Purifying Sewage and other Impure Waters or Liquids.
Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Apr., 1888
Complete Specification Left, 23rd Jan., 1889
Complete Specification Accepted, 30th Mar.,. 1889
.
Purifying Sewage and other Impure Waters or Liquids.
I, GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS JOHN SCHOTT of Westend Mills, Bradford in the County
of York, Manufacturer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
My invention relates more particularly to the purification of water-carried sewage,
baving as its prime purpose the purification of the sewage for health's sake, and, as a
secondary consideration, the utilization of the sewage for the purposes of profit, or in
order to minimise the cost of treating it with the main object in view.
It is an object of my invention to provide an improved process of, and means for,
treating water-carried sewage, whereby the effluent matter of sewers may undergo
uninterrupted and efficient purification, as fast as it forms, and before decomposition
sets in and dangerous gases are generated.
It is also the object of my invention to provide an improved mode and apparatus,
whereby the various products having different cominercial value, or adapted to
different uses or being without any worth or importance, may be separately removed
from the mass without interruption of the working of the system.
It is also the object of my invention in order to facilitate precipitation to provide
an improved mode and apparatus wheroby the motion of the water may be reduced to
the minimum necessary for its steady passage from place to place, and its pressure so
utilized as to effect continual, quick, and thorough precipitation of the substances to
be extracted therefrom.
These objects I attain by dividing the body of the water during parts of its course
into two equal portions, which by balancing each other bring about a state of
equilibrium, and by giving to the various reservoirs or compartiments of which my

page_text: apparatus is composed suitable forms, which allow of the gradual spreading out of
the waters in their passage through them where necessary, and of such passage being
effected in alternately upward and downward directions where necessary.
It is also the object of my invention to provide an improved method and means
whereby chemicals once employed in the process of purification may be re-used, and
ingredients thought heretofore to have no material value, may he utilized to assist in
the purification, and economy thus attained.
It is also the object of my invention to so improve the means or apparatus
employed in the treatment of sewage as not only to economise space, but be
simple in construction, and, considering the work to be done, cost but little to
construct or build.
It is also the object of my invention to combine the processes of precipitation and
filtration in the same apparatus by the formation of filter beds at the bottom of some
of the compartments, through which the waters must pass.
It is also the object of my invention to effect other improvements in the treatment
of water-carried sewage, incidental to those hereinbefore mentioned and my invention
may also in whole or part be applied to the purification of other impure waters or
liquids, with such modifications as may be rendered necessary by the special circum-
stances of such cases.
To the foregoing ends my invention consists in the art or process of treating water-
carried sewage, which embrace the discharge and collection of the sewage to be
treated in a pair of reservoirs or basins, separating, precipitating and removing the
particles of the greatest specific gravity, then transferring it by gravity and without
appreciable current to a second reservoir divided into compartments, and there
skimming the floating particles from the mass; and separating, precipitating and
removing the particles of the next greatest specific gravity and then transferring the
remaining mass by gravity and without appreciable currents as before to a further set
of reservoirs or basins, and there treating it with chemicals and precipitating all
remaining solid or dissolved particles, and removing, them, producing an effluent
water pure enough for all practical and sanitary purposes and discharging
the same.
My invention also consists in sub-processes or methods involved in the before
recited system or mode of procedure.
My invention also consists in. the means employed in carrying out the stated
improvements in the art of treating water-carried sewage, as will hereafter be
described and shown.
In carrying out my improvements, two leading or principal operations are
pursued:
1st) preliminary treatment, whereby floating particles, such as fat and fibrine, are
separated from the mass, and particles of greatest specific gravity, and matter next in
order as regards density or greatness of specific gravity are separately precipitated,
in such manner as to be removed during, and without interruption to, the operation
of the process.
2nd) chemical treatment and subsidence, whereby the mass is practically disinfected
and deodorized, so that the effluent water may be discharged with safety to health
and without occasioning a nuisance, and all organic substances precipitated and
removed..
By this system of treating water-carried sewage, all organic matter is removed
therefrom and separated into four distinct and different products
:-
1st) a product comprising such matter as is of heaviest specific gravity, and which
is of little or no use.
2nd) a product comprising fat and fibrine, removed from the surface of the
water..
3rd) a product.comprising matter of second greatest specific gravity, and
4th) the finer particles and dissolved matter not before precipitated,
The chemicals to be selected for use will depend upon :
1st) the composition of the sewa de.

page_text: 2nd) the facility for procuring the chemicals, as also the cost of the same.
3rd) the rules and requirements of the sanitary authorities, under whose jurisdiction
the process may be practiced, and
4th) the nature of the products which it is desired to gain..
The chemicals and materials which will be found suited to most circumstances,
purposes and requirements, are quick-lime, plaster of paris, either in its crude or
refined state; mineral salts, such as anhydrit, boracit, carnallit, kieserit, polyhalit,
tachydrit, kainit, pikromerit, astrakanit, or acids, oils and tars, containing carbolic
acid and creosote; or waste matter and other substances such as are got from the
manufacture of mineral-water, bleaching and similar chemical operations; or alkalies,
carbonic acid, phosphate and inagnesium salts.
The chemicals requiring pulverization can be treated in any suitable crushing-
machine.
The fat or oily matter and fibrine removed from the mass may be separated by the
use of carbon bi-sulphide or naphtha, and when thus treated the fat may be used in
the manufacture of soap or for any other suitable purpose, and the fibrine for the.
manufacture of paper.
The richer portions of the sludge removed before the admixture of the chemicals
may be mixed by any suitable means with acids for the purpose of fixing the ammonia,
after which such sludge may be collected in a vacuum apparatus, heated by steam,
and forced into a filter press, and the water and fat expelled. The residue will form
a cake which after pulverization affords a manure.
The precipitated matter removed after admixture of the chemicals may be heated
in a monte-jus, and the ammonia driven off collected in vessels containing sulphuric
acid, which gives sulphate of ammonia.
The residue may be heated and pressed through a filter, which process furnishes,
after the product has been cleansed by bituminous disinfectants, a useful plaster or
mortar.
If however, the precipitated matter removed after admixture of the chemicals can
be readily utilised in the neighbourhood as manure, it may be thus used, and there
will be no need of subjecting it to a heating process in a monte-jus, it being
only necessary in such case to add acids to the mass for fixing the ammonia and
alkalies.
The acid water expressed in the treatment of the sludge, should, of course, be
returned to the main mass of sewer water to be purified with the latter. before being
finally discharged.
I would have it understood that my process is not limited to the treatment of water-
carried sewage, but may be employed in other ways, for example in the purification of
water employed in the conduct of various industrial establishments, or in lieu of filter-
beds etc., for the removal of impurities in water supplied to cities or communities, for
the purification or filtration of oils and other liquids etc., only such modifications
being made as are required to adapt it to the particular circumstances of the case.
In order that the general nature of my improved apparatus may be more clearly
understood I give a short outline description of some main portions of it with
reference to the annexed diagrams, but it must be clearly understood, that both the
description and illustrations are incomplete and do not comprise the entirety of the
apparatus and its details.
B B fig. 1 are two tanks of equal dimensions into which the sewage waters enter
in equal quantities at a a through pipes ending in the hood shaped mouths bb. The
waters rise up in the tanks B-B and overflow into the tank C, the moving surfaces e―e
being provided to skim off the floating matter.
In the centre of the tank C is inserted the compartment D. The course of the
waters through B C & D is indicated by the arrows.
From the top of D the waters are conducted to a second set of tanks or compart-
ments EEF & G shown in fig. 2. The waters are again divided into two equal
portions and enter the upper portions of the tanks E E through the pipes and hoods ff

page_text: following the course marked by the arrows they pass into the tank F over the
partition w into and up the central compartment G of the tank F, from which they
overflow to the final outlet.
The set of tanks fig. 1. serves mainly for a mechanical elimination of a portion
of the impurities, whilst in the tanks fig. 2: the mechanical process is supplemented
by chemical treatment. The admixture of chemicals takes place in the main in a
mixing vessel interposed in the passage of the waters from the first set (fig. 1) to the
second set (fig. 2).
The sediments may be allowed to accumulate at the bottom of the tanks so to form
natural filterbeds through which the waters must pass, as for example indicated by
shading between compartments C & D, E & F, F & G. The accumulation of sediments
can be regulated and the sediments withdrawn at will without any interruption or
disturbance of the settling process by means of the sludge receptacles c, c, 9, 93
these are ordinarily in communication with their respective tanks and the heaviest
sediments settles therein.
Whilst they are being emptied the communication with the tanks is temporarily
cut off by slides or otherwise, the receptacles are then filled with water and the
communication with the tanks restored. From the bottom of the tanks E, E the
sediment may be pumped through the channels g-g and returned to the circulation
for further assisting in precipitation if desired, say by way of the vessel in which the
chemicals are admixed to the waters. The channels g-g may be closed by slides or
otherwise, when the operation of withdrawal is interrupted.

page_text: Improvements in the Method or Process of and Apparatus for
Purifying Sewage and other Impure Waters or Liquids.
I, GUSTAVUS ADOLPHOS JOHN SCHOTT of Westend Mills Bradford in the County
of York, Manufacturer do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :—
My invention relates more particularly to the purification of water-carried sewage,
having as its prime purpose the purification of the sewage for health's sake, and as a
secondary consideration, the utilisation of the sewage for the purposes of profit, or in
order to minimise the cost of treating it with the main object in view.
But I would have it understood that my improvements are not limited to the
treatment of water-carried sewage, but may in whole or part be employed in other
ways, for example in the purification of water employed in the conduct of various
industrial establishments, or in lieu of filter beds, etc., for the removal of impurities
in water supplied to cities or communities, for the purification or filtration of other
liquids etc., only such modifications being made as are required to adapt them to the
particular circumstances of the case.
+
In order that the nature of my improved process and apparatus may be more
clearly understood I give a description of them as applied to the purification of
sewage waters and with reference to the annexed drawings:
Fig. 1 is a plan of my improved apparatus and Figs. 2 to 8 are vertical sections
along the following lines shewn in the plan.
Fig. 2 E-F, Fig. 3 C-D, Fig. 4 G-H and J-K.
Fig. 5 A-B, Fig. 6 N-O, Fig. 7 P-Q and T-U, Fig. 8 R-S.
The apparatus illustrated in the drawings is supposed to be in connection with a
pumping station unless, in exceptional cases, the necessary fall should be available.
It consists in the main of the two sets of apparatus marked I and 11 Fig. 1. Both
sets of apparatus are always completely filled when in work. The waste-waters, by
means of the inlet pipe, enter first the Receiving Basin A, wherein they are equally
divided and flow in the two opposite directions.
The roof shaped mouth of the inlet pipe, and the inserted partitions, have the
purpose of breaking the current; see figs. 1 & 2.
.
From A the waters are forced into the lower portions of the outer tanks B-B, by
way of the connecting pipes a-a, the mouths of which are hoodshaped. The manner
in which this is brought about results in the gradual expansion, and an equabie and
quiet rising of the waters; owing to this slower movement the heavier impurities
sink into the cylindershaped receptacles c, which can be emptied by closing the
slides or gates d-d, and opening the slides dd. After emptying, d'-' are closed,
cc filled with water from the direction of k by means of an aircock, and d—d again
onened. See Figs. 1.3 & 4.

page_text: The upper margins of B-B are on one level, but lower than the level of the waters.
in A, so that the waters rising up in B-B will enter by their own pressure into the
channels surrounding the said upper margins of B-B. At the exits of these channels
are arranged the endless revolving bands e-e, which continually take up and remove
the scum and other floating matter from the surface of the waters.
.
As the waters enter C-simultaneously from both sides they attain to a state of
equilibrium owing to their mutual and equal pressure. The walls of the central com-
partment D, which is surrounded by c-c, cause a flow in a descending direction,
which when the lower margin of D is reached, is changed into an ascending direction.
The upper margin of D is again lower than the level of the waters in c-c, so.
that the waters are forced over it into the surrounding channel k. See Figs. 1,
3 & 5.
The sediment which is formed during the descending and ascending flow of the
waters in c c and D follows the incline of the bottom and is collected in the middle
receptacle 9, which has the slide h at its entrance; g is emptied after the closing of h
by the suction of Vacuum Pumps or otherwise.
By way of the channel k the waters flow into the apparatus II, first entering the
mixing tank X, which has two outlets and is situated in the centre of the basin.Y,
into which the waters flow equally in both directions; Y is similar in construction
to A, and for the same reasons. See Figs. 1 & 6. In the tank X are fitted revolving
stirrers.
Through the pipes -1, which also end in hoodshaped mouths, the waters pass into
the upper portion of, the exterior tanks E-E. See Figs. 1 & 7.
.
Here takes place the separation of the new sediment from the descending waters,
caused by an admixture of chemicals; the heavier sediment collects in the cone
of E-E, whilst the lighter impurities pass along with the waters through p-p into
the compartments F-F. See Fig. 8.
The sediment is continually pumped back by means of the centrifugal pumps.u-u,
into the tank X and thus brought into fresh circulation. See Fig. 8.
The slides nn at the upper ends of the pipes o-o are only closed when the working
is interrupted, in order to prevent the pipes being made up. In FF the sediments
move gradually over the upper margins of the partition ww, after which they descend
and enter from all sides the large middle cone, from where they pass into the
receptacle 9. 9 is constructed like g and is also emptied from time to time. The
slider serves for this purpose. See Figs. 1, 5 & 8.
From F F the waters enter from all sides, after passing round the lower margin
of the cone G, into the latter, are therein forced upwards, whilst the sediments settle
down, and flow over the upper margin of G, again equally all round, into the discharge
channel t. The height of the upper margin is arranged proportionately to the difference
of pressure caused by the difference of level at which the waters stand in Y and E-E,
EE and F F, and FF and G. See Figs. 1, 5 & 8.
From t the waters flow out through tube V and their power may be utilised, by
driving a turbine. See Figs. 1 & 5.
In the plant above described, the waste waters are submitted in the apparatus I to
a merely mechanical treatment, which consists in extracting therefrom the heavier
sediment in B-B, the lighter in cc and D, and the floating matter from the surface
of the water in c-c; in apparatus II on the other hand a combined chemical and
mechanical treatment takes place, consisting in an admixture of the chemicals in X,
separation of the heavier sediments in E-E, pumping back the said heavier sediments
to X, and separation of the lighter sediment in F F & G.
The productive capacity of the apparatus depends mainly upon the pressure on the
waters, and upon the total height through which they rise in the tanks B, D, etc.
It is of great importance in order to obtain perfect equilibrium, that the rims of all
the partitions under or over which the waters have to pass, should be exactly horizontal,
that the corresponding rims should be at the same level and concentric partitions should
have exactly the same axis.

page_text: Owing to the waters being thus divided into equal parts throughout, which portions
both in ascending and descending, are subjected to equal pressure and balance each
other, currents are counteracted and practically obviated. Owing to the gradnal
increase in cross-section of the channels through which the waters take their course,
the velocity of flow gradually diminishes, thereby facilitating the deposition of the
finer sediments.
In the lower portions of the several compartments, which lie outside the circulation
of the waters, and which are therefore in a state of rest, the sediments are continually
and steadily settling down under the constant pressure of the circulating masses of water
above them. The sedimentary matter thus obtained can be withdrawn without being
stirred up and diluted with the overlying waters, owing to the arrangements of slides
described. From all these points of view an intense and unhampered extraction of
sedimentary matter is assured.
But exceptionally assisted is the settlement by the continual re-use of the heavy
sediments in apparatus II, by means of the pumps u―u.
In this way a weighty mass of filling material to assist deposition is provided in a
simple and inexpensive manner, which could be otherwise provided only by a dispro-
portionately great admixture of materials." Any surplus of filling material thus
obtained can of course easily be got rid of by means of branch pipes connected with
the pumps. Moreover by these means a number of cheap difficulty soluble chemicals
may be employed, among them some bye-products from the Aerated Water Manu-
facture, Bleach Works, Chemical Works, and other technical industries, for which
hitherto scarcely any use could be found and which were therefore mere valueless
waste products.
These substances, which are mostly of considerable specific gravity, act at first
merely mechanically as filling material, but owing to the continued circulation they
become slowly and gradually dissolved and then act chemically.
Another important consideration is, that by the continued separation of the hoavier
sediments an extraction of those materials which are useful as manure, is possible,
which owing to this division from the useless sedimentary matter are rendered.
marketable.
The peculiar principles of construction of the apparatus not only provide the
necessary conditions of an energetic sedimentary action, but also those of an efficient
filtration as in the connecting compartments c-c and, F-F, and the central cones D
and G, extensive filterbeds are formed by the sediments themselves.
As strata of sediment are first formed in e-c and F-F during the descent of the
waters, that is to say under particularly strong pressure, which strata act as filters,
their force of attraction is increased by their greater density, which prevents tho
separation of parts in Dand G.
The thickness of these sedimentary strata can always be regulated by the emptying
of the discharge compartments and 9.
The large interior dimensions of the apparatus preclude all danger of obstruc-
tion of the passages, and their proper working is not dependent upon any variable
contrivances.
The apparatus is self acting, works continuously and requires very little attendance;
particular attention is only required for the admixture of chemicals, owing to the
frequent changes in the nature of the waters to be treated. For the admixture of
'the chemicals, injectors may advantageously be used.
The apparatus takes up very little space in proportion to the amount of work it is
able to do; the expense of its construction is also comparatively moderate.
Iron is the material of which the apparatus, as shewn in the drawing, is supposed
to be constructed, but other materials, such as wood or brick could also be used.
The danger of fermentation or other chemical dissolution of the sedimentary masses,
say by an excess of liine, is prevented owing to the speed with which the operation
of purification is carried out; besides, the air is cut off from contact with the
sedimentary mass by the thick stratum of water standing above it. The mud when
withdrawn from the apparatus may be so energetically treated with steam .and acids,

page_text: that the cakes leave the filter-presses with only 15% of moisture. The capacity of
work of the filter presses is multiplied considerably by employing a high temperature
in pressing; hitherto the mass has generally been treated cold, in consequence of
which the resulting cakes contain 50 to 60% of water. The presses have to be
constructed accordingly.
I now proceed to give a description of my improved chemical treatment, which can'
be successfully carried out in connection with my apparatus. But I do not confine
the use of my apparatus thereto, as it is suitable and may be employed for other
chemical cleaning processes. Likewise I do not confine the use of my improved
.chemical treatment to my improved apparatus, as it. may be employed in connection
with other suitable forms and arrangements, of reservoirs or receptacles as hereinafter
mentioned.
This part of my invention relates to the method of and chemicals or ingredients for
the treatment of sewage, and has for its objects.
First, to enable what has been regarded as worthless refuse, and matter costing little
or nothing, to be utilised in the treatment and purification of sewage water.
Second, to permit of the thorough utilisation of all the chemicals employed in the
way of purifying the sewage water.
鄂
Third, to so employ the chemicals that they may enhance the fertilising properties
of the products or resultant matter of the process.
The process is preferably carried on continuously that is, the sewage may be treated
as it flows from the sewer or sewers and discharged at the same ratio.
The first step of my improved, process is the reception of the sewage in a reservoir
or basin where, by mechanical means, such sewage is freed from floating matter,.
suspended matter of largest bulk, and matter of greatest specific gravity, after which
the body or mass so treated has thoroughly intermixed with it a quantity of gypsum
and lime (or a solution of lime) and a metallic salt, or substitute or equivalent
ingredients for. those mentioned may be employed,, such as the bi-carbonate of
magnesium and calcium, sea water, the refuse from salt works, or soda and aerated
water works, bleach works, dyeworks etc. and chemical factories. These substitutes
can be had at a nominal cost where they are near at hand, and otherwise at the cost
of transportation.
The mass thus treated is conveyed to another reservoir or basin, where all suspended
imatter in the sewage is precipitated by the action of the ingredients intermixed there-
with, the lime and metallic salts acting both mechanically and chemically at once,
while the gypsum being slowly soluble, merely acts mechanically at first, and
chemically subsequently. The undissolved gypsum is precipitated in the last mentioned
reservoir and pumped back to the point where it was mixed or intermingled with. the
mass and re-used as before.
This operation is continuous, and in the measure that the gypsum dissolves its
chemical action takes place. Less lime and metallic salts are required in inverse
ratio to the amount of gypsum dissolved.
In this last mentioned reservoir the water is filtered through the precipitated inatter
by which operation it is made quite clear, and contains but twentyfive per centum of
its original nitrogenous matter. Though the water is quite clarified, as stated it is not
wholly purified; to effect a complete purification, it may be further chemically treated
in the present reservoir or basin by adding first, to the mass a small quantity of
carbonated alkali.
The next step is to add to the mass, which has been gradually and continuously
transferred to another part of the reservoir, solutions of a magnesium salt and a
phosphate whereby the ammonia is fixed, and all remaining suspended matter is
precipitated.
The quantities of the Chemicals to, be admixed to the sewage waters can only be
stated approximately, as the sewage waters themselves vary in composition and
Deviations must
in the proportion of water they contain at different times.
therefore be made. in either direction according to circumstances and tests made in
each.case..

page_text: As an
Average for Sewage waters of ordinary composition may be taken for the
first admixture:
for every ten thousand pounds weight of the Sewage waters thus treated,.or corre-
sponding quantities of the substitutes mentioned, according to their chemical -
composition.
For the second admixture of a Magnesium salt and a phosphate the average quantity,
that will be required, of each is about lb. (dry weight) of each for every ten thousand
pounds weight of the Sewage waters.
If the Sewage waters are mixed with the Waste waters from industrial processes
such as. wool washing, tanning,. sugar refining, distilling, brewing and others, the
admixture of Chemicals must be correspondingly and largely increased.
A natural filter bed is thus formed through which the water is filtered and from
which it issues purified and may be discharged.
:
The sediment or precipitated matter thus formed constitutes a concentrated mass,
and can be removed from time to time and readily transported and utilised as a
fertiliser, being, free from the objections made against former processes for the
utilisation of sewage matter as a fertiliser.
Bituminous substances, such as creosote and tar, containing carbolic acid; are added
when it is intended to form asphalt for building or road making, and when the waters
do not contain such substances in sufficient quantity:
In this case the tar acts as a disinfectant, and also forms a necessary ingredient of
the product.
The chemicals requiring pulvérisation can be treated in any suitable crushing
machine.
The treatment or utilisation of the products may be as follows:-
:-
The heavy sediments from e-c will scarcely repay further treatment. They should
be deposited, in order to save expense, at the nearest convenient spot, and neighbouring
farmers will find them worth fotching away for manure.
The matter skimmed from the surface by the revolving bands e-e is first dried
and then extracted with carbon bi-sulphide, or naphtha, to separate the fat from
the fibrous matter. The fat may be made into soap or lubricants, the fibrous matter
is used for paper making.
Where, owing to local circumstances, this procedure is too costly, the fat may be
melted out, and the rest used as fuel, or the whole may be used for the latter
purpose.
The sludge withdrawn from receptacle g is treated with acid and forced by steam
through filter-presses in any known manner. The pressed-out sludge is allowed to
cool, powdered and used as manure.
"The surplus heavy sediments withdrawn by the centrifugal pumps u-u may be
used in the preparation, of building or paving materials, or may be added to the
sediments from.c-c.
+
.
In the first case the water is pressed out, in the second they are left to dry at the
atmosphere.
The most valuable sediment is got from receptacle 7. If it is desired to make it
into a marketable manure, it is treated like the sludge from g.
But if this sediment is to be made into a building and paving material, then no
acid is added, the ammonia is driven out by steam and absorbed in a vessel containing
sulphuric acid, or is obtained as alcoholic ammonia in manner known. The ammonia
may be obtained in a simple manner by using a montejus without receiver, exhausting
the gases from the filter-presses and passing them into sulphuric acid.
The pressed cakes are transformed into an asphalt in the manner described in the
B

page_text: British Patent No. 2247 of the 28th of January 1884, entitled "Improvements in the
Manufacture of Asphalt."
The acid waters expressed in the treatment of the sludge from g, may be used in
the separation of the fat, and in the chemical treatment of the waste waters, being
added to them in the channels surrounding B-B. .
The waters expressed from the sludge from. q are separately treated with sulphate of
lime, in order to precipitate the phosphoric acid dissolved in them.
To recapitulate, the apparatus and process herein before described, possess the
following main advantages:-
1). The mechanical and chemical treatments are strictly separated, all impurities
capable of being eliminated mechanically, being first extracted, before recourse is
had to chemicals.
2). By thus reducing the quantity of chemicals used, not only a saving in their
cost results, but the quantity of the final products is diminished, and therefore the
expense of dealing with them reduced to a proportionate degree.
3). By the provision of means for circulating the same chemicals repeatedly, it is
possible to employ certain difficulty soluble chemicals, which at present cannot be used
at all, and the cost of which is merely nominal. The small cost of these materials is
however only part of the advantage gained by their use; a further great advantage
is, that being difficulty and slowly soluble, they act at first as mechanical precipitants,
and afterwards, as they slowly dissolve in their course of circulation, their chemical
action comes into play.
4). The working of the apparatus is almost automatic and requires very little
manual labour.
5). Owing to its special mechanical principles of construction and its continuous
working, no interruption being necessary for the purpose of clearing out the sediment,
the space taken up by the apparatus and buildings as compared to the quantity of
work done, is reduced to a small fraction of what is now necessary.
I
are
6). Owing to the provision of natural filter-beds within the apparatus, which a
formed by the sedimentary matter itself, the prime cost of additions as well as the
disadvantage of their unduly increasing the bulk of the bye-products is saved.
7). Such filters act automatically and can be continuously and expeditiously cleaned
without any stoppage of the working. Owing to the sediments being thus
removed from day to day, no time is given for decomposition and its injurious
consequences.
·
8). It will be clear, that as the quantity of mechanical and chemical admixtures
during the process is very greatly reduced, the really valuable ingredients of the
sewage are contained in the final bye-products in a concentrated form, which trans-
forms these products into a valuable marketable commodity, whilst for the converse
reason the products attained by the present method are rarely worth the cost of
transport, and often absolutely valueless.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is :-
1). The method or process of treating water-carried sewage, which consists in
collecting the mass to be treated in a basin or reservoir, then transferring it by gravity
and without appreciable current to a second reservoir and there removing the floating
particles from the mass, and separating, precipitating and removing the particles of
greater and next greater specific gravity in said reservoirs; then transferring the
remaining mass by gravity and without appreciable current as before, to a third
reservoir or basin and there treating it with chemicals to deodorize and disinfect it,
and precipitating all solid particles, and removing the latter, substantially as and for
the purposes set forth.
2). The method or process of treating water carried sewage, which consists in
removing the floating particles therefrom and separating, precipitating and removing

page_text: :
the particles of greatest and next greatest specific gravity, and then chemically treating
the mass to disinfect and deodorize the effluent water and precipitating and removing
substantially all organic matter therefrom, substantially as hereinbefore set forth.
3). The method or process of treating water-carried sewage, which consists in
collecting the mass in a reservoir or set of reservoirs and there separating and preci-
pitating the particles of greatest and next greatest specific gravity, and then
transferring the remaining mass to another reservoir or set of reservoirs, and there
treating it with chemicals to deodorize and disinfect it, and precipitating all remaining
particles or organisms, substantially as described.
4). The method or process of treating water carried sewage or other liquids for the
purpose of precipitating organic matter or particles therein contained, which consists
in collecting the mass in a reservoir from opposing points, whereby the current from
one source of supply will counteract the current from another source of. supply, and
thus permit the free precipitation of particles of greater density than the water,
unaffected by any currents of the latter, as hereinbefore set forth.
5).. The improvement in the mode of freeing water-carried sewage or other liquids.
'from organic matter and other impurities, which consists in separating and precipitating
particles of different specific gravity, contained therein, and removing such precipitated
matter from time to time without interruption of the operation of the process,
substantially as and for the purposes herein before set forth.
6). The improvement in the mode of chemically treating water-carried sewage,
which consists in intermixing chemicals with the mass to be treated and separating
and precipitating such chemicals as have not been dissolved by the operation, or are
of heavier specific gravity than the treated mass, and removing; returning and
re-using such chemicals, all substantially as and for the purposes herein before
set forth.
"
7). The improvement in the method of treating water carried sewage which.consists
in removing the floating particles and suspended matter of greatest bulk and matter
of greatest specific gravity therefrom, then chemically treating the mass to disinfect
and deodorize the water, precipitating matter held in suspension in the water, and
filtering the latter through such precipitated matter as set forth.
f 8). The improvement in the method of treating water carried sewage, which consists
in intermingling or intermixing with the mass a combination of gypsum, and sea
"water, the refuse from salt works, bleach works or dye works or chemical works or
aerated water works, as set forth.
9). The improvement in the method of treating water-carried sewage or other
liquids, which consists in precipitating the solid matter or matter held in suspension
therein and filtering the water through such precipitated matter as set forth.
10). As a combination of ingredients for treating and purifying sewage, gypsum,
lime, and metallic salts or their substitutes, substantially as specified.
11). As a combination of ingredients for treating and purifying sewage, gypsum, .
lime, metallic salts or their substitutes, alkalies, magnesium salts, and phosphates
substantially as specified.
12). In an apparatus for treating water-carried sewage or other liquids the com-
bination with a reservoir having a depression and a valved discharge passage leading
from said depressed portion, of a vertical basin having its lower end extending into.
the depressed portion of the reservoir, substantially as described.
.
13). In an apparatus for treating water-carried sewage or other liquids the
combination of vertical receiving basin having a discharge opening at its bottom
and a supply opening above the same, a reservoir communicating with said basin
near the upper portion thereof having a depressed portion, and a valved discharge
passage leading from the bottom of the said depressed portion, of a vertical basin in
the said reservoir having its lower end extending into the depressed portion thereof,
substantially as described.
14). In an apparatus for treating water .carried sewage or other liquids, the
combination with the vertical receiving basin having a discharge at the bottom, a
supply opening above the same, and a hood located over said supply opening, of a

page_text: reservoir communicating with said basin near the upper portion thereof having a
depressed portion, a valved discharge passage leading from the bottom of the reservoir
depressed and a discharge for the liquid, substantially as described.
15). In an apparatus for treating water conveyed sewage. or other liquids the
combination with a reservoir having a depression, a valved discharge leading from
the bottom of the said depressed portion, of a vertical basin having its lower end
extending into the depressed portion and provided at its upper portion with an
overflow discharge and a second reservoir communicating with said discharge substan-
tially as described.
16). In an apparatus for treating water-carried sewage or other liquids, the
combination with a reservoir having a depression and a valved outlet extending from
the bottom of said depression, of a basin located at one side of said reservoir and a
communication between the bottom of said basin and the reservoir above the depressed
portion, and means for supplying and commingling deodorizing or other agents with
the liquid in said basin, substantially as described.
17). In an apparatus for treating water-carried sewage or other liquids, the
coinbination with a reservoir having a depression, a. valved outlet extending from the
bottom of said depression, of a basin located at one side of the reservoir and connected
to the latter above the depression, stirrers located within the basin, a supply passage
communicating with the basin at the upper portion thereof, and a discharge passage
leading from the bottom of said basin and adapted to communicate with said supply
passage substantially as described.
18). In a apparatus for treating water carried sewage or other liquids, the
combination with a reservoir having a depression, a valved outlet extending from the
bottom of said depressed portion, a vertical basin having its lower end extending
into said depressed portion, and an endless carrier suspended in said reservoir
and communicating with the upper portion of the basin, substantially as described.
19). In an apparatus for treating water-carried sewage or other liquids, the
combination with a reservoir having a centrál depression, a valved outlet, leading
from the bottom of said depression, a vertical basin having its lower end extending
into said depressed portion, and vertical basin at opposite sides, each communicating
at its upper portion with the reservoir and provided with a discharge opening in its
bottom, substantially as described..
20). In an apparatus for treating water carried sewage or other liquids, the
combination with a reservoir, a valved discharge passage leading from the bottom
thereof, of a vertical basin located within said reservoir and communicating there-
with at the bottom and provided at its upper portion with an overflow discharge,
substantially as described.
21). In an apparatus for treating water-carried sewage or other liquids, the
combination with a reservoir having a depression, a valved outlet extending from the
bottom of said depression, a vertical basin located in said reservoir and having its
lower portion extending into the depression thereof and a second vertical basin located
at one side of said reservoir and provided with means for supplying and commingling
deodorizing or other agents with the liquid substantially as described.
22). In an apparatus for treating water-carried sewage or other liquids the
combination of means, whereby the liquid is. divided into equal parts, which by
balancing each other counteract the currents, and whereby the liquid passes through
channels gradually increasing in cross-section, which further diminishes the velocity
of flow, substantially as described and illustrated.
23). In an apparatus for treating water carried sewage or other liquids, passing
the liquid alternately in ascending and descending direction through channels
gradually increasing in cross-section, whereby the velocity of flow is diminished
and the deposition of sediment facilitated, substantially as described and illustrated.
24). In an apparatus for treating water-carried sewage or other liquids the
combination of a receiving basin A, connecting pipes aa, tanks B-B, receptacles.cc,
slides or gates d-d and d¹-d¹, revolving bands e-e, tank compartments C & D,
++

page_text: receptacle g, slide h, channel k, substantially as and for the purposes set forth and
indicated.
25). In an apparatus for treating water_carried sewage or other liquids the
combination of a mixing tank X,. basin Y, connecting pipes 1-1, tanks E-E,
slides n-n, pipes o-o, pumps u-u, channels p-p, partition W, tank compart-
ments F&G, slide or gate r, receptacle q, discharge channel t, substantially as
and for the purposes set forth and indicated."
26). The general arrangement and combination of parts constituting the apparatus
for the treatment of water-carried sewage or other liquids substantially as herein-
before described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Dated this Twenty second day of January 1889.
GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS JOHN SCHOTT.