Abstract: A water softener for reducing water hardness, suitable for use in a household washing machine, in particular a dishwasher, has a container within which ionic exchange resins are housed, which reduce the degree of hardness of water contacting them, and apparatus for regenerating the softening efficiency of the resins. Mounted in the container are a sensor for checking a physical characteristic of the resins and, in response thereto, detecting the degree of exhaustion of said resins.

Abstract: Monolithically-molded subassemblies (1, 2, 3) are used to retrofit existing reverse osmosis systems into zero waste RO systems. The subassemblies reduce the number of connections necessary such that the retrofitting may be accomplished by unskilled labor. The subassemblies may be integrally packaged together on a backboard 45 and are placed in-line in the inlet to the RO unit and in each of the outlets from the RO unit. For example, the first subassembly 1 (FIG. 9) includes an input port 10 for connecting to source of water to be purified, an first portal 103 communicating with a pressure switch, a second portal 102 communicating with a pressure gauge and an output port 12 communicating with the RO unit inlet. Using the subassemblies, the retrofit most typically requires only six connections thereby simplifying system installation, improving system reliability, and extending system longevity.

Abstract: There is described a novel fluid level control system, particularly useful for controlling the level of water flowing in an open channel. The fluid level control system comprises a gate having a flap portion interconnected to a lever portion. The flap portion is rotatable about a first pivot point and comprises a first weight. The system further comprises a frame which is fixed with respect to the flap portion. A linkage interconnects the flap portion and the lever portion, and is connected to the frame at a second pivot point different than the first pivot point. Under changing flow conditions in the channel, the present system operates by both: absolute movement of the lever portion and the flap portion, and (ii) relative movement between the lever portion and the flap portion. A fluid treatment system comprising the fluid level control system and a method for controlling the level of a flowing fluid are also described.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for filtering water dispensed by a water dispensing appliance comprises a low-profile filter cartridge releasably connected to a manifold assembly. The manifold assembly is in communication with the wafer inlet to the appliance and routs the filtered water to points of use in the appliance. The manifold assembly includes water usage sensor to monitor filter cartridge life and relay that information to the appliance, which will then alert the user when it is necessary to replace the filter. A latching mechanism is included to releasably secure the filter cartridge to the manifold assembly. A flow control valve ensures that the water circuit remains closed when the filter cartridge is removed from the manifold assembly. The cartridge and manifold assembly include registration features to ensure that reverse installation of the cartridge will not occur.

Abstract: A filter device for separating water and other impurities from liquid fuel including a housing body (11), inside which a first filter element (12) is disposed; a collector vessel (17) which is disposed underneath the filter element (12); a pump (25) which is used to remove water present in the collector vessel (17), and a detector (23) which is used to determine whether water has accumulated in the collector vessel (17).

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a sample by pressurized planar separation comprises a chamber (1) housing a stationary phase (2) provided at a first location (6) with a sample to be treated, pressurization means (8) for pressurizing a top face (5) of the stationary phase, dispenser means (10) for dispensing a moving phase at a second location (7) of the stationary phase, a feed inlet (13) for feeding the moving phase, and a removal outlet (18) for removing the moving phase from the chamber. The apparatus also comprises feed means (23) for feeding the inlet (13) with moving phase, a sensor (29) for measuring the pressure of the moving phase upstream from the inlet, a valve (31) placed downstream from the outlet to vary the flow rate of the moving phase leaving the chamber, and a module (25) for controlling the valve as a function of a comparison between the measured pressure and a selected threshold pressure, the valve (31) being opened when the measured pressure becomes greater than or equal to the threshold pressure.

Abstract: A system for skimming oil and other pollutants from the surface of a body of water. Each skimmer has a frame supporting and housing pumps, sensors, computers, and piping for separating the pollutant from the water and moving it to a collection and storage barge for further processing. The skimming operation is controlled by varying the approach angle of a skimmer toeboard, and the depth of the front end of the skimmer in the water. Hydraulic cylinders are used to pivotally position the toeboard. Air bags are used to control the depth of the skimmer in the water.

Abstract: A well screen is provided which includes a line extending therethrough. In a described embodiment, the line may be a hydraulic line, an electric line, a fiber optic line, or another type of line, and the line may be embedded in a sidewall material of the well screen. The well screen may be wrapped about a reel as a part of a coiled tubing string, and the well screen may be expandable when deployed in a wellbore. In another embodiment, the line may be positioned between a filter media and an outer shroud of the well screen.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for filtering particles out of a liquid, in which the liquid containing particles is supplied to a sedimentation tank (12), and the liquid is made, by means of hydrostatic liquid pressure prevailing in the tank, to flow through a filter member (18) on the shell surface of a drum (14) mounted in the tank (12). When the liquid in the tank has risen to a predetermined level above the drum (14) as a result of clogging of the filter member (18), cleaning of the filter member (18) in situ in the tank is initiated.

Abstract: A liquid filter apparatus includes a filter media belt enclosed by sealably mated cover pan and floor pan defining a vacuum chamber connected to a sealed clean liquid tank, with clean liquid pumped out continuously to draw liquid to be filtered into an upper region of the filter chamber via on inlet hose connected to a source of liquid to be filtered. The cover pan is lifted after the vacuum is relieved to allow indexing of the filter media belt. A main control valve to the clean liquid tank is closed and pumping liquid continues during indexing. A vacuum control device limits the maximum vacuum developed in the clean liquid tank and a vacuum pump removes air from the tank for priming and to eliminate excess accumulated air.

Abstract: A filter arrangement for use with a vessel that receives fluid includes a body engageable with the vessel. The body has an inlet port, an outlet port, a body cavity, a first fluid path disposed between the inlet port and body cavity, and a second fluid path disposed between the body cavity and the outlet port. A filter is disposed at least partially in the body cavity, and includes a filter cavity and filter media for filtering the fluid. A valve is associated with the body for allowing the fluid to flow into and out of the vessel. When the fluid flows into the vessel, the fluid flows through the filter cavity and along the first fluid path without flowing through the filter media. When the fluid flows out of the vessel, the fluid flows along the first fluid path, through the filter media and along the second fluid path.

Abstract: Catalyst particles are separated from the wax in a reactor slurry reactor by feeding a portion of the slurry to a dynamic settler. Heavier catalyst particles settle and are removed as the slurry at the bottom of the settler is recycled back to the reactor. Clarified wax is removed at the top of the settler. A multi-channel baffle prevents turbulence, improving retention of the desired heavier catalyst particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable hemodialyzer, which not only can relieve a patient from the pain of putting injection needles into two portions of the patient's body for hemodialysis, but also enables the hemodialysis to be safely performed even at home, so as to reduce the times by which the patient must visit the hospital, thereby largely reducing time and expense. In the portable hemodialyzer, an injection needle contains a separation film separating an introduction channel and a discharge channel from each other, which are formed in the injection needle. A blood exit is formed at a predetermined left side portion of the injection needle, while a blood entrance is formed at a predetermined right side portion of the injection needle.

Abstract: Primary supernatant liquid collecting means 1 allows blood A to separate into a primary supernatant liquid B and red blood cells by leaving the blood A stationary for a prescribed period of time, and then it discharges the primary supernatant liquid B and physiological saline W in the same amount into a first treatment container 13 and a first balance container 14, respectively.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed, with which fluids can be treated, in particular, with which their properties can be improved. The device and method use a Klein-type field coil, through which the water to be treated is fed. According to the invention, at least one Klein-type double-coil is arranged around a through-flow pipe (3), through which the water to be treated is passed.

Abstract: A shear separation system or method uses shear lift forces and permeate drag forces to separate substances having a size less than a predetermined separation size from substances having a size greater than the separation size. The balance of the drag forces and lift forces affects a predetermined separation size in that the balance of forces reads the transmembrane passage of substances larger than the separation size yet allows substances smaller than the separation size to pass through the permeable membrane. The shear separation device, method and system can be employed to separate or concentrate from a process fluid substances larger or smaller than the predetermined separation size.

Abstract: A system and method are provided which enables the monitoring and if desired controlling of fouling within a fluid system. The present invention includes a pseudo-fouling detector system with a pair of identical sensors, where said sensors measure a variable, such as, temperature or pH, in a fluid, producing an electric output representative of the variable. The variable measurements are used to calculate a fouling index which is further used to develop fouling treatment strategies for controlling the amount of fouling in the fluid system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microfluidic chromatography apparatus comprising a microfabricated fluid delivery system and a chromatography column which is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system, and a method for producing and using the same. Preferably, the chromatography column comprises an OTLC, PCLC, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A fine filter assembly for a dishwasher includes a filter body, a filter screen coupled to the body; and a pressure relief tube. The pressure relief tube includes a substantially vertical portion having an open top for regulating pressure conditions in the filter body, thereby forming a standpipe that regulates pressure in the filter body. A column of fluid in the relief tube balances the operating pressure in the fine filter assembly. Pressure may be regulated in the fine filter assembly up to a maximum pressure determined by the height of the vertical portion of the tube.

Abstract: A multipurpose hemofiltration system and method are disclosed for the removal of fluid and/or soluble waste from the blood of a patient. The system and method are equally applicable to adult, pediatric and neonatal patients. In one embodiment, the system continuously monitors the weight of infusate in a first reservoir and drained fluid in a second reservoir and compares those weights to corresponding predetermined computed weights. When necessary, the pumping rates of the infusate, drained fluid and blood are adjusted in order to achieve a preselected amount of fluid removal from the patient's blood in a preselected time period. Application of this system and method provide repeatable and highly precise results. Alternatively, predetermined patient parameters can be monitored and the adjustment of pumping rates may be responsive to these monitored parameters.

Abstract: A device for degerminating water passing through a sanitary appliance includes a housing 23 through which water can flow, a water outlet 3 and a UV lamp 22 located therein that radiates water flowing through the housing and a filtering device 21 provided in the housing in order to destroy the micro-organisms in the water and/or the filtering device. The energy supply circuit of the UV-lamp is controlled by an electronic control unit 10, which also controls a valve driver circuit for a magnetic valve 6 located in a fresh water feed pipe. The electronic control unit activates the energy supply circuit when it receives a signal for switching on the UV-lamp. The valve driver circuit is activated after a time delay, ensuring that when the magnetic valve opens letting water flow through the housing to the outlet of the appliance, the UV-lamp has reached its full radiation capacity.

Abstract: A device for degerminating water passing through a sanitary appliance subjects water flowing through a housing and a filtering device in the housing, to radiation, thereby destroying the micro-organisms in the water and/or the filtering device. An energy supply circuit 10 for a UV lamp is controlled by an electronic control unit which receives a “switch-on” signal produced as follows: when a manually-operated valve 4 in a fresh water supply is opened, pressure on a pressure sensor 5 falls; a magnetic valve 6 initially remaining closed. A corresponding electrical signal is then sent to the electronic control unit, which activates the energy supply circuit and opens the magnetic valve 6 in a set time sequence. When the manually-operated valve 4 is closed, the pressure on the pressure sensor 5 rises. The corresponding electrical signal is then sent to the electronic control unit, which in turn deactivates the energy supply circuit according to certain time factors.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-cleaning water filter and method by which sediment is flushed from a water filter, wherein the device is a flush pipe connected to a filter housing, wherein the pipe is attached to a solenoid valve and controller mechanism, generally a timer, meter or sensor. The method of the present invention provides automatically cleaning a water filter comprising the steps of attaching a flush pipe to a filter housing and attaching a solenoid valve and controller mechanism to the pipe.

Abstract: An oil filter comprises a housing that is open at one end and has an end plate connected to the housing for closing the open end. The end plate has at least one inlet opening and an outlet opening therein. An anti-drain back valve is provided for precluding return flow of oil through the inlet opening. An annular filter media is disposed in said housing. An end cap is provided at each end of the filter media. The end cap remote from the end plate has at least one opening spaced radially outwardly from the central axis thereof. A spring cooperates with said end cap remote from the end plate. Normally, the opening in the spring is closed to oil flow. When the filter media becomes clogged, the pressure within the housing increases and when the pressure differential across the end cap remote from the end plate exceeds a predetermined value, the opening in the spring is opened for oil flow.

Abstract: The invention concerns a monitoring unit [10] for monitoring the condition of a semi-permeable membrane [24] in a water purification system, and particularly the condition of spiral membrane in a reverse osmosis water purification system. The monitoring unit [10] comprises a flow chamber [12] that includes an inlet for permitting ingress of a feed fluid into the flow chamber [12], and a feed fluid outlet [22] for permitting at least partial through-flow of the feed fluid through the flow chamber [12] such that cross-flow conditions apply in the flow chamber [12]. The semi-permeable membrane [24] is at least partly supported in the flow chamber [12].

Abstract: In an apparatus for providing a continuous integrity test for suction driven filtering membrane assemblies 10, a monitoring line 32 diverts a portion of permeate to a monitoring device 30 (e.g. a turbidimeter). Both ends 34, 36 of the monitoring line are connected to the permeate pipe 20 upstream from the permeate pump 26 and at points of relatively higher and lower pressures respectively, to cause fluid to flow through the monitoring line. The relatively higher and lower pressures may be caused by a source of head loss 38 (e.g. a valve) in the permeate line. The source of head loss may be adjusted to provide a required flow through the monitoring device by a control 43 communicating with a flow meter 42 in the monitoring line. Membrane assemblies may be individually monitored although many of them may be connected to a common permeate pump (FIG. 2).

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods separate whole blood into red blood cells and a plasma constituent within a rotating centrifugal separation device. The systems and methods convey whole blood into the separation device through an inlet path including a pump operable at a prescribed rate. The systems and methods remove plasma constituent from the separation device through an outlet path including a pump operable at a prescribed rate. The systems and methods derive a value Hb representing an apparent hematocrit of whole blood entering the separation device, where: H b = H rbc ⁡ ( Q b - Q p ) Q b and where Hrbc is a value relating to hematocrit of red blood cells in the separation device.

Abstract: A system dynamically adjusts the delivery rate of a cryopreservation solution to red blood cells to permit freezing. The delivery rate is preferably determined according to an equation that maintains a linear change of red blood cell osmolarity over time so as to prevent osmolarity shock of the red blood cells. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a controller that is preconfigured to automatically deliver the cryopreservation solution to the red blood cells in accordance with the equation. The system may also support the recovery of thawed red blood cells by diluting the red blood cells and washing them of the cryopreservative. Again, the system preferably adjusts the delivery rate of a dilution solution so as to prevent osmolarity shock of the red blood cells during the recovery phase. The recovered red blood cells may be suspended in a preservation solution to further increase their shelf-life following the recovery phase.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for monitoring the flow of a fluid through a dosage pump in a dialyzer including an auxiliary pump disposed between a fluid source for the dosage pump and the dosage pump itself, a slave chamber between the auxiliary pump and the dosage pump, the slave chamber including a level detector for detecting a predetermined level of the fluid in the salve chamber and emitting a signal when the level of the fluid is below the predetermined level, and a controller for activating the auxiliary pump after the level indicator emits the signal such that the slave chamber is refilled with the fluid by the auxiliary pump after the suction stroke of the dosage pump has drawn the fluid into the dosage pump and caused the level indicator to emit the signal. Methods for monitoring the flow of a fluid through the dosage pump are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dialyzing system comprises a dialyzer 10 and an ultrafiltration-regulating unit 24 for regulating inflow and out flow of a dialysate to or from the dialyzer 10 to regulate ultrafiltration. The dialyzing system is adapted to determine a blood pressure from a dialysate pressure detected by a pressure transducer 28 at the time of temporary suspension of the ultrafiltration without use of a special line for measurement of pressure in the blood flow line and free from danger of blood leakage from the blood flow line.

Abstract: A variable residence time chamber module that provides an additional residence time for a reaction of mixed reactants to reach completion. The module includes a thermally insulated housing in which are disposed a plurality of residence time chambers. A rotary inlet valve and rotary outlet valve select among the plurality of chambers, coupling them respectively to an inlet port through which the mixed but incompletely reacted reactants are supplied and an outlet port through which a desired product of the reaction is withdrawn. A heat transfer media is preferably used to control the temperature of the residence time chambers, so that an optimal reaction temperature is provided. The mixed reactants pass through the inlet valve into a selected one of the plurality of residence time chambers. Once the selected residence time chamber is full, the inlet valve is actuated to supply the mixed reactants to a successive residence time chamber.

Abstract: A self-regenerating ion exchange water softener has a lower tank for a resin chamber and an upper tank for a regenerative salt chamber, with an opening positioned between them, and with a restrictive pressure-sensitive valve, sensitive to pressure of water in the resin chamber, having a restricted opening limiting flow of water upwardly into the regeneration chamber or downwardly into the resin chamber.

Abstract: A device for producing a permeate from a concentrate has a separating chamber and a filter membrane dividing the separating chamber into a concentrate chamber and a permeate chamber. An inlet line is connected to the concentrate chamber and introduces the concentrate into the concentrate chamber. A concentrate line is branched off the concentrate chamber and has a control valve. A permeate line is branched off the permeate chamber. An accumulator is connected to the permeate line. A non-permeable separating membrane divides the accumulator into a storage chamber and a pressurized chamber, wherein the storage chamber is connected to the permeate line and the pressurized chamber is connected to the control valve of the concentrate line. The control valve is a jet nozzle and has a jet head, wherein the concentrate line opens into the jet head.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for a hemodiafiltration delivery module that is used in conjunction with a UF controlled dialysis machine to enable hemodiafiltration therapy to be performed. The advantage is that one can fully utilize a current functioning dialysis machine to perform a hemodiafiltration therapy as opposed to purchasing a completely new machine that offers this capability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation and delivery of ozonated water to at least one user point, according to which a storage buffer tank is provided for the ozonated water, and an upstream ozonation loop is provided, making it possible to feed the tank with ozonated water, the upstream ozonation loop comprising a component for controling the flow of water flowing in the loop. A fresh-water supply line is also provided, connected by its downstream part to the upstream ozonation loop and fitted with a component for interrupting the freshwater flow, the loop portion located between the tank and the connection point of the fresh-water supply line being fitted with a component for interrupting the recirculation flow upstream of the tank.

Abstract: A microbial resistant water purification and collection system generally comprises a reverse osmosis filter assembly having a filter inlet in selective fluid communication with a system inlet and a filter outlet in fluid communication with a water storage container. The filter inlet is separated from the filter outlet by a filter membrane. At least a portion of the storage container is located at an elevation above the filter membrane such that filling of the storage container creates a head pressure in the storage container relative to the filter membrane. A shut-off valve is interposed the system inlet and the filter inlet to block fluid communication from the system inlet to the filter inlet upon reaching a minimum head pressure in the storage container relative to the filter membrane.

Abstract: A filtered fluid storage and delivery system generally comprises a filter assembly for filtering of a source fluid and an accumulator having a first chamber and a second chamber segregated one from the other by a flexible membrane. The inlet to the filter assembly is in fluid communication with a system inlet while one chamber of the accumulator assembly is in selective fluid communication, through a valve, with the system inlet. The other chamber of the accumulator is in fluid communication with the outlet from the filter assembly as well as a system outlet. Fluid passed through the filter assembly is stored in one chamber of the accumulator until needed. When needed, a valve is opened to allow the source fluid to enter the other chamber of the accumulator, thereby forcing the stored fluid from the accumulator at the source fluid pressure.

Abstract: An oil or coolant distribution device is provided for attachment to a rotating shaft (2). The device includes a chamber (18) having an outlet towards a radially innermost portion thereof so as to form a weir. Centrifugal force ensures that debris in the oil or coolant is forced to the bottom of the weir where it is trapped.

Abstract: A method of hemodiafiltration including the steps of supplying a blood inflow, diafiltering the blood inflow using a first non-isosmotic dialysate fluid to provide a partially diafiltered blood outflow, mixing the partially diafiltered blood outflow with a substitution fluid to provide a blood/substitution fluid mixture, and diafiltering the blood/substitution fluid mixture using a second non-isosmotic dialysate fluid.

Abstract: A water treatment system for removing hard ions from source water. The water treatment system is of the type that includes a pair of ion-exchange water softener tanks connectable to a source of pressurized water and with a water system to supply softened water to the water system, the tanks each being capable of regeneration by flushing with a regeneration solution to replenish depleted ions. A process for preventing system failure due to salt crystallization includes flowing water during brine replenishment from a second nozzle and a first nozzle at a defined ratio. The first nozzle diluted the brine in a reservoir after regeneration cycle is complete. The second nozzle replenishes brine by flowing water directly onto a salt material.

Abstract: Methods and systems for separation of purified water and nutrients from organic waste. Separated purified water can be used as fresh water in agricultural and farm operations, and nutrients can be converted to fertilizers. Treated organic waste includes complex organic waste with settleable and nonsettleable material that has not been subjected to a conventional lagoon primary treatment. These methodology eliminates the need for land application of residual waste stream and it comprises operations such as controlled freezing and thawing, and optionally evaporation.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes a water treatment vessel providing a water treatment zone which, in use, will contain a volume of water to be treated. A water inlet leads into the vessel, with a water outlet leading from the vessel. A cartridge holder for holding a water treatment cartridge containing a water treatment substance for treating water in the vessel, and a controller for controlling the level of water in the vessel, are also provided.

Abstract: A fluid recovery system for an automatic transmission unit of a vehicle, provided with a tank containing a fluid, a hydraulic circuit receiving this fluid from the tank, an electrovalve unit supplied by the hydraulic circuit and adapted to control actuator units in order to actuate the opening and closing of a clutch and to perform the selection and engagement/disengagement of the gears of a gear change, the system comprising at least one collection zone adapted to recover the fluid escaping from the actuator units and at least one duct connecting the collection zone to the tank so that the fluid recovered in the collection zone can be returned to the tank.

Abstract: A fuel pump module including a fuel reservoir, a fuel pump communicating with the fuel reservoir and having a fuel outlet, and a fuel filter assembly movably coupled to the fuel reservoir to facilitate installation of the fuel pump module into a fuel tank. The fuel filter assembly communicates with the fuel outlet to filter fuel that has passed through the fuel pump. In one aspect of the invention, the fuel filter assembly is pivotally movable with respect to the reservoir. In another aspect of the invention, the fuel filter assembly is linearly movable with respect to the reservoir.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for use with a conventional septic tank, or other small-scale wastewater treatment facility, for enhancing wastewater treatment without requiring complex control or maintenance limitations. The system incorporates a plurality of primary functions that combine to oxidize, nitrify, denitrify and remove water borne total dissolved solids prior to effluent discharge. Included is a fluidized-bed reactor containing biofilm attached to carrier particulates for use in the purification of wastewater. The fluidized-bed reactor is configured to include two distinct regions, namely a “lower” aerobic region and an “upper” anoxic region, during normal operating conditions. The lower aerobic region uses aerobic facultative bacteria to oxidize Carbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand (CBOD), organic (Kjeldahl) nitrogen, and ammonia while consuming the dissolved oxygen in the water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus powered from the suction side of a pump for cleaning the interior surface of a pool containment wall and the upper surface of a water pool contained therein. The apparatus includes an essentially unitary cleaner body and a level control subsystem for selectively moving the body to a position either proximate to the surface of the water pool for water surface cleaning or proximate to the interior surface of the containment wall for wall surface cleaning. The cleaner body can have a weight/buoyancy characteristic to cause it to normally rest either (1) proximate to the pool bottom adjacent to the wall surface (i.e., heavier-than-water) or (2) proximate to the water surface (i.e.. lighter-than-water).

Abstract: An ice water cooling system comprises a pipeline circular system, an open chemical tank, a circulative pump and an ice water cooling system. The open chemical tank comprises a float-level ball, a check valve and a pump. The pump is located beside the check valve, and the float-level ball guides the liquid to flow from the pipeline circular system into the open chemical tank. The float-level ball separates the liquid pressure away from the pipeline circular system and prevents the liquid reflux back to the pipeline circular system. The balance between the float-level ball and the check valve can keep the liquid level constant.

Abstract: An oil filter 1 for an internal combustion engine includes a filter body 3 and a plastic filter housing 2. Integrally formed within the filter housing, a safety wall 7 is radially fitted around the feed channel 4 and the return channel 5 creating a collecting space 6 that surrounds both channels. If seal leaks occur when the device is connected to a flange, e.g. of an engine block, the leaked oil will accumulate in the collecting space.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for the distribution of treatment liquids. The apparatus and method enable the continuous monitoring of the level of a treatment liquid by an inexpensive mechanism that has little capacity to contaminate the treatment liquid. The apparatus for the distribution of treatment liquids contains a gastight distribution tank that is connected through a discharge line to designated facilities, and also contains a gastight gas container that is connected through a pressurization line to the distribution tank. A pressure regulator is provided in the pressurization line and the pressurization gas is thereby supplied from the gas container to the distribution tank at a constant and specified supply pressure. This supply of pressurization gas induces the pressure-transport of the treatment liquid from the distribution tank through the discharge line.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing the water quality in a subterranean pressurized water system is disclosed and provides a discharge passage control via a valve that can be actuated electronically at the location of the valve or remotely. The discharge through the apparatus permits the flow of water in the subterranean pressurized water system and a corresponding discharge of contaminants and increased concentration of disinfectants supplied to the subterranean pressurized water system by the water system manager. The discharge can occur directly to a below ground drain such as a storm drain, sewer or drain field.