Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
31 words
The method set forth in claim 1 in which the said third portion is maintained at a temperature of about 180* F. for a period of the order of 1 minute.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method set forth in claim 1 in which the heating is effected by a submerged flame.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method set forth in claim 1 in which the heating is effected by a submerged electric arc.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method set forth in claim 1 in which the heating is effected by passing an electric current through said third portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method set forth in claim 1 in which the heating is effected by a heat exchanger in series with a heat source for preheating the third portion by the treated sludge.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
211 words
The method of purifying aqueous waste material containing biodegradable organic matter in a system including an aerobic biological oxidation step wherein a mixed liquor is formed containing purified suspending liquid and biologically active solid matter suspended therein, which comprises separating a sludge containing said biologically active solid matter from said purified suspending liquid whereby said purified suspending liquid constitutes the effluent from the process, removing a portion of said sludge from said system, returning a second portion of said sludge containing biologically active solid matter to said system at a point in advance of said aerobic treatment step for further biological oxidation, separating a third portion of said sludge, effecting non-toxic microbial biolysis of said third portion by subjecting said third portion to a low temperature sufficient to cause freezing, thereby converting the same to biologically inactive material, returning said last material to said aerobic step to constitute food for the remaining active organisms and controlling the ratio between said portions so as to maintain a predetermined balance between the inactivated biodegradable organic matter which constitutes food for said process and the active organisms in said aerobic treatment step such that the inactivated organisms so returned are substantially consumed by the remaining active organisms with a corresponding reduction in sludge content.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
207 words
The method of purifying aqueous waste material containing biodegradable organic matter in a system including an aerobic biological oxidation step wherein a mixed liquor is formed containing purified suspending liquid and biologically active solid matter suspended therein, which comprises separating a sludge containing said biologically active solid matter from said purified suspending liquid whereby said purified suspending liquid constitutes the effluent from the process, removing a portion of said sludge from said system, returning a second portion of said sludge containing biologically active solid matter to said system at a point in advance of said aerobic treatment step for further biological oxidation, separating a third portion of said sludge, effecting non-toxic microbial biolysis of said third portion by subjecting said third portion to a vacuum treatment for converting the same to biologically inactive material, returning said last material to said aerobic step to constitute food for the remaining active organisms and controlling the ratio between said portions so as to maintain a predetermined balance between the inactivated biodegradable organic matter which constitutes food for said process and the active organisms in said aerobic treatment step such that the inactivated organisms so returned are substantially consumed by the remaining active organisms with a corresponding reduction in sludge content.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method set forth in claim 8 in which the vacuum is of the order of 28.5 in. of Hg.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method set forth in claim 9 in which the vacuum treatment is maintained for a period of the order of one minute.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method set forth in claim 8 in which the vacuum treatment is effected by passing the material over a series of trays in an evacuated vessel.