A pool strainer basket insert system and method are contemplated in which a high porosity, coarse fibrous mass is inserted in a pool skimmer basket. Via optimization of the material properties of the fibrous mass and configuration such that approximately 50% of the fibrous mass is located above the waterline and 50% below the water line the problems of the prior art may be solved via the retaining properties of the fibrous mass, enabling insects and small organic matter to be retained and preventing their migration back to the main body of the pool.

A filtration apparatus for a container, the apparatus includes a connection portion for securing the apparatus to the container; a housing; a hand pump attached to the housing, the hand pump comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a user-operated actuator, the hand pump is configured to pass filtered water through the inlet in a first direction towards the outlet of the hand pump during a first stroke of the user-operated actuator, and in both the first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction during a second stroke of the user-operated actuator; and a filter fluidly connected to the inlet of the hand pump, the housing is configured to house the filter and at least part of the hand pump, the housing is configured to pass water, the filter is configured to be a two-way valve for regulating water flow between the housing and the hand pump.

Disclosed are methods for concentrating solids and removing solids from a filter medium. The method includes the step of concentrating first particles of a first solid by removing a fluid stream through a filter medium in a filter. At least some of the first particles become blocking particles that block pores of the filter medium. The method also includes the step of inserting second particles of a second solid into the filter. These second particles scrape, vibrate, agglomerate, or a combination thereof along the filter medium, thus dislodging at least a portion of the blocking particles.

Methods and systems are provided for recovering an organic solvent from a waste sludge generated during formation of a polyarylene sulfide. Methods include combining the waste sludge with a liquid extractant that extracts the organic solvent into a homogeneous liquid phase. Upon a temperature change, the homogeneous liquid phase can separate into an organic solvent-rich liquid phase and a liquid extractant-rich liquid phase. The two liquid phases can be separated and further processed if desired to further purify the recovered organic solvent. Methods can also include forming the polyarylene sulfide by a polymerization process and thereafter purifying a slurry of the polyarylene sulfide. A liquid washing product is formed as a result of the purification process, which can be subjected to a distillation process that forms an organic solvent-rich stream and the waste sludge.

A removable catch basin filter insert includes a filter container is fitted into a catch basin in the ground at the location where the stormwater exits the gutter and enters the stormwater sewer system. The removable catch basin filter provides pollution capture from stormwater while being easily cleaned. A hinged cover is included at the top of the filter insert to allow the captured pollutants to be evacuated through the use of a vehicle or being tipped nearly upside down by a mechanical arm. A hinged trap door is included at the bottom of the filter insert to allow captured pollutants to be evacuated through the bottom of the device and into a container. By capturing the pollutants with the removable catch basin filter insert before the pollutants enter the mainline storm drain system, clean storm drain systems are provided allowing for cleaner waterways.

An apparatus for removing impurities from water and/or wastewater and a method of installing a fluid distribution system in the apparatus. In the most preferred form of the invention, the fluid distribution system is an air scour system for directing air through the filter bed to assist in cleaning of the filter bed to remove impurities trapped in the filter bed during a service run. In the most preferred form, the method of installing the fluid distribution system in the filter bed is performed by imparting a force to the filter bed to permit the fluid distribution system to be installed in the filter bed without removing media. The fluid distribution system is preferably configured to permit the fluid distribution system to be readily installed in the filter bed and at an optimum orientation.

An air purifier having a polygonal casing defining one or more inside corners, a cylindrical air filter extending along a center axis within the polygonal casing with a space formed between a radially outwards facing surface of the filter and at least one of the one or more the inside corners of the casing, and a filter cleaner at least partly located in the space. The filter cleaning has a cleaning member, a gear mechanism, at least one UV light source, a motor configured to drive the gear mechanism to thereby drive the radially outwards facing surface of a cylindrical air filter past the cleaning member and the at least one UV light source, and a filter cleaner housing encasing the motor, the cleaning member and the gear mechanism.

An air purifier having a polygonal casing defining one or more inside corners, a cylindrical air filter extending along a center axis within the polygonal casing with a space formed between a radially outwards facing surface of the filter and at least one of the one or more the inside corners of the casing, and a filter cleaner at least partly located in the space. The filter cleaning has a cleaning member, a gear mechanism, at least one UV light source, a motor configured to drive the gear mechanism to thereby drive the radially outwards facing surface of a cylindrical air filter past the cleaning member and the at least one UV light source, and a filter cleaner housing encasing the motor, the cleaning member and the gear mechanism.

A method of inactivating harmful microorganisms of a filtration medium including pathogenic bacteria and viruses is disclosed which includes placing a predetermined quantity of a hybridized fluorescent silk on to a filtration medium, applying light for a predetermined amount of time to the placed quantity of the hybridized fluorescent silk, and passing a fluid through the medium, wherein the fluid is one of substantially air or substantially water,

wherein the hybridized fluorescent silk is one of KillerRed, SuperNova, KillerOrange, Dronpa, TurboGFP, mCherry, or any combination thereof.

A method of inactivating harmful microorganisms of a filtration medium including pathogenic bacteria and viruses is disclosed which includes placing a predetermined quantity of a hybridized fluorescent silk on to a filtration medium, applying light for a predetermined amount of time to the placed quantity of the hybridized fluorescent silk, and passing a fluid through the medium, wherein the fluid is one of substantially air or substantially water,

wherein the hybridized fluorescent silk is one of KillerRed, SuperNova, KillerOrange, Dronpa, TurboGFP, mCherry, or any combination thereof.