Abstract:
An apparatus includes integrated ultra-filtration and clarification, and an optional electrocoagulation capability. The apparatus comprises an outer tank, an inner casing, and a plurality of ultra-filtration filters contained within the inner casing. Clarification of liquid occurs in the gap between the casing and tank. Solid matter settles, and aggregates in the bottom portion of the tank. The accumulated solid material acts as a secondary filter by pre-filtering the liquid prior to contact with the ultra-filtration filters. Clarified liquid is retained in a chamber of the casing, and the clarified liquid is drawn through the ultra-filtration filters as initiated by a source of vacuum communicating with the ultra-filtration filters. Optionally, and upstream electrocoagulation unit and a downstream reverse osmosis unit are provided. Alternatively, the electrocoagulation function is provided by a plurality of reaction plates mounted to the interior sidewall of the tank.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES 
     This application is a Continuation-In-Part of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/276,078, filed Nov. 21, 2008, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATMENT OF CONTAMINATED LIQUID” that is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for treating liquids to remove contaminates such as suspended or dissolved solids. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for treatment of a contaminated liquid in which an integrated clarifier and ultra-filtration apparatus are provided to improve the overall treatment process prior to a final treatment action, such as filtration by reverse osmosis. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Wastewater treatment is the process of removing targeted contaminants from a wastewater stream. Wastewater treatment typically involves a series of treatment steps including chemical, biological and physical treatment measures to remove the targeted contaminants. A typical wastewater treatment facility includes a number of physical components that operate in series to remove the targeted contaminants. The treatment components used in a wastewater treatment facility will differ depending upon the targeted contaminants to be removed. 
     One common step in wastewater treatment includes a sedimentation stage where the wastewater stream is allowed to slowly pass through a large tank, referred to as clarifier or sedimentation tank. The primary purpose of a clarifier is to remove solids that may be found in the wastewater stream, thus producing a homogenous liquid that is capable of being treated biologically and/or chemically in final treatment steps. 
     One of the final stages in a wastewater treatment facility for treating water that is to be released to the environment, or in a water purification system where drinking water is to be produced, is the use of a reverse osmosis (RO) unit and/or an ultra-filtration unit. Ultra-filtration defines a number of different membrane filtration systems in which hydrostatic pressure forces a liquid against one or more semi-permeable membranes. Suspended solids and solutes are retained in the filter, while water and lower molecular weight solutes are passed through the membranes and are recovered as the desired end product. In some processes, ultra-filtration may be a pre-treatment step for a final treatment step using reverse osmosis. As understood by those skilled in the art, a reverse osmosis process is a separation or filtration method that utilizes hydrostatic pressure to force the stream of liquid through a membrane that retains the solute on one side, and allows the pure solvent to pass on the other side of the membrane. Reverse osmosis may alternatively be defined as a process of forcing a solvent from an area of high solute concentration through a membrane to a region of lower solute concentration by application of a pressure in excess of the osmotic pressure. 
     One particular limitation in the use of a reverse osmosis unit, as well as ultra-filtration units, is that the membranes will become clogged over time, and some reverse flow is required to cause a loosening of the material collected on the membrane surfaces. This reverse flow or backwash requires a temporary shut-down of the waste treatment process. The backwash requirement slows the processing capability of the treatment system. 
     An ultra-filtration unit typically includes a plurality of separate filter elements that are placed within a tank, and a flow of liquid is provided to the tank in which water is drawn through the filters thereby creating a filtered stream of liquid. Upstream of the ultra-filtration unit may be one or more additional treatment units, such as a clarifier that removes a certain percentage of solids from the liquid stream prior to reaching the ultra-filtration unit. Because the liquid stream is typically carried by a pipe, the remaining solids within the liquid stream reaching the tank holding the ultra-filtration filters is well mixed due to the natural mixing action that occurs within a pipe that may travel a considerable distance and have multiple bends or turns. Therefore, the loading on the ultra-filtration filters comprises most if not all of the solid material that is carried in the liquid stream at that stage. 
     As a backwash operation is conducted, solid material is loosened from the surfaces of the membranes, and the tank holding the ultra-filtration filters must be drained/cleaned to remove the solids that collect on the bottom surface of the tank. This cleaning requirement further delays the operation of the waste treatment facility. 
     Therefore, there is a need to provide a waste treatment system and method in which solids introduced to an ultra-filtration unit are minimized to thereby increase the overall efficiency of the ultra-filtration units, which in turn, will reduce the frequency of required backwash and will therefore increase overall system efficiency. 
     Additionally, there is also a need to reduce the amount of equipment required to accommodate an ultra-filtration unit that not only minimizes the amount of materials used, but also the required space for ultra-filtration. 
     There is also a need to provide an ultra-filtration unit that minimizes operational and maintenance cost for backwashing the filtration system, yet still provides easy access to the working components of the filtration system. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a method and apparatus for treatment of contaminated liquids is provided in which a combined ultra-filtration and clarifier apparatus is used as a pre-treatment step for passage of the liquid stream to final treatment step, such as reverse osmosis filtering. In another aspect of the present invention, another combined apparatus is provided that integrates that ultra-filtration and clarification, as well as an electrocoagulation function. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, a system and method are provided for water treatment in which the combined ultra-filtration and clarifier apparatus is used within a series of treatment stations to include an upstream electrocoagulation unit and a downstream RO unit. If the apparatus has the integral electrocoagulation function, then the upstream electrocoagulation unit is not necessary. The present invention is particularly adapted for water purification as well as wastewater treatment. 
     In accordance with the apparatus of the invention, an outer tank wall defines an area that receives a flow of the liquid stream from an upstream treatment source, such as an electrocoagulation unit. The tank wall has an upper portion that may be cylindrical or rectangular, and a lower conical portion having a reduced area as compared to the upper portion. Disposed within the tank wall and spaced from the tank wall is an interior wall or casing that resides within the upper portion of the tank. The casing has an open top and an open bottom. The liquid stream enters the upper portion of the tank, and the liquid is received in the annular gap or space between the tank wall and casing. Solids within the liquid stream will settle or precipitate out and then fall into the lower conical portion of the tank. The solids or sludge build up within the lower portion of the tank over time. 
     A plurality of ultra-filtration filters is disposed within the casing, and the filters are supported within the casing by one or more supporting members. The ultra-filtration filters are submersed within the liquid within the tank. The lower ends of the filters extend to a level that is adjacent to a lower end of the casing. The upper ends of the filters communicate with a source of vacuum such that liquid in the chamber, defined as the space within the casing, is drawn through the filters and transported downstream. 
     Because the liquid is continually passed through the filters, a circulation is achieved in the tank whereby liquid in the annular gap or space is forced to travel around the lower end of the casing and into the chamber within the casing. Preferably, the casing as well as the lower ends of the filters is placed just above the level of the sludge/solids that have built up within the lower portion of the tank. The solid material that builds up within the tank is commonly referred to as a sludge blanket. Therefore, liquid flow through the tank also requires that the liquid flow through at least some portion of the sludge blanket before it reaches the chamber within the casing. The general flow pattern established within the apparatus can be summarized as first a downward flow in the annular gap or space, then into and across the sludge blanket, and finally upward into the chamber within the casing prior to evacuation through the filters. 
     This combined apparatus may also include an electrocoagulation function by incorporating a plurality of reaction blades or plates that are secured on one interior side of the tank, preferably the side of the tank that receives the flow of liquid. The liquid flows down between the plates where the liquid can be treated by electrocoagulation in which an electrical field is created between the plates and the contaminates coagulate with ions released from the breakdown of the plates. The contaminates then settle to the bottom of the tank where they contribute to the sludge formation. 
     The integrated or combined apparatus has many advantages. First, the settling capability of the outer tank as a clarifier/sedimentation tank minimizes the amount of solid particulates that can reach the ultra-filtration units, thereby extending the period of operation of the ultra-filtration units before backwash is required. Additionally, the apparatus of the invention requires only one tank for clarifying and filtering, thus eliminating the need for two separate tanks. In the event the apparatus includes the electrocoagulation function, the apparatus replaces the need for three separate tanks. A clarified liquid is retained within the chamber of the casing and the clarified liquid therein is isolated and not subject to any turbulent flow that could otherwise re-suspend solids in the clarified liquid. Further, the requirement of the liquid flow through the sludge blanket further enhances separation of the solids from the flow of the liquid, since the sludge blanket itself acts as a pre-filter prior to the liquid reaching the filters. Thus, the sludge blanket can be viewed as a secondary filter to capture additional suspended solids. This secondary filtering feature of the apparatus can be selectively controlled by the amount of vacuum that is pulled on the filter units, thereby also providing the capability to adjust ultra-filtration at rates consistent with the capabilities of the installed type of ultra-filtration filters. 
     One or more control elements may be used to maintain the sludge blanket at a desired height within the tank that requires the liquid to flow through at least some portion of the solid mass prior to reaching the chamber within the casing. For example, one or more photo-eye switches can be installed within the tank that provides a measurement capability for determining when the sludge needs to be removed from the tank. The lower conical portion of the outer tank incorporates a drain that allows a user to remove a desired amount of solid mass. The switches can electrically control a drain valve in the drain for selective removal of solids within the tank. 
     Additionally, it may be desirable to adjust the density of the sludge blanket within the tank to better facilitate a desired flow of liquid through the solid mass. Accordingly, it is also contemplated that one or more vibrators can be attached to the outer surface of the lower portion of the tank. The vibrators will increase the density of the sludge blanket causing the solid material to occupy less space within the lower portion of the tank. It is also contemplated that an auger or stirring assembly can be used to slowly stir the solid mass in order to adjust the density of the solid mass to thereby optimize a flow of liquid through the sludge blanket prior to reaching the chamber of the casing. Stirring is done at a rate however that does not materially increase the amount of suspended solids in the chamber. During this stirring, the vacuum drawn on the filters can be shut off to allow any re-suspended solids to re-settle back to the sludge blanket. 
     Depending upon the type of ultra-filtration filters provided, a source of air may be introduced into the tank and to the ultra-filtration filters to maximize operation of the filters and/or to provide additional cleaning capability at which point in time the filters require a backwash cycle. 
     In another aspect of the method and system of the present invention, another embodiment is provided to increase the percentage of liquids recovered to prevent the necessity of adding yet another downstream treatment step, such as the use of evaporation ponds. In some industrial processes, because of the type of contaminates that are being removed, environmental regulations may dictate that the recovered solids have very small amounts of liquid. The prior art solution in many industrial water treatment processes for removing the final percentages of water found in the solids is to transport the solids/slurry to evaporation ponds where the water is removed by evaporation. However, this is an extremely expensive solution for many industrial processes since evaporation ponds require a significant amount of land, labor and materials. Further, evaporation is very slow in many climates which limit the rates at which the solid wastes can ultimately be removed to a landfill. Therefore, “zero liquid discharge” regulations create a limiting design constraint for many wastewater treatment systems. In order to solve this problem, the system and method of the present invention provides an additional treatment step in which the reject water from the ultra-filtration/clarifier device is further processed in a downstream filter press which removes a significant portion of remaining liquid, and additionally a downstream clarifier under vacuum is provided to convey the recovered liquid to the upstream treatment system for further treatment. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, an integrated ultra-filtration and clarifier system are provided in which a pair of treatment systems are combined in a linear, side-by-side fashion which provides a number of benefits to include space savings, increased cleaning and maintenance efficiencies, and an efficient system layout that minimizes required pipe runs. In this embodiment, a pair of integrated ultra-filtration and clarifier tanks is provided, along with a corresponding pair of electrocoagulation devices that provide upstream electrocoagulation treatment of the liquid delivered to the integrated dual-purpose tanks. 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a review of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of the method and system of the present invention that incorporates an integrated ultra-filtration and clarifier capability; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged partial fragmentary perspective view of the integrated ultra-filtration and clarifier apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged partial fragmentary perspective view of the integrated ultra-filtration and clarifier apparatus in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating a method of the present invention with respect to a process of treating liquid from a textile die system; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the integrated apparatus in another embodiment in which the tank and the casing have a rectangular shape; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the apparatus in which an electrocoagulation function is added by incorporating plurality of reaction plates or blades within the tank in the gap or space between the tank and the casing; and 
         FIG. 7  is a greatly enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a tank similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 6  illustrating how the reaction blades are secured within the tank having planar sidewalls. 
         FIG. 8  is another schematic view of the method and system of the present invention in another embodiment in which a return line is provided for liquid recovered from a filter press and clarification unit located downstream from the integrated ultra-filtration and clarifier device; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the system of the present invention illustrating a pair of side-by-side integrated ultra-filtration and clarifier devices incorporated within a treatment system; 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the system of  FIG. 9 , further illustrating the interface between outlet weirs of electrocoagulation units located upstream of the integrated devices, and in which the weirs provide direct transfer of the liquids into the integrated ultra-filtration and clarifier devices; 
         FIG. 11  is another enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9  illustrating the arrangement of ultra-filtration filters located within an integrated ultra-filtration and clarifier device of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of liquid through the integrated device of  FIG. 9 ; and 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of one of the integrated devices of  FIG. 9  illustrating the arrangement of the filters along with the flow path of the liquid as it is treated and withdrawn. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a system  10  in accordance with the present invention is illustrated comprising a number of components that are used to provide treatment for the liquid, which may include water, or other liquids that are used in industrial and commercial purposes. The system  10  can be incorporated into yet a larger treatment system designed to specifically treat for removal of targeted contaminants. Thus, it shall be understood that the system  10  of the present invention can either be a stand-alone system, or can be incorporated within yet a larger treatment system. 
       FIG. 1  more specifically illustrates a first holding tank/reservoir  12  that provides the contaminated liquid to be treated. The liquid is conveyed to an electrocoagulation unit  18  by a pump  14  in which a control valve  16  regulates the flow of liquid through the conveying line  13 . The electrocoagulation unit  18  may be conventional, such as the ones illustrated in the U.S. Pat. No. 7,211,185 entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTROCOAGULATION OF LIQUIDS”, this patent being hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     The electrocoagulation unit  18  provides a first treatment step whereby solids or flock are generated and contaminants are bound to the solid particles. The treated liquid from the electrocoagulation unit  18  is transferred by line  19  to the integrated ultra-filtration and clarifier apparatus  20 . An intermediate pump (not shown) can be used to convey the liquid from the electrocoagulation unit  18  to the integrated apparatus  20 . The particular structural details of the integrated apparatus  20  are discussed in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 2 . 
     Treated liquid from the integrated apparatus  20  is evacuated through line  26 , as aided by vacuum pump  28  which then conveys the treated liquid to a downstream treatment unit, such as a reverse osmosis unit  30 . Once the reverse osmosis operation has been conducted, the result is a treated liquid that can be stored or transferred from a treated liquid container  32  that holds the treated liquid from the reverse osmosis unit. Sludge/solids can be removed from the integrated apparatus  20  through drain line  33  as controlled by drain valve  34 . The sludge/solid can be further treated in another treatment step, such as use of a clarifier or filter press  36 . 
     Depending upon the type of ultra-filtration filters used, a source of air can be provided to the filters as by air line  42  in which air is forced into the integrated apparatus  20  as by blower  44  which draws air through at least one filter  46 . 
       FIG. 1  also shows a blow back pump  40  that provides a backwash of liquid and/or air into the filter elements in order to remove solids that adhere to the membrane surfaces. Blow back pump  40  can provide a flow of liquid, air or a combination of both back through the filters as specified by a user. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the combined or integrated apparatus  20  is illustrated. The integrated apparatus  20  is characterized by an outer tank having a cylindrical upper portion  51 , and a lower conical portion  52  that extends below the upper portion  51 . The upper portion  51  of the tank has a greater area than the lower conical portion  52 . The lower conical portion is arranged such that the narrower end of the lower conical portion connects to the drain line  33 . 
     Disposed within the tank and spaced from the interior tank wall is an interior cylinder or casing  54 . The interior casing  54  is supported within the tank as by a plurality of support trusses  62  that interconnect the casing  54  to the wall of the tank. The casing  54  has an upper edge  55  that may be positioned just below or at the same level as the upper edge  58  of the tank. The casing has a lower edge  60  that extends deep into the tank, and can be located at or near the transition between the cylindrical upper portion  51  of the tank and the lower conical portion  52 . The liquid L enters the tank through the line  19  and into the gap or space between the tank and the casing  54 . 
     Disposed within the casing  54  is a plurality of ultra-filtration filters  64 . The filters more specifically lie within a chamber or open space defined within the interior of the casing  54 . The ultra-filtration filters  64  are suspended within the casing  54  as by a plurality of mounting brackets/trusses  84  that stabilize the ultra-filtration filters at designated locations within the chamber of the casing  54 . The filters  64  have upper ends  68  that can be disposed at or near the level of the upper edge  55  of the casing, and the lower ends of the filters  66  may be disposed slightly above the lower edge  60  of the casing. Accordingly, the filters extend substantially along the height of the casing  54 . 
     It is also contemplated that the mounting brackets/trusses  84  can be alternatively mounted to the tank in which the entire mounting bracket/truss structure can be removably lowered and raised so that the filters can be inspected and replaced as necessary. Accordingly, the brackets/trusses  84  could include opposing end flanges (not shown) that rest on opposite sides of the upper edge  58  of the tank with the brackets/trusses extending between the flanges for supporting the filters. The bracket/truss structure  84  could therefore be easily lifted for inspection and replacement of the filters. The brackets  84  can also be in the form of a cable arrangement that supports the separate filters and spans between and connects to the opposing upper edges  58  of the tank wherein the cable is easily lifted or lowered to access the filters  64 . 
     A vacuum manifold  72  is attached to each of the filters  64 , and the vacuum manifold in turn communicates with a transfer or outlet line  70  that connects to a source of vacuum (pump  28 ), to pull the liquid within the chamber upwards and through the filters  64 . 
     Disposed within the lower conical portion  52  of the tank is the sludge blanket  80 . The sludge blanket is created as a result of continued operation of the integrated apparatus in which solid matter from the electrocoagulation unit collects within the lower portion of the tank. For optimum operation of the integrated apparatus, it is preferable to maintain a level of the sludge such that a majority of the liquid that enters the tank has to travel through the sludge blanket  80 , thereby resulting in secondary filtration of the liquid stream as it passes through the sludge blanket. A preferred location for the upper surface or edge of the sludge is just below the lower edges  66  of the filters  64 . This location of the sludge blanket thereby requires the liquid to pass through a significant portion of the solid mass of the sludge blanket prior to reaching the chamber of the casing. The lower end  60  of the casing  54  may be in contact with the sludge blanket depending upon the location of the lower ends of the filters. The liquid that finally enters the chamber is highly clarified thereby minimizing the loading on the filters. The clarified liquid in the chamber is maintained in a turbulent free environment since the casing wall in combination with the sludge blanket prevent direct propagation of turbulent flow that may be occurring in the gap or space between the tank and the casing as liquid is introduced in the tank. The turbulent free environment within the chamber maintains the secondary filtration effect of passing the liquid through the sludge blanket in which turbulent flow might otherwise re-suspend a certain portion of the solid matter into the liquid stream. As mentioned, the minimization of solid particles within the liquid stream reduces the overall load placed on the ultra-filtration filters, thereby increasing the performance of the filters, and reducing down time required to conduct a back wash cycle in order to clean the filters. The level of the liquid L within the gap between the tank and the casing and the level of the liquid L within the casing  54  may vary depending upon the rate at which the liquid enters the tank, the rate at which the liquid is evacuated through the filters, and the rate at which the liquid is filtered through the sludge blanket. 
     As also shown in  FIG. 2 , a source of air can be provided through air line  42  along with a plurality of air nozzles  90  that provide a flow of air along with the clarified liquid through the filters. Depending upon the type of ultra-filtration filters used, some of the filters perform better when a stream of air is also introduced simultaneously with the liquid. 
     One type of ultra-filtration filter that may be used in the present invention is a Trisep® spiral wound membrane filters. Another example of an ultra-filtration filter that can be used includes Memcor® membrane filters. 
     The flow rate of filtered liquid through the line  70  can be determined by the vacuum pulled by the source of vacuum. In order to create the desired filtration effect of the sludge blanket  80 , it is also contemplated that the density of the particles within the sludge blanket can be adjusted. Accordingly, a stirring assembly or auger  88  can be used to slowly stir the solid material to prevent clumping of the solid material that could overly inhibit liquid flow through the sludge blanket. The use of the stir assembly  88  would ensure a very slow and uniform stirring of the solid mass, and would not re-suspend an appreciable amount of solids which otherwise could occur if the solid mass was agitated with too much speed/force. In order to increase the density of the solid mass, it is also contemplated that one or more vibrators  86  can be placed in contact with the tank wall. The vibrations produced by the vibrators result in further downward movement and compaction of the solid mass into the conical portion  52 . The vibrators  86  can also assist in evacuation of the solids through drain line  33  at which point in time the solid mass builds to a level that approaches contact with the lower ends  66  of the filters  64 . 
     In order to determine when to evacuate some of the solid mass, one or more photo-eye switches  92  can be used to observe and signal the point in time when a portion of the solid mass should be removed. The activation of the photo-eye switch(es) can be used to open and close the drain valve  34  in the drain line  33 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an integrated apparatus  20  in another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The same reference number used in this embodiment corresponds to the same structure elements referred to in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 . The embodiment of  FIG. 3  differs from the embodiment of  FIG. 2  in that the embodiment of  FIG. 3  includes a cover or top  101  that is used to isolate the liquid within the tank. The cover  101  is removable in order that an operator may obtain access to the ultra-filtration filters  64  and other components within the apparatus. A plurality of openings  103  may be formed in the cover  100  to accommodate the vacuum manifold  72  and the connecting lines extending from the respective filters  64 . The cover  101  is especially useful for liquid treatment operations that may take place on a ship, where listing of the ship might otherwise cause liquid to spill from the apparatus.  FIG. 3  also shows a different location for the vibrators  86 . In this embodiment, the vibrators  86  are disposed within the chamber and are secured to the casing  54 . In this arrangement, the vibrators  86  are also used to assist in cleaning of the filters  64 . In  FIG. 3 , the sludge blanket is raised, and covers the lower ends  66  of the filter  64 . The vibrators create a wave action in the liquid within the chamber that helps to clean the filters. Specifically, the vibrations cause a series of waves that propagate through the chamber that dislodge solids adhering to the filters. The vibrators in this embodiment can be placed above the level of the sludge blanket or in the sludge blanket. Since the filters are made from a solid material, the membranes of the filters remain relatively stationary as compared to the wave action created from the vibrators, thus enhancing the cleaning effect on the membranes of the filters. The vibrators can be energized at low levels during operation of the apparatus in which smaller waves provide a continual cleaning effect but do no result in re-suspension of solids. During a backwash cycle, the vibrators can be energized to create larger waves for a more robust cleaning action. In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , it is noted that the sludge material in contact with the filters does not materially inhibit the functioning of the filters, assuming that the capacity of the vacuum source is great enough so that liquid can still be pulled through the filters. 
     It is also contemplated in the present invention that biological agents can be added in order to further treat the liquid. A desired biological microbe group can be selected to treat various organic containments, and therefore supplements the other treatment aspects of the present invention. The micro-organisms introduced can operate a number of ways to include both aerobic and anaerobic digestion of containments. With respect to aerobic digestion, the air introduced through air line  42  can also be used to supply the needed oxygen to enhance the aerobic digestion. 
     It is also noted in  FIG. 3  that the air line  42  and air nozzles  90  have been eliminated for clarity, it being understood that the air line and nozzles can also be incorporated within the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
     In accordance with the method of the present invention, a particular flow of the liquid is created through the integrated apparatus, which results in creation of maximized clarified liquid prior to the liquid reaching the ultra-filtration filters. In accordance with the method, a flow of liquid is provided through the upper portion of the tank. The liquid initially resides within the gap or annular space between the tank and casing. The solid particulate matter settles out of the liquid, leaving a solid mass or sludge blanket within the lower portion of the tank. The liquid level within the tank can be varied, but is typically full in order to maximize the amount of liquid treated. 
     A flow of liquid is caused to pass through the sludge blanket by a source of a vacuum that pulls the liquid into the sludge blanket and upwards into the chamber and through the ultra-filtration filters. Some amount of clarified liquid remains within the chamber. There is very little if any turbulence within the chamber, thereby ensuring that there is minimal re-suspension/mixing of the clarified liquid, which therefore minimizes loading on the filters. The filtered liquid is then transferred downstream for further treatment and/or storage. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention with respect to a method of treatment of water used in a particular industrial process, namely, water used in a textile die system. As shown in the flow diagram of  FIG. 4 , a textile die machine at block  100  produces contaminated water that contains various contaminates to include colored die having various chemical constituents. At block  102 , water from the textile die machine can be introduced to a screen at block  104  to remove solids in the water stream. At block  106 , the solids are transferred to a drying bed where the solids can be used, for example, as fuel in the textile die process, or can be disposed of in a landfill. At block  108 , the liquid undergoes electrocoagulation where contaminants adhere to the ionized solids produced during electrocoagulation. At block  110 , the liquid with the solid particles/flock from the electrocoagulation are treated in the integrated clarifier and ultra-filtration apparatus of the present invention. Additionally, the integrated apparatus may include bacterial treatment in which a selected group of micro-organisms are introduced into the tank. At block  112 , the filtered water from the integrated apparatus then undergoes a reverse osmosis treatment. The treated permeate water from the reverse osmosis step can then be returned to the textile die machine as fresh water. For the rejected water from the reverse osmosis process, this rejected water at block  114  includes water with salt, and this rejected water can also be reused in the textile die process. For example, salt laden water is often used to increase osmotic pressure causing the die to more completely enter the fabric during the dyeing process. At block  116 , the sludge and water laden bacteria is removed from the integrated apparatus. The bacteria can be returned to the integrated apparatus, while the solids are then subject to a filter press operation at block  118 . A selected return of bacteria to the integrated apparatus is done to optimize and maintain the desired micro-organism levels in the integrated apparatus. A constant requirement to add new bacteria would otherwise add costs to the treatment method. The solids from the filter press can then be taken to a landfill for disposal. Thus,  FIG. 4  illustrates an industrial process that can be greatly enhanced by incorporation of the integrated clarifier and ultra-filtration apparatus of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention in which the tank and the chamber are rectangular shaped. Like numbers in this embodiment correspond to the same structural features in the prior embodiment. The lower portion  52  can have four converging sides in lieu of a conical shape. This embodiment also illustrates bracket mounts  110  that allow the brackets  84  to removably mount over the upper edge  55  of the chamber. These bracket mounts  110  are slots that are formed in the brackets  84  and allow the filters  64  to be lifted together from or lowered onto the upper edge  55  during maintenance or repair. The cover  101  can be removed when the filters are to be replaced or repaired.  FIG. 5  also shows that the manifold is housed within the cover  101 , and a single side opening is made in the cover to allow passage of the vacuum line  70 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention that adds the electrocoagulation function by incorporating a plurality of reaction plates  120  that are mounted to a side of the tank as by mounting rods  122 . Preferably, the plates  120  are positioned on the side of the tank where the liquid is introduced through line  19 . As shown, the liquid is allowed to flow downward between the plates  120  where the liquid therefore first receives treatment as by electrocoagulation. Power is applied to the plates in order to create the electric field that causes ions to be produced from the plate material for coagulation with contaminates in the liquid. Again, the U.S. Pat. No. 7,211,185 is incorporated herein for purposes of disclosure of how power can be selectively applied to the plates  120  to achieve effective electrocoagulation. The solid material or sludge produced by electrocoagulation collects within the sludge blanket at the bottom of tank as in the prior embodiment. Thus, the embodiment of  FIG. 6  eliminates the need for a separate upstream electrocoagulation tank. Initial electrocoagulation occurs by the downward travel of the liquid; however it is noted that the lateral side edges of the plates are exposed within the tank so that circulation of liquid within the gap between the casing and the tank allows for additional electrocoagulation. Therefore, it is also contemplated that a relatively small pump (not shown) can be placed within this gap in order to encourage an annular or circumferential flow within the tank above the sludge blanket so that the liquid has a greater dwell time between the plates  120  by multiple passes through the plates. Ultimately, the liquid is still drawn through the sludge blanket and into the chamber within the casing as the vacuum drawn will have greater power than the small pump within the tank. Depending upon how much electrocoagulation is desired, a greater or fewer amount of plates  120  can be installed. Accordingly, the size of the tank and/or casing can also be changed to accommodate the required space for the plates. 
       FIG. 7  is provided to better show how the plates  120  can be secured to a sidewall of a tank and the manner in which the rods  122  are used to mount the plates. The casing, filters, and manifold have been removed in  FIG. 7  to better illustrate the plates  120  and their mounted arrangement within the tank. The blades have openings to receive the rods  122 . The blades are slidable over the rods and can be held in place by fasteners (not shown) secured to the free ends of the rods. The blades will degrade over time due to electrocoagulation and will require replacement. The lateral side edges  123  of the plates  120  are exposed that allows the circumferential flow of the liquid to also pass through the plates. Power can be applied by conductors  126  that attach to selected ears  125  of the plates  120 . The selective connection of power to designated plates can allow a user to selectively adjust the electric field without the use of more expensive equipment such as transformers. The ears  125  are preferably above the liquid line to prevent premature breakdown of the plates at that location. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , another embodiment of the system and method of the present invention are illustrated in which a liquid return line  38  is provided for purposes of further treatment in order to minimize the amount of liquid discharge from treatment station  36 . In  FIG. 1 , treatment station  36  was described as being either a clarifier or filter press. In this embodiment, treatment station  36  is described more particularly as a treatment station in which liquid remaining within the sludge/solids is preferably removed first by a filter press, and then a clarifier tank receives the liquid discharged from the filter press. The liquid from the clarifier is then pumped back to one of the prior treatment or storage locations within the system. More particularly, the return line  38  is shown as extending back to any one of the prior treatment stations to include the first holding reservoir  12 , and/or to the electrocoagulation unit  18 , and/or to the integrated ultra-filtration and clarifier apparatus  20 . Depending upon the state of the liquid recovered at station  36 , this recovered liquid can be selectively transported back to the desired prior treatment location. Particularly for regulated wastewater treatment facilities in which the environmental regulations require a “zero liquid discharge” treatment, the return of the liquid from treatment station  36  eliminates the need for evaporation ponds. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment comprising an example of a commercial embodiment of the present invention in which a pair of integrated ultra-filtration and clarifier tanks are used in conjunction with a corresponding pair of electrocoagulation devices that provide flows of liquid to the integrated tanks. More specifically in reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a pair of side-by-side integrated ultra-filtration and clarifier tanks  200  are illustrated that receive liquid to be treated from overflow weirs  230  forming part of adjacently positioned electrocoagulation apparatuses  250  (see  FIG. 13 ). As shown, the tanks  200  have rectangular upper portions and smaller converging V-shaped lower sidewalls  202  that facilitate the clarifying function, similar to the lower conical portion  52  of the apparatus  20  discussed in the prior embodiment of  FIG. 2 . The end walls  204  of the tanks  200  may be rectangular shaped as shown to help facilitate support for mounting of the apparatuses. Each of the tanks  200  also communicate with a control station  206  which may include one or more electronic controllers and pumps which control the flow rate of liquid withdrawn from the tanks. A discharge or permeate line  208  transfers permeate liquid to a downstream treatment station (not shown), such as a reverse osmosis unit (for example RO Unit  30  shown in  FIG. 1 ). A source of vacuum (not shown) communicates with the permeate lines  208  to draw the liquid through the filters  244 , as discussed further below. 
     As also discussed below with respect to  FIG. 11 , the permeate liquid is received through the header pipes  236  which flow into discharge manifolds  216  that extend along the lengths of the tanks. The discharge manifolds connect to the corresponding permeate lines  208 . Solids are removed from the tanks  200  through solid discharge lines  210  which communicate with a discharge pump (not shown) to withdraw solids collected in the bottom of the tanks. As solids build up within the tanks, it may be necessary to manually remove caked solids. Accordingly, access cleaning ports  212  are provided to enable access to the lower portions of the tanks to manually remove solid build-up within the tanks. 
     Each of the tanks may include various safety measures to ensure the tanks do not overflow, and in  FIG. 9 , each of the apparatuses are provided with emergency overflow lines  214  which may receive excess liquid to prevent inadvertent overflow of the apparatuses. 
     An intermediate catwalk  218  and lateral catwalks  220  are provided to enable operators to conduct inspection and maintenance of the tanks, to include removing and replacing the filters. One or more access stairs  220  are provided along with safety hand rails  224 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , additional power/control panels  226  are illustrated which may be used for housing necessary power and control equipment for the system. Also as shown in  FIG. 10 , immediately adjacent one end of each of the tanks  200  is the overflow weirs  230  from the adjacent electrocoagulation units  250  ( FIG. 13 ). In  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the electrocoagulation devices  250  are hidden from view, because the devices  250  are disposed below the end platform  252 . The overflow weirs  230  contain the liquid that has been treated in the electrocoagulation units. A spillway  232  enables the liquid from the corresponding weir  230  to enter into a clarifying chamber  260  (also see  FIG. 13 ) of the tank  200 . The clarifying chamber  260  encourages the initial settling of the solids within the tank. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , once the liquid enters the tank  200 , it flows through a bottom opening  258  formed on the interior sidewall  254 . The liquid is then drawn through the filters  244 . Each of the filters  244  have a corresponding bubbler unit  240  that generates a stream of pressurized air that is also withdrawn through the filters  244 . Air line  248  provides the compressed flow of air to each of the bubblers  240 . After passing through the filters  244 , the permeate liquid is first received into feed lines  238  which flow into the centrally-located header pipe  236  that extends between pairs of rows of the filters. Also referring to  FIG. 11 , one preferred arrangement is shown for four rows of filters  244  in which a header pipe  236  extends longitudinally between adjacent rows of filters  244 . 
       FIG. 12  is provided to illustrate the flow of air and water in which the compressed air is provided through air line  248  into bubbler  240 , and the liquid and air are then received through filters  244 , through feed lines  238  which finally communicate with the header pipes  236 . As best seen in  FIG. 13 , the bubblers  240  are disposed above the V-shaped portion of the sidewall  202  which ensures that a build-up of solids does not interfere with the bubblers. 
     The particular arrangement of the filters, header pipes, feed lines, and bubblers is set forth in Trisep Corporation&#39;s Spirasep™ “Ultra-filtration Membrane Technology” literature. More specifically, Trisep Corporation provides Spirasep™ ultra-filtration membrane products/systems in which a plurality of filtration membranes can be disposed as shown in the Figures of the present invention. The Spirasep™ product/system is a back flushable, immersed, negative pressure, spiral wound ultra-filtration element. These ultra-filtration elements can be used in a wide variety of applications for removal of suspended solids. The Spirasep™ products/system is covered by the U.S. Pat. No. 6,755,970, and said patent being hereby incorporated by the reference for the disclosure of the Spirasep products/system. The purpose of the bubblers  240  is to mitigate membrane fouling. Because of the negative pressure operation of the liquid being pulled through the filters  244 , this minimizes fouling of the filters and the system is able to thereby maintain very high permeate flux rates. Further, the negative pressure design of the Spirasep technologies decreases system downtime in which positive pressure filtration systems require frequent and time-consuming cleaning. 
     There are a number of advantages of the system illustrated in  FIGS. 9-13 . With the use of a pair of side-by-side ultra-filtration and clarifying apparatuses in combination with corresponding electrocoagulation units, it is possible to have continuous operations despite one apparatus and EC unit being down for maintenance and repair. Therefore, the redundant apparatuses and EC units ultimately allow non-stop continuous operations. The symmetrical side by side configured layout of the tanks provides a space savings, and the positioning of the catwalks enables operators to easily access both lateral sides of each of the tanks. The rectangular shaped upper portions of the tanks also facilitate efficient pipe runs which may be disposed in perpendicular and parallel orientations to further provide space savings. The positioning of the electrocoagulation units immediately adjacent ends of the tanks also assist in better flow control in that it is therefore not necessary to provide intermediate storage tanks and pumps to transfer liquid to be treated in the tanks. 
     Although supplemented treatment by addition of bacterial agents is only discussed with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , it shall be understood that each of the embodiments may include bacterial treatment in which a selected group of micro-organisms are introduced into the integrated apparatuses for treatment of particular contaminates. 
     The integrated clarification, ultra-filtration, and electrocoagulation apparatuses provide a single device for conducting two or three separate liquid treatment steps. The sludge blanket within the tank itself acts as a secondary filtration unit, minimizing the loading on the ultra-filtration filters and thereby reducing disruption of the system that occurs with required backwash cycles. 
     The present invention is particularly adapted for both water purification as well as treatment of wastewater. The electrocoagulation step provides an effective way in which to isolate most contaminants so they can be more effectively removed by the subsequent clarification and filtration steps. The integrated apparatuses can be operated to target contaminant removal by selectively adjusting the mass of the sludge blanket as a pre-filtration step, adjusting the type of ultra-filtration filters, and adjusting the flow rate of liquid through the apparatus by evacuation through the filters. If the apparatus includes an electrocoagulation function, a selected electric field can be created between the blades in order to target specific contaminates in the liquid. 
     Although the present invention has been described with respect to one or more preferred embodiments, it shall be understood that other changes and modifications can be made to the invention within the scope of the claims appended hereto.