Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed to purify wastewater of many different compositions by controlling the pH and the flocking of the particulate matter in the water and by gently dewatering the flock produced in the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reverse osmosis filtration devices, and more particularly, to membrane filtration devices (10, 11, 12) that have flow meters and fluid conductivity meters powered by RFID tags. Embodiments of the present invention comprise reverse osmosis filters and filtration systems comprising measuring devices, including flow and conductivity meters. The meters of the present invention are preferably located on or within permeate core tubes (16) of filtration devices and systems.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for separating biological particles are provided.

Abstract: Pretreatment method and apparatus to remove matrix ions from a liquid sample, prior to separation of the sample analytes (e.g. by chromatography), by flowing the liquid sample into a sample compartment and stopping the flow. The sample compartment has a wall comprising an ion exchange membrane having exchangeable ions of the same charge as the matrix ions to be removed. A regenerant liquid stream flows through a regenerant flow compartment on the other side of the membrane from said parked liquid sample. Matrix ions in the parked liquid sample are transported across the membrane into the regenerant flow compartment. Suppression may be performed electrolytically and/or chemically. A concentrator column may also be used.

Abstract: Hot water pipes, in areas with hard water, tend to fill with scale until they no longer pass enough water. De-scaling water pipes with acid is dangerous, expensive and damages the pipes. Ion exchange and reverse osmosis water softeners eliminate scale buildup in pipes, but are expensive. Embodiments of this invention provide a means of keeping an amount of the scale precipitate, created when water is heated, inside a housing by passing the hot water through a removal medium where the scale sticks to the surface. The removal medium can be placed inside the water heater or in a separate housing connected to the water heater; both configurations remove the precipitate from hot water; both save hot water pipes from scale accumulation.

Abstract: A filter apparatus is provided for the filtering of substances from a fluid having a filter housing (2) which bounds a filter space (6) and which has an inlet (3) and an outlet (4) for the fluid to be filtered and having a filter element (5) which is provided in the filter space (6) and which is designed and arranged so that the filtering fluid can only flow through the filter element (5) from the inlet (3) to the outlet (4) of the filter housing (2) in operation, wherein a heating device (10) is provided for the heating of the fluid which includes a microwave source (11) in order to act on the fluid by microwaves.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating water are provided. In certain examples, the system may include a first stage, a second stage fluidically coupled to the first stage and a third stage fluidically coupled to the second stage. In some examples, the system may provide treated water having a specific resistance of greater than or equal to 1 Megohm-cm. In certain examples, the water recovery rate using the system may be 90% or more by volume.

Abstract: A liquid chromatograph apparatus capable of eliminating a deviation of measurement results originating from an instrumental error is provided. According to the present invention, a mobile phase arrival time T of the liquid chromatograph apparatus is determined in advance. The mobile phase arrival time T is a time taken for a mobile phase mixed by a pump to reach a detector. When operating the liquid chromatograph apparatus, sample injection into the mobile phase is started after a time corresponding to the mobile phase arrival time T passes. Collection of data output from the detector is started after a predetermined time passes after starting the sample injection into the mobile phase.

Abstract: Particle collection, transport, and detection systems are disclosed. The systems are uniquely adapted for collecting or concentrating particles from a flowing medium and then transporting the collected particles to a desired location or for subsequent analysis. Electrostatic traveling wave grids can be used in conjunction with sample concentrators.

Abstract: A method for testing the integrity of a membrane includes steps of placing a magnetically susceptible material in a fluid upstream of the membrane, collecting the material downstream of the membrane using a magnetic field, and detecting the material using a sensor.

Abstract: A system for purifying an aqueous solution of crude caprolactam is provided, which includes a filtration zone (A), an inspection unit (B), a purification zone (C), and a first temporary storage tank (D). The filtration zone (A) contains a filtration apparatus though which an aqueous solution of crude caprolactam is filtered to remove ionic impurities therein, so as to obtain caprolactam-containing filtrate; the inspection unit (B) is used for judging the filtrate from the filtration zone (A) meets the preset inspection standards; the purification zone(C) is used for concentrating and further purifying filtrate meeting the preset inspection standards, thereby forming a final caprolactam product; and the first temporary storage tank (D) is used for receiving the filtrate not meeting the preset inspection standards, which is then mixed with the aqueous solution of crude caprolactam and delivered back to the filtration zone (A).

Abstract: Particle collection, transport, and detection systems are disclosed. The systems are uniquely adapted for collecting or concentrating particles from a flowing medium and then transporting the collected particles to a desired location or for subsequent analysis. Electrostatic traveling wave grids can be used in conjunction with sample concentrators.

Abstract: A slurry monitoring system is provided. A filter encompasses a filter chamber containing a purge piston. During a monitor operation, the purge piston is retracted, and slurry enters the filter chamber through the filter, then passes into an outlet pipe, where a characteristic of the slurry is monitored by a monitoring device. During a purge operation, a flush valve is opened to allow water to pass into the filter chamber through an inlet pipe. The purge piston is extended to force filtered slurry from the filter chamber. The water dilutes filtered slurry remaining in the filter chamber. The flush valve is then closed and the purge piston retracted. This forces diluted slurry to pass out of the filter. This purges the filter. Diluted slurry also passes into the outlet pipe, which purges the outlet pipe and monitoring device.

Abstract: The SSF/x slow sand filter for use in treating drinking water for homes or rural villages with features providing simpler on-site assembly, preset maximum flow, easy monitoring of pressure head loss, protection of piping, and a harrowing system for cleaning. The filter employs a novel hydraulic scheme which places most pipe and plumbing within the filter vessel. The filter employs a novel device that combines flow control, pressure measurement, freeze protection, and anti-siphon features. This in combination with a relatively shallow supernatant level provides for consistent reliable operation, easy maintenance, and reasonably long filter runs as deemed very desirable in remote rural locations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filter module that may incorporate sensors to measure various characteristics of fluid flow and filtration. The sensors may be MEMS and may measure the temperature, flow rate, pressure, etc. of the fluid. One or more MEMS sensors may be included in a sensor package which, in turn, may be included in a sensor component. The latter, which may also include a processor, conductor pins, etc. for data communication, may be coupled to a sensor port in such a way as to allow contact between the sensor(s) and the fluid. Sensor measurements may be used to determine the occurrence of harmful events, such as cavitation or particle breakthrough, or to predict the remaining service life of a filter element.

Abstract: The integrity of membranes utilized on-board marine vessels to separate oil from oily waste water is monitored by conducting the cleansed waste water along a predetermined path through an enclosure within which a surface of such waste water during flow is exposed to a confined body of air so as to effect the extent of light absorbed therefrom into the waste water. Sensing the light remaining in the body of air produces signals from which membrane integrity may be determined based on the presence of an oil film on the air exposed waste water surface.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrapure water producing apparatus with reduced problems resulting from impurities generated after replacement of unit apparatuses. A TOC-UV (1), a CP (2) and a UF film (3) are provided in this order from the upstream side of a pure water supply route. Ultrapure water flowing through the UF film (3) is supplied to a use point. A branch route branched from the pure water supply route is provided downstream of the UF film (3). A dissolved oxygen concentration meter (M1) is interposed in the branch route for measuring dissolved oxygen concentration in ultrapure water passed through the UF film (3). The branch route is connected to an oxidant decomposition unit (11). Oxidants included in ultrapure water flowing through the branch route are all converted into DO at the oxidant decomposition unit (11).

Abstract: A water purifier 40 includes a flow meter 42 for measuring the cumulative flow of water through a water purification cartridge 6. The flow meter has an indicator portion 44 that rotates in response to increasing cumulative flow and a graduated portion 46 rotating about the same axis as that of the indicator portion. The graduated portion includes an insertion groove 29 for manually rotating the graduated portion in order to reset the flow meter. Because the flow meter has few part, the body of the water purifier can be made compact and its cost reduced.

Abstract: A slurry monitoring system (20) is provided. A filter (34) encompasses a filter chamber (36) containing a purge piston (66). During a monitor operation (100), the purge piston (66) is retracted, and slurry (32) enters the filter chamber (36) through the filter (34), then passes into an outlet pipe (60), where a characteristic of the slurry (32) is monitored by a monitoring device (62). During a purge operation (102), a flush valve (54) is opened to allow water (56) to pass into the filter chamber (36) through an inlet pipe (52). The purge piston (66) is extended to force filtered slurry (110) from the filter chamber (36). The water (56) dilutes filtered slurry (110) remaining in the filter chamber (36). The flush valve (54) is then close and the purge piston (66) retracted. This forces diluted slurry (140) to pass out of the filter (34). This purges the filter (34). Diluted slurry (140) also passes into the outlet pipe (60), which purges the outlet pipe (60) and monitoring device (62).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the filtration of process fluid. The system provides establishing a peak flow rate of permeate through a filter and then engaging a filtering cycle in which process fluid is passed through the filter until such time as the flow rate of permeate through the filter reaches a predetermined level which is set as a function of the initial permeate flow rate. At that point in time, a cleaning cycle is entered, during which cleaning fluid is passed through the filter for such a period of time as is necessary to allow the permeate flow rate with the cleaning solution to stabilize. At that point in time, the processing of process fluid is recommenced and the process continues on a repetitive basis between the processing of process fluid and the cleaning of the filter.

Abstract: A simulated moving bed separation system is provided, in which a fluid circulation flow path can be washed for a short time. This system is provided with a circulation flow path having two or more packed beds connected in series and endlessly to each other, with desorbing-charging inlet, extract draw-out port, feedstock introducing port and raffinate draw-out port arranged in this order in the direction of flow of a circulation liquid, which are allowed to intermittently shift in the direction while being kept in this order, and with packed bed-washing pipes, valves and pumps. A desorbing liquid is introduced through the desorbing liquid introducing port into the circulation flow path. An extract rich in a strongly adsorptive constituent to be separated is drawn out through the extract draw-out port.

Abstract: A water quality meter is composed of a plurality of analyzing units for analyzing water samples introduced from a water distribution pipe, each analyzing unit including a reagent mixing cell and a measuring cell, and a liquid introducing unit integrated with the analyzing units, which is composed of a single member in which a plurality of fluid flow paths for feeding various types of liquid including the water sample into the analyzing unit are formed. Furthermore, the cells and the plurality of three-dimensional fluid flow paths formed in the single member are fabricated by a micro-fabrication technique using photo-curing resin.

Abstract: A water quality meter is composed of a plurality of analyzing units for analyzing water samples introduced from a water distribution pipe, each analyzing unit including a reagent mixing cell and a measuring cell, and a liquid introducing unit integrated with the analyzing units, which is composed of a single member in which a plurality of fluid flow paths for feeding various types of liquid including the water sample into the analyzing unit are formed. Furthermore, the cells and the plurality of three-dimensional fluid flow paths formed in the single member are fabricated by a micro-fabrication technique using photo-curing resin.

Abstract: A water quality management system for managing the water quality in a water supply network having water pipe lines running from the purification plant to consumers' faucets to maintain the water quality at the consumers at the terminals of the network at an appropriate level. The water quality monitors for measuring the quality of water in the pipe lines are installed in the small-pipe water distribution network branching from the water distribution main pipe network and running toward the consumers. The water distribution facility for improving the water quality is installed at the base point of the small-pipe water distribution network. The water quality in the small-pipe water distribution network is managed based on the signals from the water quality monitors.

Abstract: A method is described for determining hemodialysis parameters during an extracorporeal blood treatment according to which the blood to be treated in an extracorporeal circulation flows through the blood chamber of a dialyzer divided by a semipermeable membrane into the blood chamber and a dialysate chamber, and dialysate in a dialysate path flows through the dialysate chamber of the dialyzer. According to the method pursuant to the invention, the hemodialysis parameter can also be determined when no balanced state has yet been established. The method according to the invention is based on the response of the dialyzer to a pulse function as inlet signal (pulse response) from the course over time of the physical or chemical characteristic quantity of the dialysate upstream and downstream of the dialyzer. The hemodynamic parameter is then determined from the pulse response of the dialyzer.

Abstract: A process is described for filtration of fluids, particularly of heterodisperse fluids like beer, in which a cleaning cycle of the MF modules is always carried out when the transmembrane pressure exceeds a pre-set pressure which has been selected to be equal to the optimal trans-membrane pressure for the particular fluid to be filtered as regards its analytical appearance. In beer filtration this value is preferably set at 1.5 bar. The microfiltration facility is equipped with numerous MF modules 5, arrayed in series and parallel; with a device for cleansing the MF modules 5; and with a measuring device 3 for recording trans-membrane pressure, attached to a control device 7, which, upon attaining the pre-set trans-membrane pressure, interrupts the filtration process and starts a cleansing cycle going.

Abstract: Providing an apparatus for detecting gas leakage from the periphery of a cylinder valve or the like of a plurality of gas cylinders, non-manually in a short time without failure, in place of manual detection.The apparatus for detecting gas leakage from a plurality of gas cylinders is characterized in that the apparatus is constructed such that one end of each of flexible hoses (2) is connected to each cap (1) put on a plurality of gas cylinders, the other end of each of flexible hoses is connected to one of the faces of an assembly panel (3), another flexible hose (4) is led out of the other face of the assembly panel and connected to a detector (6), a gas aspirator (5) for sucking gas from the cap, is connected upstream or downstream of the detector (6), and these apparatuses are controlled by a controller (7).

Abstract: In a dispensing apparatus having a water purification unit for purifying raw water to produce purified water, a beverage unit for producing the beverage by the use of the purified water, and a pipeline for conducting the purified water from the water purification unit to the beverage unit, a flow rate detector is connected to the pipeline. The flow rate detector detects a flow rate of the purified water in the pipeline to produce a flow rate signal. Responsive to the flow rate signal, a control arrangement controls supply of the raw water into the water purification unit.

Abstract: A lubricant filtering and monitoring system and method is provided for a lubricant circulation system circulating lubricant through a filter to a lubricated component. A combination of sensors senses a condition of the lubricant before and after passage through the filter and before and after passage through the component and provides an output indicative of a condition in the circulation system. A sensor senses a condition of lubricant flowing through the filter, and another sensor senses a condition of lubricant flowing through a reference section for comparison against and normalizing of the output of the first sensor. A method of actively monitoring the component is provided by comparing influent to the component with effluent from the component to ascertain how lubricant is being modified by the component, by sensing a condition of lubricant passing through the filter. An effective method is provided for determining when to change or clean the filter.

Abstract: A sampling system for a blood treatment circuit is disclosed, and is designed to collect a sample representative of all waste liquid discharged from a blood treatment apparatus during a treatment session. The circuit includes a feed line for supplying fresh treatment liquid to the blood treatment apparatus and a discharge line for evacuating waste liquid. A withdrawal line connects the discharge line to a collecting container, and a flow meter in each of the discharge line and the withdrawal line measures liquid flow. A controllable flow restrictor such as a valve is provided in the withdrawal line. A controller selectively opens the flow restrictor each time a predetermine volume is measured in the discharge line and closes the flow restrictor each time another predetermined volume is measured in the withdrawal line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system which makes it possible to remove undesirable liquids, generally an aqueous phase, which precipitate to the bottom of tanks for storing liquid products. Use is made of a drainage device (30) which comprises a concave body (31), a seat (26), and an interface float (8) which has a plug portion (25). This interface float (8) is designed to sink into the product and to float on the aqueous phase. As the level of the aqueous phase drops, the plug portion (25) settles sealingly on the seat (26), halting the drainage operation since all the accumulated aqueous phase has already been drained off. The drainage system may be automatic or manual. In the former case, use is made of a sensor (12) for detecting the presence of an aqueous phase and commanding the process of opening a shut-off valve (11) and allowing drainage of the accumulated aqueous phase.

Abstract: A coin-operated purified water dispensing machine has an exterior housing shaped like a kiosk for a mall. A state of the art water purification system is housed in the kiosk. A unique combination of an RO filter and a bladder type storage tank minimizes the necessary components to pump and measure the purified water. A unique tamper proof and bacteria resistant nozzle assembly includes a retractable nozzle having a shutter door to prevent access while in the passive mode. A pinch valve assembly controls the water flow in a non-invasive manner. Also a continuous flow of ozone to the nozzle assembly deters bacteria growth.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser having a filter status sensor includes a fuel delivery path for delivering fuel from a station storage tank to a vehicle; a fuel filter in the delivery path for filtering fuel flowing in the delivery path; a flow monitor in the delivery path for measuring fuel flow in the delivery path; and a controller associated with the flow monitor adapted to determine and compare a first flow rate taken during a first cycle with a second flow rate taken during a second cycle. The controller provides a filter status signal when the first and second flow rates differ by more than a predetermined difference indicative of an unclean fuel filter.

Abstract: A monitoring device for a drinking water purification system comprising a microprocessor that controls the overall operations of the monitoring system, a LCD indicating circuit that relates information to maintenance personnel, a detecting means that analyses related data for determining the condition and extents of clogging of the filtration elements, a warning means that produces verbal or musical sound for warning consumers about the clogged condition of the water filtration elements, and a power switching means that cuts off electricity supply to the water pump of the purification system. In operation, the filtration elements will be clogged by impurities after being used for a period of time. If the filtration elements are clogged, the monitoring device will make a sound to warn of such condition of the filtration elements and will eventually cut off the power supply to the pump for stopping water delivery if the clogged filtration elements are not replaced after a certain period of time.

Abstract: A monitoring device for a reverse osmosis purification system of drinking water comprising a microprocessor that controls the overall operations of the monitoring system, a LCD indicating circuit that relates information to maintenance personnel, a detecting means that analyses related data for determining the condition and extents of clogging of the reverse osmosis filtration elements, a warning means that produces verbal or musical sound for warning consumers about the clogged condition of the reverse osmosis filtration elements, and a power switching means that cuts off electricity supply to the water pump of the purification system. In operation, the reverse osmosis filtration elements will be clogged by impurities after being used for a period of time.

Abstract: A monitoring device for a activated carbon filtration system of drinking water includes a microprocessor that controls the overall operations of the monitoring system, a LCD indicating circuit that relates information to maintenance personnel, a detecting component that analyses related data for determining the condition and extents of clogging of an activated carbon filter, a warning component that produces verbal or musical sound for warning consumers about the clogged condition of the water activated carbon filter, and a power switching component that cuts off the water supply of the system If the activated carbon filter is clogged, the monitoring device will make a sound to warn of such condition of the activated carbon filter and will eventually cut off the power supply to the pump for stopping water delivery if the clogged activated carbon filter is not replaced after a certain period of time.

Abstract: A filtration system and assembly for liquid mixture applications is disclosed. The system comprise of a pump, filter, venturi, and by-pass that incorporates a flow control valve. The flow control valve controls the flow and pressure of the retentate thereby determining the rate that permeate is produced. All components are configured in a closed loop configuration. System stability and high permeate flow result from the optimum selection of system components. The disclosed system has a simpler control system and is easier to operate than similar functioning systems in use. Applications exist in microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a generalized molecule-specific means of detection that can be applied to all existing separation systems with particular emphasis directed toward those methods based upon chromatographic, electrophoretic, and extractive techniques. The SERS method of detection of the present invention consists of the modification of SERS substrates by the application of a stabilizing coating that also reproduces or mimics the specific separation process being utilized. This ability to reproduce the specific separation process at the detector makes this method of detection universal for all types of analytes and separation methods. The detector of the present invention contains a noble metal foil, usually silver, that has been roughened to produce the SERS effect or a SERS active noble metal film that has been deposited onto a transparent substrate. A particularly unique feature of the invention is the use of stabilizing coatings with the SERS substrates.

Abstract: An improved on-line real time hemodialysis monitoring system for hemodialysis treatment. The hemodialysis monitoring system quantitates the rate and amount of a constituent, such as urea, removed during the hemodialysis treatment by measuring the constituent concentrations as a function of time in the spent dialysate effluent from a hemodialysis machine. A quantity of the spent dialysate effluent is removed from the dialysate effluent waste line periodically for testing. A urea concentration time profile can be analyzed to determined the urea removal, KT/V, URR, SRI and normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) indices. The hemodialysis monitoring system preferably can obtain a dialysate sample equilibrated with the blood prior to the start of a hemodialysis treatment. The hemodialysis monitoring system includes a two pool analysis for taking into account the constituent concentration differences in the extracellular and intracellular spaces in the hemodialysis patient during the hemodialysis treatment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing operation of a filter system supplying filtered fluid to a process system characterized by varying demands for filtered fluid, a pump being operable at a varying flow rate for supplying inlet fluid to the filter system and developing a supply of outlet filtered fluid for the process system, a selected parameter of the process system indicative of its demands for filtered fluid being sensed in order to generate representative feedback data and regulating operation of the filter system pump to supply inlet fluid to the filter system at a rate determined by the feedback data whereby the filter system operates at a variable rate in proportion to the varying demands of the process system. Operation of the filter system pump is preferably regulated by adjusting either its operating speed or volumetric stroke.

Abstract: A filter apparatus comprises a plurality of rod-shaped filter elements disposed within a cylindrical vessel on at least one circular array concentric with the vessel axis, and extending parallel to the vessel axis, said filter elements being mounted in one of the vessel end walls and drained through this vessel end wall. Rotatably mounted in the opposite vessel end wall is a rotor comprising a plurality of agitator elements extending radially spaced from and parallel to the filter elements. The filter elements are provided with individual filtrate drains adapted to be individualy monitored to ascertain the quality of the filtrate. Each filtrate drain may be provided with a valve operable to deactivate the associated filter element in the case of damage thereto.

Abstract: A device and method for injecting a sterile pyrogen free fluid uses a main filter having first and second compartments separated by a porous membrane. The first compartment has an inlet connected to a source of fluid to be filtered, and the second compartment has an outlet connected to an injection line. A pump is provided for circulating the fluid through the main filter and into the injection line. A secondary filter is provided downstream of the main filter and, in combination with pressure sensors, is used to determine if a rupture exists in the main filter.

Abstract: The apparatus (1) for wet oxidation is pre-assembled with its individual units, namely a high-pressure pump (2), a heat exchanger (3), a reactor (4) for the actual wet oxidation and a compressor (5) for feeding an oxygen/gas mixture, in one or two supporting flames and is accommodated in such a manner that its dimensions and its overall weight allow it to be transported on a road and/or rail vehicle, there advantageously being provided two such supporting flames in the form of standard containers (8 and 9), of which one may contain the reactor (4), divided into individual tube sections (6), and the heat exchanger (3), and the other may contain the remaining units, so that the entire apparatus can be pre-assembled into virtually operational condition and the two containers simply have to be set up, joined together and connected on site. Wet oxidation can thus be carried out even where relatively small quantities of medium are to be purified.

Abstract: A monitoring device (18, 19 or 21) for optically monitoring residual contamination of oil particles is arranged downstream of filter zone for filtering water (9) in order to block off, if necessary, a discharge line (7). Circulatory operation in which the liquid is recycled through the filter zone (9) is preferably first switched in on exceeding a threshold value for the residual contamination, in order to overcome any eventually occurring "apparent contamination", for example small air bubbles, there is also provided mechanisms for distinguishing between residual and apparent contamination.

Abstract: A filter of a water purifying apparatus main body which is housed in a sink is made as a positive electrode, and a DC voltage is applied, by a dry battery cell, between the filter and a negative electrode in a purified water passage. Thus, microbes are prevented from proliferating in tap water which remains in the water purifying apparatus main body. A discharge pipe of the water faucet used exclusively for purified water is made as a negative electrode, and a DC voltage is applied, by the dry battery cell, between the positive electrode in the outlet of a cartridge and the discharge pipe. Thus, microbes are prevented from proliferating in tap water which remains in the water faucet used exclusively for purified water.

Abstract: A filter flow indicator for use with a filter bag into which contaminated aquarium water is pumped which comprises a meter tube connected to a inlet tube by an effective venturi connection. Water flowing in the inlet tube flows across the venturi connection. The rate of flow in the inlet tube is related to the amount of clogging in the filter bag. An indication is included on the meter tube as to when the filter should be replaced. As the filter bag clogs, the flow rate on the inlet tube slows down causing the water level in the meter tube to increase. When the level of the water reaches the indication, the filter is sufficiently clogged so that it should be replaced.

Abstract: A batch type process for purification of a polymer resin, in which a predetermined volume of acid is rapidly emptied and stirred into a fixed volume of polymer slurry for chemically treating impurities in the slurry, is converted to a continuous operation by supplying a substantially constant stream of polymer slurry and a controlled stream of acid to a mixing vessel. pH control of the polymer slurry required for effective purification of the polymer resin is achieved by manipulating the flow rate of the acid stream responsive to a feedforward control signal which operates in conjunction with a feedback signal. The feedforward signal is based on an upstream measurement of slurry flow rate to the mixing vessel and the feedback signal is based on a downstream pH measurement of slurry flowing from the mixing vessel.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for filtering a plurality of liquid or gas fluid samples containing particles to be filtered, such as bacteria or cells. The apparatus includes a filter; a device for simultaneously and independently filtering fluid samples on the filter; and apparatus for force filtering the samples. The device for simultaneously and independently filtering fluid samples includes at least one gasket including a plurality of through perforations held clamped in a sealed manner against one face of the filter by appropriate clamps. The clamps have perforations located for being brought into alignment with the perforations through the gasket and for cooperating therewith to put an upstream face of the gasket into communication, via the filter, with a plurality of independent inlets for samples of fluid to be filtered, and to put a downstream face of the gasket into communication with a plurality of likewise independent outlets for the fluid samples.

Abstract: A separator for regenerating used emulsions from cooling lubricants or cleaning solutions, for example, includes a discharge pipe for discharging the regenerated emulsion. The time between two sediment clearance processes is increased without adversely affecting the quality of the regenerated emulsion from the separator by including a fine filter arranged in the discharge pipe to retain residual solids. A measuring device for measuring the pressure difference between the inlet port and the outlet port of the fine filter generates a signal whenever a predetermined pressure difference is exceeded. The fineness filter and the predetermined pressure difference correspond to a predetermined emulsion quality.

Abstract: Means are provided for use with water purification systems and for evalutating the quality of water, which impart a color to water passing through such means, said color being indicative of an excess of a certain ionic strength or of a change of pH beyond a predetermined value.There is also provided a highly efficient water purification system for the removal of a wide variety of contaminants, also equipped with a color release system when purification starts to fail.