The invention is related to a flotation process using an improved collector to remove alkaline earth metal carbonate impurities from phosphate ores. The flotation feed may be conditioned with the improved carbonate collector at acidic pH, and subjected to a reverse flotation. The cell overflow may be collected as waste in which carbonate minerals dominate, and the cell underflow may be the phosphate concentrate. The collector may be a combination of chemicals, comprising: (1) any kind of fatty acids, either conventional fatty acid, saponified fatty acid, or modified fatty acid; (2) chemicals with sulfonate or sulfate groups, such as dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DDBSA) or its salt, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium coco sulfate (SCS), etc.; and (3) phosphorous-bearing chemicals, such as sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), sodium hexametaphosphate (SFMP), trisodium phosphate (TSP), Tetrasodiumpyrophosphate (TSPP), etc. With the improved collector, the separation selectivity and phosphate recovery may be significantly improved.

A clarifier tank launder channel cover closure mechanism having a magnet, located at the top of a mounting bracket for supporting one side of a cover panel member, opposite its hinge mount across a launder channel of a clarifier tank. A magnetic element is attached to the cover panel member, and is located in corresponding location to the magnet, such that when the cover panel member is closed over the launder channel, the magnetic element and the magnet are in a mating relationship.

A cover arrangement is provided for a launder channel of a clarifier tank. The clarifier tank has an arcuate outer circumferential wall and a weir wall, with the launder channel disposed between the walls. The cover arrangement has a single mounting section configured to be coupled to the arcuate outer circumferential wall and a plurality of cover sections, each of which are coupled to the same single mounting section at different locations. The cover sections are configured to extend from the arcuate outer circumferential wall inwards towards the center of the clarifier tank covering the launder channel.

Apparatus and method to remove sediment from tubes of a tube settler assembly used in water clarification. A series of tube laterals extends beneath the area of the tube settler assembly and allows air to escape from air exit holes in the tube laterals. An air supply provides air to the tube laterals. The air released from one tube lateral may be released by a second tube lateral at a time different from the time of air released by the first tube lateral. The air entrained in liquid rises and dislodges sediment in the tubes of the tube settler assembly. A flow deflector may be located below the structure supporting the tube settler assembly to deflect rising air into the tube settler assembly which would otherwise be blocked from air entry.

An apparatus and method for removing particulates from a multiple-phase fluid stream is disclosed. The apparatus has a vessel enclosed by walls, and the vessel has a fluid inlet for receiving the multiple-phase fluid stream, a fluid outlet spacing from the fluid inlet for discharging gas phase matter, and a passage, such as a spiral path, in the vessel extending from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The length of the passage is longer than the distance between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.

A separation device, system and associated method are provided herein for separation of particulates form a base fluid. The separation device comprises a first microchannel comprising a fluid inlet and a mesofluidic collection chamber. The mesofluidic collection chamber has a first side and a second side, wherein the mesofluidic collection chamber is operatively coupled to the first microchannel on the first side, and wherein the mesofluidic collection chamber comprises a first fluid outlet at the second side, such that the fluid inlet, first microchannel, and first fluid outlet are in fluidic communication via the mesofluidic collection chamber.

A lamella for a clarifier, including a plate provided with longitudinal straight ribs extending from the top part of the plate to the bottom edge, and longitudinal straight folds provided with wings and which are interposed between each pair of ribs to form projections with V-shaped walls that project in the sagittal direction. A top transverse fold provided in the top part, which defines a flat portion extending backwards towards a top edge. A bottom transverse fold that curves the bottom part backwards.

The present invention relates to a vertically adjustable screened decanter system to replace prior art stationary or pivoting effluent weirs in water clarifiers and settling basins. The screened decanter has no physical weir and relies instead on maintaining a desired flow rate by controllably varying the depth of immersion of a screened box. The decanter is periodically raised into a hood that provides spray cleaning and disinfection of the screened box. The system is capable of removing up to 85% of the BOD in a wastewater stream.

An extrusion system for separating particulates entrained in wash water, e.g. from harvesting tuberous produce, includes a settling tank configured to receive a flow of particulated water. A diffuser suspended within the tank converts the flow of particulated water into multiple transverse flows to avoid churning settled particulates. A particulate filter fixed within the tank includes a central channel surrounded by a cylindrical array of cantilevered parallel vertical blades. The channel directs the flows below the blades, causing dynamic movement of the blades as the particulated water rises therebetween to trap particulates along boundary layers, promote particulate settling by gravity, and allow clarified water to rise to the top of the tank. A sensor detects settled particulate reaching a predetermined setpoint, and in response the system actuates an auger and opens a pinch valve to force concentrated particulate from the bottom of the tank.

The disclosure provides a backflow collection system and method for reclaiming backflow from a wellbore. In one embodiment, a backflow collection system comprises a collection tank having an upper and lower section, the collection tank having a side opening configured to receive backflow from an oil/gas well, as well as a discharge port proximate an upper end of the upper section configured to discharge gas from the collection tank; and a substantially vertical auger system coupled proximate the lower section of the collection tank, the auger configured to receive solid and liquid matter from a bottom opening in the collection tank, and when elevated remove at least a portion of the solid and liquid matter from the collection tank, the collection tank designed such that when fluid is contained therein it acts as a liquid/gas seal to prevent gas from exiting through the bottom opening in the collection tank.