US 4,524,139 A · Process for the compressive regeneration of flexible, porous materials

Abstract

This invention relates to a process and apparatus for the compressive regeneration of flexible, porous materials used as filter particles, oil-separating particles or carrier particles in a reactor. These materials are loaded in a reactor with a liquid containing substances to be removed. The liquid is, for example, water, and the substances are, for example, deposited solids, oil droplets or bacteria. After the flexible, porous materials become loaded with the substances, they are conducted to a press chamber equipped with a press means. The transporting, squeezing out, and separation of the water and substances from the flexible porous materials, as well as the recycling of the regenerated material into the reactor are achieved by either a one-time, or a repetitive to and fro movement, of the press means. This regeneration is accomplished with a single device which operates simultaneously as both a regenerating press and as a conveying installation.

Claims27

Dependent claims

A process for the compressive regeneration of flexible, porous particulate material which is loaded with substances removed from liquids treated in a reactor in which the porous material is used as filter particles, oil-separating particles, or carrier, particles, which comprises regenerating the loaded material by:

conducting the loaded material together with liquid from the reactor into a press chamber associated with the reactor and having movable press means, with the porous material being drawn into the press chamber from the reactor by moving the press means in a rearward direction to create a suction effect;
moving the press means forward after the loaded material has been drawn into the press chamber to press out the liquid and the loading substances from the loaded material while retaining the material in the press chamber;
conducting additional liquid into the press chamber for dispersing the porous material in the additional liquid, by subsequently moving the press means rearwardly;
and then moving the press means forward to force the regenerated material dispersed in the additional liquid back into the reactor.

1 more element

A process for the compressive regeneration of flexible, porous particulate material which is loaded with substances removed from liquids treated in a reactor in which the porous material is used as filter particles, oil-separating particles, or carrier particles, which comprises regenerating the loaded material by:

conducting the loaded material together with liquid from the reactor into a press chamber associated wtih the reactor and having movable press means, with the porous material being drawn into the press chamber from the reactor by moving the press means in a rearward direction to create a suction effect;
moving the press means forward after the loaded material has been drawn into the press chamber to press out the liquid and the loading substances from the loaded material while retaining the material in the press chamber, said forcing out of the substances out of the loaded flexible, porous materials being effected by compressing the material to about 20-5% of its expanded volume;
conducting additional liquid into the press chamber for dispersing the porous material in the additional liquid, by subsequently moving the press means rearwardly;
and then moving the press means forward to force the regenerated material dispersed in the additional liquid back into the reactor.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Process for the compressive regeneration of flexible, porous materials

Life of this patent

Process for the compressive regeneration of flexible, porous materials

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims27