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.

Abstract: Improved methods are disclosed for cleansing a plurality of seriate filter beds in automatic backwash filtering systems by backwashing the beds one at a time with backwash liquid from an effluent channel common to seriate effluent ports of the plurality of filter beds and pumping the backwash liquid seriatim through separate effluent ports of individual filter beds and then flowing filtered effluent from each bed through its effluent port into the effluent channel, repeating such steps of backwashing and flowing filtered effluent on individual filter beds until all the filter beds in the system have been backwashed wherein, simultaneously with the backwashing of a second bed, waste liquid from the first bed is pumped through its port while the waste liquid is monitored for turbidity and such waste liquid pumping is continued until the turbidity thereof reaches a predetermined low level.

Abstract: Fluid reservoirs are often provided with a means by which the severity of fluid contamination may be monitored. One method of checking the condition of the fluid, requires the disassembly or removal of one or more components from the associated reservoir in order to read the monitoring device. Another method is utilized in conjunction with the filtration system of the fluid and an indication is observed when the level of contamination reaches a predetermined point. The present invention provides an apparatus whereby the condition of a fluid may be continually observed without requiring the disassembly or removal of any components attached to the fluid reservoir, regardless of the condition of the fluid.

Abstract: This invention relates to filtering or straining of fluids where the suspended solids removed by filtration must eventually be discharged from the filter as a "dry cake" discharge. The apparatus provides for the use of a central flow tube positioned within a filter element which is connected to a filter element drain pipe through a valve, which in case of multiple filter elements within a filtration vessel, controls draining of all elements. To assist in detecting a defective or malfunctioning filter element, a sample conduit with a sample valve is provided independently for each filter element.

Abstract: A dialysis system and method is based upon a comparison of the value of a parameter being measured of the dialysis liquid after the dialyzer with a set value of the corresponding parameter being controlled before the dialyzer. Based upon this comparison, a measure of the dialysis performed is obtained, and with the assistance of this measured value, as well as the knowledge of other factors, for example, adjusted values relevant for the analysis, conditions of the patient's blood can be determined theoretically and thereby controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting oil and other lighter-than-water contaminants in an effluent stream in a sewage system. The apparatus includes a disposable detector which floats in the effluent stream and detects oil and other contaminants having a specific gravity lighter than the water by absorbing the oil and such contaminants in an oleophilic material, permitting the oil and other contaminants to rise and collect in a collection tube. The acidity of pH of the effluent being monitored is determined by routing a portion of the effluent stream across a litmus paper.

Abstract: A domestic subcompact portable unit with one comprehensive replacable cartridge for the purification of drinking water in the super pure form through the use of two stage activated carbon, multilayer mixed-bed demineralization and submicron filtration. The system can be very conveniently installed in the kitchen sink faucet with easy interchange of the combination cartridge to provide drinking water in the purest form free from organics, bacteria, minerals and suspended particles.

Abstract: A system for the environmentally-safe, unified treatment of a wastewater effluent is disclosed in which there is provided:a primary treatment component comprising at least one means for the removal of solids,a secondary treatment component comprising at least one filtration field adapted for the secondary and advanced treatment of a wastewater effluent, and means to capture and convey effluent;an advanced treatment component adapted to provide further advanced treatment of a wastewater effluent comprisingat least one effluent accumulation means;at least one dosate storage and dosing means associated with each such effluent accumulation means; andat least one holding means capable of holding the dosed effluent in an anoxic condition;said advanced treatment component being adapted to accumulate, dose and hold the effluent for treatment in an anoxic condition; anda polishing component comprising at least one infiltration field to discharge effluent.

Abstract: A plastic faucet having built in LEDs and a pair of electrodes is mounted above a sink for dispensing water from a reverse osmosis purification apparatus installed below the sink or in another remote location. A circuit connected to the electrodes senses the purity of the water dispensed through the faucet each time the valve in the faucet is turned on and illuminates one of the LEDs to automatically indicate on-sight the level of purity to the user. Each time the user dispenses water from the third faucet a visual signal is received which either confirms to the user that the water has an acceptable level of purity or notifies the user that servicing of the purification apparatus is required. An alternate embodiment adapted for use with filtration type purification apparatus has a flow limiter in the faucet and a circuit which adds the time that the valve in the faucet is turned on.

Abstract: A body fluid treating circuit comprising a block for collecting a body fluid from a human body, a body fluid treating block and a block for returning the treated body fluid to the human body, said body fluid treating block comprising a plurality of treating units for treating the body fluid by passing therethrough, the units being arranged in parallel flow relationship, body fluid feed and return lines connected to each of the treating units so as to selectively feed to and return from the units through line switching means, regenerating liquid feed lines connected to each of the units so as to selectively feed the regenerating liquid to the units through line switching means, washing liquid feed lines connected to each of the units so as to selectively feed the washing liquid to the units, discharge lines for discharging the regenerating liquid or washing liquid connected to each of the units so as to selectively discharge from the units through line switching means, and a means for measuring the salt concen

Abstract: A portable, submersible water purification system for use in a pool of water containing radioactive contamination includes a prefilter for filtering particulates from the water. A resin bed is then provided for removal of remaining dissolved, particulate, organic, and colloidal impurities from the prefiltered water. A sterilizer then sterilizes the water. The prefilter and resin bed are suitably contained and are submerged in the pool. The sterilizer is water tight and located at the surface of the pool. The water is circulated from the pool through the prefilter, resin bed, and sterilizer by suitable pump or the like. In the preferred embodiment, the resin bed is contained within a tank which stands on the bottom of the pool and to which a base mounting the prefilter and pump is attached. An inlet for the pump is provided adjacent the bottom of the pool, while the sterilizer and outlet for the system is located adjacent the top of the pool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for separating impurities from a hydrogen-free fluorinated lubricant. The lubricant is passed through a filter apparatus containing an adsorbing material. The lubricant is then passed into a degasser unit to remove volatile impurities from the lubricant. The degassing unit has an area of closed suction. A pressure measuring device measures the pressure in the closed area and, based on this measurement, a control apparatus controls the degassing unit. A monitoring unit monitors the quality of the filtered lubricant.

Abstract: Process for recovering nitrate from surface and ground water, in particular drinking water, by means of biological denitrification, in which the nitrates contained in the water are reduced to gaseous nitrogen in a reactor by means of a biocatalyst having immobilized cells trapped in a gel or polymer. The "micrococcus denitrificans" that is preferably used requires for its metabolism added hydrogen and carbon that is present in the water in the form of dissolved carbon dioxide. Using a biocatalyst of immobilized cells and of the bacterial strain used, expensive after-purification is unnecessary because of increased bacterial count in the pure water outlet, and no undesirable by-products are formed.

Abstract: An improved resin sensor which senses a change in the condition of the resin by forces acting on a receptacle for the resin. The sampling resin is utilized to indicate a change of ion or equilibrium condition of the resin when employed as an indicator for resin regeneration or end of a rinse cycle in a water softening or deionization system. The sampling resin is placed in a receptacle which will confine the expansion in volume of the resin as the resin is acted upon by a sampling or indicator liquid causing the resin to exert a force on the receptacle. The receptacle for the resin allows water to freely flow in and out while entrapping the resin therein. In one embodiment, the container is composed of screened walls and the pressure sensor is a strain gauge which is attached thereto. In another embodiment, the pressure sensor is the container and in the form of a multiapertured Bourdon tube in a fluid compartment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the simultaneous analysis of borate and chloride ions in a liquid sample, such as a sample of nuclear reactor water, by ion chromatographic techniques are disclosed. The ion chromatographic system employed includes an exclusion column, an anion exchange column, and means for alternately directing effluent from said exclusion column to refractive index detecting means or void volume from the exclusion column and second eluent through the anion exchange column to conductivity detecting means.

Abstract: A water quality monitor receives water that has passed through a water softener treatment tank. The monitor contains a sample of ion exchange resin that is exposed to the water and which shrinks in volume when the water quality deteriorates to the point where it is no longer being softened. Shrinking of the resin sample signals that corrective action should be taken, such as regenerating the softener. Signaling may be a visual or audible signal or it may involve closing a valve preventing the flow of service water to one or more points of use, or restricting the flow to the extent that the restricted flow constitutes a signal to the user. The sample ion exchange resin is contained in a replaceable cartridge that can be inserted into the monitor and replaced after the monitor has functioned to signal deteriorating quality.

Abstract: A mobile fluid purification unit comprises a plurality of treatment tanks mounted on a skid and interconnected by hoses for series flow, parallel flow or a combination of series and parallel flow for carrying out a variety of treatments of the liquid. A plurality of such mobile units can be mounted on a larger vehicle and connected to one another by one or several hoses to provide greater capacity and variety than is possible in a single mobile unit. A cover which may include a heater can be provided for the unit or units.

Abstract: A plastic faucet having built in LEDs and a pair of electrodes is mounted above a sink for dispensing water from a reverse osmosis purification apparatus installed below the sink or in another remote location. A circuit connected to the electrodes senses the purity of the water dispensed through the faucet each time the valve in the faucet is turned on and illuminates one of the LEDs to automatically indicate on-sight the level of purity to the user. Each time the user dispenses water from the third faucet a visual signal is received which either confirms to the user that the water has an acceptable level of purity or notifies the user that servicing of the purification apparatus is required. An alternate embodiment adapted for use with filtration type purification apparatus has a flow limiter in the faucet and a circuit which adds the time that the valve in the faucet is turned on.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving the quality of potable water. A housing receives a replacable cartridge having an ion exchange and a bacteriostatically effective material. The cartridge is an essentially closed upright container. Partition walls divide the container into a first chamber having an inlet from which the flow is downward and a second chamber through which the flow is upward leading to a discharge opening. The inlet opening of the cartridge is higher than the discharge opening and both openings have particle filters. The second chamber extends up beyond the level of the inlet opening and is ventilated at the top. A vertical pipe inside the housing is sealingly attached at the discharge opening of the cartridge. This vertical pipe opening has its top end below the inlet opening and the vertical pipe opens with its top end below the inlet opening into a discharge passage.

Abstract: A demineralizer for treatment of raw water through at least one pure water production unit. The demineralizer comprises a purity measuring meter for measuring a purity of water in downstream of the unit, a valve for preventing water to flow to next process of the treatment from the unit and a controlling unit for actuating the valve when measuring value of the meter is smaller than a desire value.

Abstract: The fluid separation device contains a plurality of fluid separation elements, each element having fluid inlet, a treatable fluid chamber, a product fluid chamber, a product fluid outlet connected to the product fluid chamber, and a concentrated fluid outlet connected to the treatable fluid chamber. The elements are divided into at least first and second stages, each of which contains a plurality of elements. A pressure vessel surrounds the elements to maintain them at an elevated pressure. A manifold is attached to the outlet end of each of the elements. The manifold has a first channel formed therein for connecting the concentrated fluid outlet of each of the elements of the first stage with the fluid inlet of each of the elements of the second stage.

Abstract: A test probe for collecting test permeate samples from a multiple, reverse-osmosis membrane module, wherein the membrane module has a straight permeate-collection passageway and a plurality of individual, spaced-apart, permeate passageways which permit permeate, from each of a plurality of membranes, to flow into the permeate-collection passageway, and which probe comprises a first outer and a second inner tube concentrically positioned and spaced apart, whereby, on insertion of the test probe into the permeate-collection passageway, the test probe comprises a downstream permeate flow passageway and an upstream permeate flow passageway and a test permeate flow passageway, the test probe having a spacer element at the test end with a radial passageway, and resilient O-rings above and below the spacer element, and a coiled spring to bias the O-rings between an unbiased, nonsealing position and a biased, sealing position, whereby the O-rings extend radially outwardly, to form a seal above and below a test permea

Abstract: A mobile system for purifying liquids, such as water, including a truck trailer in which multiple purification treatment tanks are mounted. The system includes an inlet, an outlet, conductivity measuring equipment for monitoring the quality of the purified liquid, and specially designed liquid conduits and valves which permit the treatment tanks to be operated in series, in parallel, or in series/parallel. The treatment tanks can be filled with any desired purification material. The trailer is enclosed and heated to protect the system from cold temperatures.

Abstract: At least part of the effluent from an ion exchanger flows past a first and second electrode. The electrodes are mounted within the pipe carrying the fluid so that they are visible from the outside. A DC voltage is applied between the electrodes. If the effluent contains a metal which should have been adsorbed by the ion exchanger, its presence is indicated either by a change in the voltage-current curve of the electrodes or a change in color of the cathode. Either a single metal or a group of metals may be precipitated.

Abstract: A fluoridation system including a venturi capable of being inserted into a water line along the length thereof, the venturi including a throughbore having a diminishing tapered section followed by an increasing tapered section in the direction of liquid flow, a passage intersecting the throughbore and extending substantially perpendicularly thereto, mechanism associated with the venturi for withdrawing water from the water line, a first conduit for transferring water from the withdrawing mechanism, a flow rate measurer in the first conduit, a flow control in the first conduit, a fluoride chamber connected to the outlet end of the first conduit, and a second conduit connecting the fluoride chamber with the passage of the venturi which is substantially perpendicular to the throughbore thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for the desalination of water using a mixed cation-anion exchange resin bed and comprising a cylindrical, pressure resistant tank, a disposable cartridge containing the resin and positioned in the tank and seals at the sides of the cartridge for preventing leakage around the bed; the cartridge is preferably made from a lightweight, inexpensive material such as a polyolefin plastic, i.e., polyethylene.

Abstract: A dialysis apparatus for regulated blood dialysis includes a dialyser having flow passages for blood and dialysate, respectfully, separated by semipermeable barriers for transferring liquid from the blood to the dialysate, the blood and dialysate being driven through their respective flow passages by individually associated peristaltic pumps mounted on a common shaft and having the same pumping capacity and being respectively disposed on the inlet and outlet sides of the flow passage for dialysate through the dialyser. A tap outlet is provided between the pumps in communication with the passage. The liquid amount tapped off the tap outlet must therefore be equal to the amount of ultrafiltrate extracted from the blood, and thus the latter amount may readily be gauged and supervised.

Abstract: An end point quality control light circuit for a water demineralizer. The quality control light circuit comprises a power cord, a housing for the electronics, and a probe-light assembly. The probe-light assembly includes a pair of spaced apart A.C. energized probes, and applies approximately 12 volts to the water. The probes are transformer isolated from the power input, and the final drive to an indicating lamp is transistorized. The current through the probes, directly proportional to the quality of the water, develops a voltage that is compared to a threshold voltage. The indicating lamp is illuminated to indicate high water quality, and is switched off by the final drive transistor when the water quality becomes unacceptable. An optional switching circuit, isolated from the quality control circuit, enables the actuation or control of external devices in dependence upon water quality. Various techniques for minimizing leakage currents are also disclosed.

Abstract: A septic tank system is provided with an indicator above the ground surface to indicate the water level in the tributaries leading from the tank so that any excess water therein may be pumped out before it causes a back up of sewage upstream of the septic tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating fluids on a marine vessel, especially bilge and ballast water, in which the fluid to be treated is passed through filtering and coalescing devices to bring about separation of the oil from the water, whereupon the oil is delivered to an oil tank and the water is discharged overboard. The purity of the discharged water is continuously monitored by a turbidity meter and the flow of the fluid through the system is controlled thereby so that the discharged water will meet all pollution standards.