceful water jet on the surface board of the base or to pump air into the filtering cylinder to form air bubbles in water in the filtering cylinder; after filtering, seawater in an aquarium can be kept clean.

Abstract: A filtering device for an aquarium which can easily perform maintenance, inspection and repair of a pump is provided. The present invention is directed to a filtering device for an aquarium to be installed outside an aquarium 1. The device includes a casing 20 open to the atmosphere, a filtration zone Z2 formed in the casing for filtrating water W introduced from the aquarium 1, a discharge pump 35 for sending the water passed through the filtration zone Z2 to an outside of the casing and discharging it into the aquarium, a functional component zone Z1 formed in the casing and separated from the filtration zone Z2, and a functional component unit 3 having the discharge pump 25 and a unit frame 31 for supporting the discharge pump 35. The functional component unit 3 is insertably and detachably accommodated in the functional component zone Z1 of the casing 20.

Abstract: A filtration system for an aquarium is provided. The filtration system includes a gate chamber with a gate conduit positioned therein that transports unprocessed water from the aquarium. The gate chamber includes filtering media. The filtration system also includes a siphon chamber that is fluidly coupled to the gate chamber. There is a siphon conduit having a siphon conduit inlet at a first elevation within the siphon chamber, a siphon conduit outlet at a second elevation below the first elevation, and a crest at a third elevation above the first and second elevations. The siphon conduit empties into a catch basin, where the processed water is transported back to the aquarium.

Abstract: A water aerating and dirt collecting device for an aquarium includes a pumping device having a paddle device for pumping and circulating the water contained within the aquarium, a receptacle having an entrance coupled to the pumping device for receiving the water from the pumping device and for agitating the water and for generating an eddy current, and a casing having an inlet port coupled to the receptacle for receiving a filtered dirt from the receptacle and having a mouth coupled to the pumping device for allowing an air in the casing to be drawn into the pumping device. The receptacle includes a tubular member for collecting the filtered dirt.

Abstract: A filtration system for an aquarium is provided. The filtration system includes a gate chamber with a gate conduit positioned therein that transports unprocessed water from the aquarium. The gate chamber includes filtering media. The filtration system also includes a siphon chamber that is fluidly coupled to the gate chamber. There is a siphon conduit having a siphon conduit inlet at a first elevation within the siphon chamber, a siphon conduit outlet at a second elevation below the first elevation, and a crest at a third elevation above the first and second elevations. The siphon conduit empties into a catch basin, where the processed water is transported back to the aquarium.

Abstract: A protein skimmer for filtering and cleaning water in an aquarium having a foam generating assembly having an air chamber (73) and a nozzle (74) in the air chamber, the nozzle being provided with a plurality of air holes (741) and being connected to an inlet tube (71), the inlet tube communicating with a foam cavity within a vertical guide tube (20) for foam, the guide tube (20) generally being tapered as a whole and including an open upper end (202), a bottom end (203) and a hollow cone-shaped circumferential wall being formed between the upper end and the bottom end and encircling the foam cavity (21) thereby tapering toward and communicating with the upper end (202).

Abstract: A method for processing environmental samples to remove or otherwise reduce the level of certain chemical species. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates a process for reducing the level of inorganic and/or organic chemical species in wastewater or other aqueous or semi-aqueous environments or other waste environments. The present invention further provides compositions of bacteria useful in modulating the redox potential of an environment to generate redox mediator species which facilitate the removal of particular inorganic or organic molecules from the environment or from samples therefrom. The redox potential is preferably modulated through microbial-mediated oxidation or reduction of metal cations under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, respectively. The present invention is further directed to a computer program which facilitates the controlled modulation of the redox potential of an aqueous or semi-aqueous environment or other environments.

Abstract: An improved aquarium filtration system is provided which includes a bio-reactor chamber. The bio-reactor chamber includes a plurality of bio-balls which have a high surface area for collecting bacteria for biological filtration. The bio-reactor includes one or more pumps for pumping both water and air into the bio-reactor chamber. Preferably, the oxygenated water creates protein laden foam and the bio-reactor chamber includes a removable protein collector. To this end, the bio-reactor chamber includes a vertical column for carrying the protein laden foam into the removable collector.

Abstract: The present invention is an aquarium filter that treats water mechanically, chemically and biologically, provides maximum and uniform circulation and aeration of water, prevents channeling, reduces surface debris, reduces leaking and clogging, maximizes the viewable area, facilitates a slim profile, while being uncomplicated to install and inexpensive. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention is an aquarium filter comprising a first surface skimmer, a second surface skimmer, a first mechanical filter, a second mechanical filter, a plurality of drip trays, a plurality of biological filters, a first chemical filter, a second chemical filter, a pump and a conduit.

Abstract: A protein skimmer for use in purification of water by culture of fish or other water organisms in a reservoir, aquarium or (2) with a circulation system comprising one or more discharge tubes (4) for water from the reservoir (2) to a pump (5) for circulation of the water, and a return tube (3) for water directly or indirectly from the pump (5) to the reservoir (2) The return tube (3) comprises at least one generally horizontal, straight portion (90) having one or more upwardly directed side branches (9) which has an opening (91) leading to air, in which the generally horizontal straight portion (90) is arranged for rapid passage of the water past. the side branch (9) and to have the water level at or above the intersection of the side branch (9) with the straight portion (90), and in which the side branch (9) is directed rearward relative to the direction of the water flow in the straight portion (90), and forms a first angle (v) with between 0° and about 90° with the straight portion (90).

Abstract: A filter system for use with an aquarium includes a housing having a pre-filter chamber, a biological chamber, and a sump. A protein skimmer receives water flowing from the pre-filter chamber and returns the water to the pre-filter chamber, such that a portion of the water flows through the protein skimmer several times before being returned to the aquarium. The biological chamber has a drip drawer holder having drip drawers for holding filter media pads and dispersing water substantially evenly over biological media in the biological chamber.

Abstract: An electrophoresis system for removing or reducing concentration of a metabolic component from blood or plasma of a subject is provided. A method for removing or reducing concentration or amount of a metabolic component in blood or plasma of a subject is also provided. The system and method include use of a set of ion permeable barriers and the application of an electrical potential across these barriers to selectively remove metabolic components from blood or plasma.

Abstract: A self-contained aquaculture system comprising a modular building defining a first main chamber for containing fish or marine invertebrates, a second swirl chamber comprising a primary filter communicating with the main chamber for removing solids from the main chamber, a drum filter for receiving and filtering water from the swirl chamber, a third biological filter chamber beneath the drum filter for receiving water therefrom and a biological filter tank. Water is pumped from the chamber. The building defines an enclosed space over the chambers, the temperature of which is controlled by an air conditioning unit. A foam fractionator, ultraviolet unit and ozone generator are used for treating the water in the main chamber.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel biological methods for efficiently reducing nitrate levels and otherwise conditioning aquarium water and water in similar environments.

Abstract: This invention is directed to processes designed to recover water used in certain aspects of the processing of poultry, treat the recovered water to remove solids, fats, oils and greases, animal proteins and pathogenic organisms and to reuse the treated water for poultry processing operations. Although the reuse points will vary from plant to plant depending upon specific water consumption volumes, type of processing operations conducted by the facility and regulatory requirements and approvals, there are a number of reuse points which are preferred based upon treated water quality requirements, material balances relating to the capacity to recover process streams and the consumption volumes at the identified reuse points, and source waters that have been shown to have the least total contaminant loading.

Abstract: Device and method for keeping and growing aquatic organisms by optimizing the microbiological treatment of water. The device comprises a first chamber for holding oxygen-depleted water and a second chamber for holding oxygen-rich water, the first and second chambers being separated from one another by a porous substrate which comprises micro-organisms. In the active state, water circulates in the device across the porous substrate for the purpose of microbiological treatment. Using means for conditioning the oxygen-depleted water and oxygen-rich water next to one another results in the composition of the water being effectively kept at optimum values for the microbiological treatment of the water. In addition, sediment comprising waste matter is removed by separation means which are incorporated in an oxygen-depleted circuit and in an oxygen-rich circuit; this prevents the water from becoming turbid and prevents the accumulation of waste matter in the form of sediment.

Abstract: This invention is directed to processes designed to recover water used in certain aspects of the processing of poultry, treat the recovered water to remove solids, fats, oils and greases, animal proteins and pathogenic organisms and to reuse the treated water for poultry processing operations. Although the reuse points will vary from plant to plant depending upon specific water consumption volumes, type of processing operations conducted by the facility and regulatory requirements and approvals, there are a number of reuse points which are preferred based upon treated water quality requirements, material balances relating to the capacity to recover process streams and the consumption volumes at the identified reuse points, and source waters that have been shown to have the least total contaminant loading.

Abstract: A process is provided which can be used to treat aqueous streams comprising soluble biomaterials, especially proteins, wherein the concentration of soluble biomaterials is substantially reduced. The process comprises adjusting the pH of a substantially aqueous to less than or equal to pH 3 to produce a first pH-adjusted stream, which is in turn adjusted to greater than pH 3 to produce a second pH-adjusted stream followed by addition of a flocculant to produce a flocculated material.

Abstract: A process and system for removing animal processing contaminants and fats, oils, and greases from large volume quantities of waste water. In the process, a waste water stream containing the contaminants is treated with a chemical oxidant, polymer compound and coagulant to create a particle having a diameter greater than 50 microns. Treated waste water is passed through a microfiltration membrane which physically separates the contaminant particle from the waste water. Commercially available microfiltration membranes having a pore size in the range of 0.5 micron to 10 microns may be used. The treated waste water flow rate through the microfiltration membranes can range from at least 200 gallons per square foot of membrane per day (“GFD”) to in excess of 750 GFD. Solids are removed from the membrane surface by periodically backflushing the microfiltration membranes and draining the filtration vessel within which the membranes are located.

Abstract: The precipitation and removal of suspended fat and protein components and other suspended solids from a given solution can be accomplished by the addition of an aluminate to complex with the fat and protein components and the addition of a flocculating agent to flocculate the aluminate/fat and protein component complexes into insoluble particles capable of removal by conventional technology, which insoluble particles can be rendered to produce tallow.

Abstract: A tank system and a method for accommodating aquatic life and particularly fish. The tank system comprises a holding tank for holding fluid to sustain aquatic life disposed therein and a filtering means in the form of a biofilter for receiving extraneous fluid from the top of the holding tank at one side thereof separated from the biofilter by a partition. A tank discharge means comprising a longitudinally extending lip surmounts the partition to permit the discharge and passage of extraneous fluid from the top of the holding tank via a prefilter to a filtering area in which the biofilter is disposed. Recirculating means including a network of pipes is provided for recirculating the extraneous fluid passed through biofilter by gravity, from the bottom of the filtering area back to the holding tank via one or pumps and a pair of water inlet lines.

Abstract: An adsorbent for reducing the concentration of fibrinogen and/or fibrin in blood or blood plasma comprises a matrix and synthetic lateral chains that are covalently bonded to the matrix. The lateral synthetic chains are comprised of at least two amino groups in which the N2 atoms are at least 2.6 Å apart within at least one lateral synthetic chain. The matrix exhibits porous, unaggregated, spherical particles in a range of particle sizes from 50 to 250 &mgr;m, which possess an exclusionary threshold of at least 107 Daltons, and they exhibit no peptides or aromatic groups of any kind. The at least two amino groups are preferably separated from one another by 4 to 6 carbon atoms. An adsorber for the purpose of reducing the concentration of fibrinogen and/or fibrin in blood or blood plasma may be produced from the adsorbent.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for nitrifying denitrifying organic waste water to nitrify and denitrify the nitrogenous components in the waste water, which comprises making use of a microbe carrier composed of an organic thermoplastic high molecular compound (thermoplastic polyurethane) in both a nitrifying step and a denitrifying step, preferably in an alternate and repeated manner, wherein the compound has, in a state of complete swelling in water, a water absorption rate in the range of 50 to 3500%, a compressive yield stress of at least 1.0 MPa each being defined by a specific formula, and a particle diameter in the range of 1.0 to 30 mm. The process is capable of efficiently performing nitrifying and denitrifying steps, steadily achieving high treatment performances, contriving compactification of the treatment facility, and curtailing the treatment time and treatment cost, while the microbe carrier can withstand long-term service without any trouble.

Abstract: The presently disclosed disinfection process for use in the processing of foodstuffs is designed as an intervention step in poultry processing to allow for continuous on-line processing of poultry carcasses that may have accidentally become contaminated during the evisceration process. Such on-line processing is designed to replace the need for off-line manual washing and cleaning of the contaminated carcasses. By eliminating such off-line manual washing, food safety will be enhanced due to the elimination of the physical handling of carcasses and the cross-contamination that may result from such physical handling. An additional benefit is that the production process will also be able to run with a reduced number of interruptions, which will result in a more efficient production process.

Abstract: A protein skimmer for removal of protein contaminates from protein contaminated water. An injector is used for spraying protein contaminated water into a water bubble chamber. The spraying motion causes bubble generation in the water bubble chamber. Contaminates in the water attach themselves to the bubbles and rise to the surface of the water as foam. A hollow foam riser is attached to the top of the water bubble chamber and provides an exit pathway for the contaminated foam. As foam is generated, it rises through the foam riser and carries with it contaminates. A foam collection cup is attached to the top of the foam riser and collects the contaminated foam. Consequently, the water left behind in the mixing chamber is substantially more pure. The substantially more pure water exits the mixing chamber through a purified water exit aperture.

Abstract: A device for removing toxins from blood or plasma comprising a cartridge containing a polymeric resin having a coating thereon which renders the resin blood compatible. The resin comprises divinylbenzene monomer which has a porosity, pore size, and surface area suitable for absorption of unhealthy components of blood, such as &bgr;-2-microglobulin.

Abstract: A polymeric resin is disclosed in the form of beads or particles having a coating thereon which renders the resin blood compatible. The resin comprises divinylbenzene monomer which has a porosity, pore size, and surface area suitable for absorbtion of unhealthy components of blood, such as &bgr;-2-microglobulin.

Abstract: A method of removing beta-2 microglobulin from blood, plasma and the like, has the steps of removing blood from a patient, passing the blood through an ADSORBENT material with a size and a structure selected so as to remove beta-2 microglobulin from the blood, and re-entering the blood from which the beta-2 microglobulin is removed into the patient.

Abstract: Process for the treatment of polluted metal-mechanic industrial waste water and urban water, comprising: treating the polluted water with an acid liquor including ferrous chloride and hydrochloric acid, in order to promote the denaturalization of protein present in metal-mechanic industrial water or urban water and generate a clarifying and purifying flocculus from said polluted water.

Abstract: The precipitation and removal of suspended fat and protein components and other suspended solids from a given solution can be accomplished by the addition of an aluminate to complex with the fat and protein components and the addition of a flocculating agent to flocculate the aluminate/fat and protein component complexes into insoluble particles capable of removal by conventional technology, which insoluble particles can be rendered to produce tallow.

Abstract: A polymeric resin is disclosed in the form of beads or particles having a coating thereon which renders the resin blood compatible. The resin comprises divinylbenzene monomer which has a porosity, pore size, and surface area suitable for absorbtion of unhealthy components of blood, such as &bgr;-2-microglobulin.

Abstract: An improved surface feed filter pump box for aquarium is provided which feeds water from the surface for filtration. The box performs this filtration inside the aquarium. Since the device does not hang on the outside of the tank there is no leaking or overflowing operation is quiet. Water circulation helps bring more nutrition to live plant and fish life and prevents waste from collecting at the bottom of the aquarium. It also helps prevent excessive overflow and the motor used from running dry. The invention in addition makes changing filters easy and convenient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for conditioning food processing waste prior to mechanical dewatering with the use of environmentally friendly coagulants and flocculants. The method of the present invention comprises treating these waste waters with an effective amount of a vinylamine polymer including from about 1 to about 100 mole percent vinylamine and from about 1 to about 99 mole percent of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of amidine, vinylformamide, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, vinyl pyrrolidinone and the esters, amides, nitriles and salts of acrylic acid and methacrytic acid. In an embodiment, the method of the present invention includes the further step of adding an effective amount of at least one flocculant to the food processing waste. The flocculent effectively agglomerates a portion of the colloidal organic solids into suspended solids.

Abstract: An improved process for the treatment of water, selected from livestock wastewater and a livestock water stream, which process comprises adding to said water a composition comprising a sufficient amount of an acid to lower the water pH to less than 3.5 to 2.0; and wherein said acid is selected from the group of 1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-(1H,3H,5H)-hydroxyalkyltriglyoxilic acid (PR-1409SA); 2,2-oxy-diacetic acid; 2,2-ether diglycolic acid; sulfamic acid; and sulfuric acid.

Abstract: A protein skimmer for removal of protein contaminates from protein contaminated water. An injector is used for spraying protein contaminated water into a water bubble chamber. The spraying motion causes bubble generation in the water bubble chamber. Contaminates in the water attach themselves to the bubbles and rise to the surface of the water as foam. A hollow foam riser is attached to the top of the water bubble chamber and provides an exit pathway for the contaminated foam. As foam is generated, it rises through the foam riser and carries with it contaminates. A foam collection cup is attached to the top of the foam riser and collects the contaminated foam. Consequently, the water left behind in the mixing chamber is substantially more pure. The substantially more pure water exits the mixing chamber through a purified water exit aperture.

Abstract: A method of purifying an aqueous liquid stream is provided, wherein the liquid stream is pressurized and contains proteinaceous materials, such as blood, and suspended solids, comprising the introduction of carbon dioxide into the liquid stream in a manner to reduce the pH of the liquid stream sufficient to cause coagulation ofthe proteinaceous materials. Specifically, it is intended that the pH of the liquid stream is reduced to a level below the isoelectric point of the proteinaceous materials, preferably at a level below pH 4.5. In a preferred method, the liquid stream is moved by a dissolved gas pump, wherein the carbon dioxide is introduced into the dissolved gas pump, and wherein a first portion of the gas is caused to dissolve within the liquid stream, and a second portion of the gas is caused to entrain within the liquid stream in the form of micro-fine bubbles.

Abstract: A protein skimmer for removal of protein contaminates from protein contaminated water. An injector is used for spraying protein contaminated water into a mixing chamber having a water bubble chamber. The spraying motion causes bubble generation in the water bubble chamber. Contaminates in the water attach themselves to the bubbles and rise to the surface of the water as foam. A hollow foam riser is attached to the top of the mixing chamber and provides an exit pathway for the contaminated foam. As foam is generated, it rises through the foam riser and carries with it contaminates. A foam collection cup is attached to the top of the foam riser and collects the contaminated foam. Consequently, the water left behind in the mixing chamber is substantially more pure. The substantially more pure water exits the mixing chamber through a purified water exit aperture.

Abstract: A process for removing toxins from blood is disclosed. The process involves contacting the blood with a microporous ion exchanger to remove toxins in the blood. Alternatively, the blood can be contacted with a dialysis solution which is then contacted with the ion exchanger. The microporous ion exchangers are represented by the following empirical formulae:A.sub.p M.sub.x Zr.sub.1-x Si.sub.n Ge.sub.y O.sub.m (I)andA.sub.p M.sub.x Ti.sub.1-x Si.sub.n Ge.sub.y O.sub.

Abstract: Porous Zirconia particles of specific gravity of 2.5-3.5 g/cm.sup.3 and mean particle sizes of 30-400 .mu.m can be synthesized using oil emulsion methods from colloids and used for protein adsorption in stable expanded beds. Expanded beds of less than 1.0 settled bed height to diameter (approximately 10 ml bed volume) are stable at linear fluid velocities of at least about 100 cm/hour.

Abstract: A method and a system which enable simple and inexpensive removal of heavy metals from a heavy-metal-containing substance. In this method, a substance containing heavy metals and water are introduced into a mixing bath in proportions by weight of 1:3 to 1:6. A strong acid is added to the mixture, and the mixture is stirred while its pH is maintained at a pH lower than 4. As a result of stirring of the substance at a pH 4, heavy metals are extracted into the liquid as metal ions. The metal-ion-containing liquid is input to a heavy metal precipitation bath, and the pH of the liquid is increased to a pH higher than 10 by addition of alkali to the liquid. Gas bubbles of carbonic acid gas are input to the liquid from a lower portion of the heavy metal precipitation bath, and they are broken into a large quantity of small gas bubbles of carbonic acid gas by turbine blades. The large quantity of gas bubbles of carbonic acid are brought into contact with the metal-ion-containing liquid having a pH higher than 10.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the purification of a medium containing organic waste. The process according to the present invention is characterized in that the starting medium (or effluent) containing the organic waste is subjected to the following stages: (i) treatment with at least one oxidizing agent; (ii) treatment with at least one flocculating agent; (iii) treatment with at least one polyelectrolyte, and in that the effluent obtained on conclusion of all of these stages is subjected to a filtration stage (iv), whereby a filtration cake and a filtrate are obtained. The process according to the present invention is more particularly useful for the treatment of pig manure.

Abstract: Porous zirconia particles of specific gravity of 2.5-3.5 g/cm.sup.3 and mean particle sizes of 30-400 .mu.m can be synthesized using oil emulsion methods from colloids and used for protein adsorption in stable expanded beds. Expanded beds of less than 1.0 settled bed height to diameter (approximately 10 ml bed volume) are stable at linear fluid velocities of at least about 100 cm/hour.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various methods, such as an above-ground method and an in-ground method, of using a palladized iron bimetallic system for the dechlorination of chlorinated organic compounds from various effluents or contaminated soil containing the same. The use of palladized iron bimetallic system results in the dechlorination of the chlorinated organic compound into environmentally safe reaction products.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the treatment of food processing wastes. More particularly, the present invention provides a chemical treatment method that effectively removes fat, blood, tissue and other solids from food processing waste, using novel hydrophobically associating copolymer compositions. These polyelectrolyte compositions are water soluble silicon containing copolymers prepared from dialkyldiallyl ammonium halides, particularly diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride (DADMAC) and vinyl alkoxysilanes, preferably vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating food processing wastes. Pursuant to the method, the food processing waste is treated with an effective amount of a dispersion of a water-soluble cationic polymer flocculant. In further embodiments, the method of the present invention includes the further steps of adding effective amounts of both a coagulant and flocculant in combination or separately.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the removal and recovery of sulfides from tannery waste water or liquor. The apparatus comprises a closed vessel, the sulfide-bearing liquor is introduced into a first or acidulation zone of the vessel and mixed with acid to decrease the pH, preferably to a value below 4.0, and generate hydrogen sulfide. The acidified liquor is then overflowed into a second or desorption zone of the vessel and slowly agitated and conveyed through the second zone by disc conveyors to release the hydrogen sulfide gas from the liquor. A slight vacuum is drawn on the vessel causing the released hydrogen sulfide gas to be drawn into a third reaction zone of the vessel, where the gas combines with sodium hydroxide solution to form sodium sulfhydrate. The effluent from the second zone can be filtered or dewatered and the filtrate discharged to a disposal site while the proteinaceous solids can be recovered for use as fertilizer.