AND OR TANK APPARATUS

This invention relates to the attachment of permeable sheets to tanks and or tank apparatus, and in particular the attachment of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet to a tank system or portable tank system and or component of a partition for retaining solids, any of which are used for separating solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid. A tank system is comprised of a single tank or multiple tanks either of the same type or different types including but not limited to tanks, cement tanks, catch pits, concrete tanks, containers, portable tanks, shipping containers, waste skips, roll on roll off skips, trailers, mobile chambers, moveable chambers, settling ponds, settling pools, suspension receiving containers, suspension discharge containers, or other similar storage mediums, any of which are used to separate solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid, from a one-off location, referred to herein as a "tank system" . A portable tank system is comprised of a single portable tank or multiple portable tanks either of the same type or different types including but not limited to containers, suspension receiving containers, suspension discharge containers, shipping

containers, catch pits, waste skips, roll on roll off skips, trailers, vessels and or other similar mobile or moveable chambers, any of which are used to separate solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid, and which are possible to be relocated to a different location should it be required, referred to herein as a "portable tank system" . A tank system used to separate solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid or a portable tank system used to separate solids from a

suspension of the solids in a liquid are referred to collectively herein as "separation tank systems". A liquid can be any fluid substance that flows freely, including but not limited to water and or oil and or liquid hydrocarbons and or liquid solutions containing dissolved matter, referred to herein as "liquid". Solids can include but are not limited to litter, debris, twigs, organic material, clay, silt, sand, soil, gravel, fine gravel, coarse aggregate, materials collected by road sweepers, bulky materials, large solids, small solid particles, other similar solid matter, and any mixture of solid matter, referred to herein as "solids" . Separation tank systems may utilise a drainage pipe or similar type of pipe arrangement that is intended to allow the movement of liquid within the separation tank system, referred to herein as a "liquid flow pipe system" . A catch pit may comprise of a chamber that typically has an inflow pipe and an outflow pipe, where both the inflow pipe and outflow pipe are typically part of a liquid flow pipe system, and the outflow pipe is typically set at a level above the floor of the catch pit, so as to enable the catch pit to retain solids that settle within the chamber, referred to herein as a "catch pit". A catch pit may be used as part of separation tank systems to retain solids, this includes but is not limited to separation tank systems that are used to assist with draining liquid from land, and or separation tank systems that are used to assist with draining liquid from structures that support or are part of roads, highways, and or freeways, and or separation tank systems that are used to assist with draining liquid from structures that support or are part of railway lines, railway tracks, railway track beds, railway ballast, railway embankments, other railway structures that require separation tank systems to assist with draining liquid and that use a catch pit to retain solids, and or other transport structures or structures that require separation tank systems to assist with draining liquid and that use a catch pit to retain solids.

The term copolymer plastic nodule describes a rounded lump of mixed polymer plastic that may also be elongated in shape, such as the elongated shape of a plastic noodle or plastic string, referred to herein as a "copolymer plastic nodule" . The term polymer plastic nodule describes a rounded lump of single polymer plastic that may also be elongated in shape, such as the elongated shape of a plastic noodle or plastic string, referred to herein as a "polymer plastic nodule". It is known to create a sheet of permeable material comprised of copolymer plastic nodules. GB-A-2431896 discloses a manufacturing method that can be used to achieve production of this particular type of permeable material, although it should be noted that what is disclosed is not the definitive way to achieve production of this type of permeable material, it merely serves to demonstrate one way in which it is possible to create a sheet of permeable material that is made from copolymer plastic nodules. Present day manufacturing technology and the plastic inclusions used to create this type of permeable material sheet comprised of agglomerated copolymer plastic nodules, have now advanced significantly beyond those disclosed in GB-A-2431896, and thus many improved variations and or densities of permeable material sheets comprised of agglomerated copolymer plastic nodules or agglomerated polymer plastic nodules are now readily available. For clarity the density of a permeable material sheet comprised of agglomerated copolymer plastic nodules or agglomerated polymer plastic nodules is measured by calculating the volume of total void space within said permeable material sheet. A permeable sheet of material comprised of agglomerated copolymer plastic nodules, including polymer plastic nodules, any non-polymer additives, agents and or stabilisers that may be optionally incorporated into the material, is referred to herein as a "permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet". The ability of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet to convey water is known and well documented, however little is known about how to use a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet as part of a partition for retaining solids in separation tank systems. It is envisaged that a number of advantages could be achieved by correctly attaching a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet to the surfaces of separation tank systems, while using said permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet as part of a partition for retaining solids and or by correctly attaching a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet to the surfaces of components used in partitions for retaining solids, employed in separation tank systems . The first advantage that could be achieved is resultant from a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet having the ability to

indefinitely sustain a high level of liquid permeability when solids suspended in a liquid pass through its pore channels. The typical level of liquid permeability that can be indefinitely sustained by a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet is between 2700 litres and 4500 litres, per second, per square meter of material, and as a result if a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet were used as part of a partition for retaining solids and correctly attached to the surfaces of separation tank systems, and or if a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet were to be correctly attached to the surfaces of components used in partitions for retaining solids, employed in separation tank systems, it stands to reason that said permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet would not need to be replaced, thus the maintenance time and costs normally associated with replacing permeable materials could be reduced for operators and or owners of such apparatus . Further advantages could also be achieved, such as reducing the risk of liquid flooding or overloading separation tank systems and or partitions for retaining solids employed in separation tank systems . It should be noted that said flooding or overloading by liquid is typically caused by solids blocking the pore channels of conventional permeable materials that might be employed in such

apparatus, this is problematic and can cause separation tank systems to cease functioning properly. Furthermore the high level of liquid permeability that can be indefinitely sustained by a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet, give it the ability to separate an increased volume of solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid, over and above the volume of solids that conventional permeable materials are able to separate before they are blocked by solids, to such an extent that they become insufficiently permeable for liquid to pass through them at necessary flow rates for separation tank systems and or partitions for retaining solids to function properly. Increasing the volume of solids that can be retained by a partition for retaining solids employed in separation tank systems by way of incorporating the use of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet as part of said partition for retaining solids, could enable less complicated and less expensive methods, apparatus and processes to be utilised to separate solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid e.g. smaller tanks could be employed in such apparatus in order to settle solids, given that more solids can be retained upfront by incorporating the use of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet as part of said partition for retaining solids and therefore fewer solids will require subsequent onward settling, this would then increase the practicality of using portable tanks instead of larger tanks that are typically used for settling solids in a liquid, these often take up more space and or need to be built into the ground, and the tanks they use can comprise of cement, concrete and or masonry that is not possible to move without destroying said tanks, further to this it could reduce the requirement for undesirable static elements, moving elements and or mechanical elements to be used as part of separation tank systems and or partitions for retaining solids, and finally it could reduce the use of undesirable chemicals such as flocculants and or coagulants, typically required to assist in treatment processes deployed to separate solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid. All of the aforementioned advantages could provide operators of separation tank systems with less complicated and less expensive apparatus to more efficiently satisfy the practical requirements and or environmental regulations associated with separating solids from liquid, including the treatment of solids or liquid in order that they reach levels considered to be safe or less hazardous, in advance of onward handling, discharge and or disposal of said solids and or liquid.

However, in order that the aforementioned advantages can be achieved, the correct attachment is required of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet to the surfaces of separation tank systems, while using said permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet as part of a partition for retaining solids and or correct attachment of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet is required to the surfaces of components used in partitions for retaining solids, employed in separation tank systems. A permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet has rigid uneven sides caused by the irregular curvatures of the copolymer plastic nodules that it is comprised of, and this is a unique characteristic specific to this type of permeable material. Difficulty arises when attempting to attach the rigid uneven sides of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet to the surfaces of a tank system or portable tank system in order to provide a partition for retaining solids, and or when attempting to attach the rigid uneven sides of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet to the surfaces of components used in partitions for retaining solids, employed in separation tank systems. The rigid uneven sides of the permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet result in a significant number of gaps to be created between the contact points where surfaces of a tank system or portable tank system and or surfaces of components used in partitions for retaining solids, make contact with the highest points of the rigid uneven sides of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet. Said gaps are not obvious to see with the naked eye but are often wider than 200 microns in diameter and are therefore often wider than the widest pore channels of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet, said widest pore channels are typically between 7 microns and 198 microns. As a result of this if solids suspended in a liquid are passed through a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet being used as part of a partition for retaining solids, while it is incorrectly attached to the surfaces of a tank system or portable tank system and or to the surfaces of components used in partitions for retaining solids employed in separation tank systems, some of the solids are able to escape around the rigid uneven edges of the permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet, carried by liquid, through said gaps. This is an undesirable problem as it allows solids that should have been retained by a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet to carry on past any partition for retaining solids that said permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet is part of. This can cause difficulties including but not limited to the onward flowing liquid no longer meeting regulatory requirements and or practical requirements due to solids that should not be present, then still remaining present in the onward flowing liquid. Furthermore solids that that should have been retained but have instead bypassed the permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet can then travel onwards to block and or damage the tank system or portable tank system and or other partitions for retaining solids, any of which are needed for further separating remaining solids from a

suspension of the solids in a liquid. The blocking and or damage caused by the solids that should have been retained by the permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet includes but is not limited to blocking and or damaging other permeable material that is attached to a tank system or portable tank system and or partition for retaining solids needed to further separate remaining solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid.

Further to this the performance of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet to indefinitely sustain a high level of liquid permeability is dependent on the suitable thickness of said permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet, particularly when it is used for the purpose of separating solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid, as would be the case if it were to be used as part of a partition for retaining solids employed in separation tank systems. It is the thickness of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet that determines both the end to end length and the complexity of the available pore channels presented for solids and or liquid to pass through. Further difficulty arises if the thickness of the permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet used to separate solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid is not sufficient, as this results in both the end to end length and the complexity of the available pore channels to be rendered below the requirements needed to

indefinitely sustain an optimal level of liquid permeability, and instead the pore channels of the permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet become blocked by solids to such an extent that the material becomes

insufficiently permeable for liquid to pass through it at the flow rates necessary for separation tank systems and or partitions for retaining solids to function at optimal performance levels. Although permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheets have a typical thickness of 45mm to 50mm when supplied by manufacturers, there is nothing in the current known art that discloses what the sufficient thickness of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet should be to achieve optimal performance when it is used as part of a partition to retain solids by separating solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid. It is also common practice to create thinner permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheets by cutting along the horizontal plane of the material, in order to reduce costs and or to distribute the weight of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet over a load bearing area that needs to be drained of liquid.

There is a gap in the known art about how to correctly attach a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet to separation tank systems while it is used as part of a partition for retaining solids and or how to correctly attach a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet to components used in partitions for retaining solids, employed in separation tank systems in order to separate solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid.

Further to this there is a gap in the known art as to the optimal thickness of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet used as part of a partition for retaining solids that separates solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid, in order that said permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet has the ability to indefinitely sustain an optimal level of liquid permeability when used for this purpose.

Further to this the utilisation of smaller tanks and or portable tanks is currently being restricted in separation tank systems because the correct attachment of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet to the surfaces of separation tank systems while said permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet is being used as part of a partition for retaining solids and or the correct attachment of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet to the surfaces of components used in partitions for retaining solids, employed in separation tank systems, either of which would enable an increased volume of solids to be retained, has not yet been accomplished. This is resulting in undesirable larger tanks and or fixed tanks being used to separate solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid as part of separation tank systems. Said larger tanks and or fixed tanks may be constructed from concrete, cement or similar building materials set into the ground in order to achieve the provision of a larger area for solids suspended in liquid to settle in. Separation tank systems that use the aforementioned less efficient bulky apparatus and conventional methods for separating solids from a suspension of the solids in liquid have the disadvantage of being more difficult to relocate or not possible to relocate, they are also more expensive and or more complicated than would be desirable.

It is an object of the first aspect of this invention to overcome the problem of solids being able to pass through the gaps created where surfaces of a tank system or portable tank system make contact with the rigid uneven sides of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet that is being used as part of a partition for retaining solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid.

It is an object of another aspect of this invention to overcome the problem of solids being able to pass through the gaps created where the surfaces of components of a partition for retaining solids make contact with the rigid uneven sides of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet employed in the same partition for retaining solids, and where said partition for retaining solids is employed in a tank or portable tank system arrangement used for separating solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid.

It is an object of another aspect of this invention to overcome the problem of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet not having the ability to indefinitely sustain an optimal level of liquid permeability, when it is used as part of a partition for retaining solids that is attached to a tank system or portable tank system used for separating solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid.

It is an object of further aspects of this invention to provide improved methods and apparatus for separating solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid, which at least partially overcome at least some of the significant disadvantages of known tank systems or portable tank systems used for separating solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid.

In accordance with the present invention a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet is used as part of a partition for retaining solids and the same permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet is sealedly attached where any of its rigid uneven sides make contact with surfaces of a tank system or portable tank system or other permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet, any of which are used for separating solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid.

In further accordance with the present invention a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet is used as part of a partition for retaining solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid, said partition for retaining solids is employed in a tank system or portable tank system, and the same permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet is sealedly attached where any of its rigid uneven sides make contact with surfaces of components used in the same partition for retaining solids, including if this is other permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet.

In further accordance with the present invention a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet is used as part of a partition for retaining solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid, said partition for retaining solids is employed in a tank system or portable tank system, and the same permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet is not less than 15mm in thickness in order that it is able to indefinitely sustain an optimal level of liquid permeability.

Embodiments of the invention are described further, hereinafter, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :-

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet; f a permeable copolymer plastic nodule des in contact with the surface of a tank system; f a permeable copolymer plastic nodule des in contact with the surface of a portable tank system; f a permeable copolymer plastic nodule des in contact with the surface of a retaining solids;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet sealedly attached to the surface of a tank system;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet sealedly attached to the surface of a portable tank system;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet sealedly attached to the surface of a component used in partition for retaining solids;

Figure 8 is a closer side view of the permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet sealedly attached to the surface of the tank system, as employed in Figure 5;

Figure 9 is a closer side view of the permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet sealedly attached to the surface of the portable tank system, as employed in Figure 6;

Figure 10 is a close up side view of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet sealedly attached to the surface of a component used in a partition for retaining solids, more specifically the surface of a compartment for holding solids used as part of said partition for retaining solids, as employed in Figure 13; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a partition for retaining solids that comprises permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheets that are joined together in an arrangement that renders them sealedly attached to the surfaces of a tank system; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a partition for retaining solids that comprises permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheets that are joined together in an arrangement that renders them sealedly attached to the surfaces of a portable tank system, as employed in Figure 14 and Figure 15; Figure 13 is perspective view of a tank system with a partition for retaining solids comprising of a compartment for holding solids and more than one permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet attached to the surface of said compartment for holding solids;

Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of apparatus suitable for putting aspects of the invention into effect by using a high sided, portable tank system;

Figure 15 is a schematic illustration of further apparatus suitable for putting aspects of the invention into effect using a low sided, portable tank system; Figure 16 is a closer side view of the H-shaped bracket arrangement as employed in the partition for retaining solids, used in in Figure 11, Figure 12, Figure 13, Figure 14 and Figure 15;

Figure 17 is a closer view from above of the T-shaped bracket arrangement as employed in the partition for retaining solids, used in Figure 11, Figure 12, Figure 13, Figure 14 and Figure 15;

Figure 18 is a closer view from above of the L-shaped bracket arrangement as employed in the partition for retaining solids sealedly attached to the surface of a tank system, used in Figure 11;

Figure 19 is a closer view from above of the L-shaped bracket arrangement as employed in the partition for retaining solids sealedly attached to the surface of a portable tank system, used in Figure 12, Figure 14 and Figure 15;

Figure 20 is a closer view from above of the L-shaped bracket arrangement as employed by the partition for retaining solids comprising of a compartment for holding solids and permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheets, said permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheets are sealedly attached to the surfaces of said compartment for holding solids, used in Figure 13;

A permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11, has rigid uneven sides 13 caused by the irregular curvatures of the copolymer plastic nodules 15 that it is comprised of, as shown in Figure 1. igure 2,

e the ri

with th igure 3,

e the ri

11 make

21. igure 4,

e the ri

nodule sheet 11 make contact with the surface of a component used in a partition for retaining solids 23.

Turning to Figure 5, said permeable

sealedly attached to the surface of

substance 25.

Turning to Figure 6, said permeable

sealedly attached to the surface of

sealant substance 25

Turning to Figure 7, said permeable

sealedly attached to the surface of

retaining solids 2 :3, using a sealant

Turning to Figure 8, sealed gaps 27

uneven sides 13 of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 make contact with the surface of a tank system 19, said sealed gaps 27 have been sealed with a sealant substance 25.

Turning to Figure 9, sealed gaps 27 are located between where the rigid uneven sides 13 of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 make contact with the surface of a portable tank system 21, said sealed gaps 27 have been sealed with a sealant substance 25.

Turning to Figure 10, sealed gaps 27 are located between where the rigid uneven sides 13 of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 make contact with the surface of a compartment for holding solids 28, that is part of a partition for retaining solids 29 (as employed in Figure 13), said sealed gaps 27 have been sealed with a sealant substance 25.

Turning to Figure 11, more than one permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 is used as part of a partition for retaining solids 29, by being placed back to back, end to end and overlapped with one another. An L- shaped bracket arrangement 31 is used to sealedly attach the partition for retaining solids 29, to the surface of a tank system 19 in several locations, including the contact points where the surface of a tank system 19 make contact with the rigid uneven sides 13 of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11. A T-shaped bracket arrangement 33 and H-shaped bracket arrangement 35 are used to join together each permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 being used as part of the partition for retaining solids 29. A tank drainage channel 37, is located on the base of the tank 39, and it runs underneath the partition for retaining solids 29. A permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 can be inserted into the tank drainage channel 37, in order to prevent solids from bypassing the partition for retaining solids 29 (arrangement not shown) .

Turning to Figure 12, more than one permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 is used as part of a partition for retaining solids 29, by being placed back to back, end to end and overlapped with one another. An L- shaped bracket arrangement 31 is used to sealedly attach the partition for retaining solids 29, to the surface of a portable tank system 21 in several locations, including the contact points where the surface of a portable tank system 21 make contact with the rigid uneven sides 13 of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11. A T-shaped bracket

arrangement 33 and H-shaped bracket arrangement 35 are used to join together each permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 being used as part of a partition for retaining solids 29. A tank drainage channel 37, is located on the base of the portable container 41, and it runs underneath the partition for retaining solids 29. A permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 can be inserted into the tank drainage channel 37, in order to prevent solids from bypassing the partition for retaining solids 29 (arrangement not shown) . Turning to Figure 13, more than one permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 is used as part of a partition for retaining solids 29, a compartment for holding solids 43 should be noted as a component used as part of a partition for retaining solids 29, it has lifting eyes 45. An L-shaped bracket arrangement 31 is used to sealedly attach the partition for retaining solids 29, to the compartment for holding solids 43, including sealedly attaching the rigid uneven sides 13 of each permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 used in the partition for retaining solids 29 to the surface of the compartment for holding solids 28. A T- shaped bracket arrangement 33 and H-shaped bracket arrangement 35 are used to join together each permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 being used as part of a partition for retaining solids 29. Solids suspended in a liquid flow into the tank system 49 through an inflow pipe system 51 that provides a watertight conduit into the tank system 49, directly into the compartment for holding solids 43. The solids suspended in a liquid then pass through the partition for retaining solids 29 and reach a baffle plate 53 (optional) . Liquid from which some solids have been separated then flows out of the tank system 49, through the outflow pipe system 55 that provides a watertight conduit out of the tank system 49 to enable discharge, collection or onward handling of the remaining solids suspended in a liquid. The inflow pipe system 51 and the outflow pipe system 55 and a tank draining pipe system 57 enter either the tank system 49 and or the compartment for holding solids 43 through openings 59 located in the wall of the tank system 61 or the wall of the

compartment for holding solids 63, said openings 59 use a means of watertight attachment (not shown) to secure the inflow pipe system 51 and or the outflow pipe system 55 and or the tank draining pipe system 57, into said openings 59. It is the intention of the present invention that the tank system described in Figure 13 may be a catch pit. Turning to Figure 14, an access ramp 65 with a safety fence 67 provides convenient access to a suspension receiving container 69, into which vehicles and or human operators carrying solids suspended in a liquid can discharge solids suspended in a liquid. The suspension receiving container 69 is a trough in this example and is held off the ground level 73 by supporting legs 75, a hinge arrangement 77 is attached to the surface of the suspension receiving container 78 that enables it to be lowered down to a horizontal position or raised up to a vertical resting position from within an inspection hatch 79 located in the portable container 81 employed by the portable tank system 83. The portable container 81 is raised off the ground level 73 by supporting legs 75 located at the same end as the suspension receiving container 69, in order to lift the portable container 81 at one end, and thus place the portable container 81 on a downward sloping gradient in order to assist solids suspended in a liquid to be conveyed from the raised end of the portable container 81, into which solids suspended in a liquid enter, through to the lower end of the portable container 81, from which solids suspended in a liquid exit. Solids suspended in a liquid pass through from the suspension receiving container 69 into the front chamber 85 and then pass through the first partition for retaining solids 29, and flow into a settling chamber 87, from where the solids suspended in a liquid then pass through a second partition for retaining solids 29 into a second settling chamber 87, from where the solids suspended in a liquid then pass into an outflow pipe system 55 comprising a release valve arrangement 89. When the release valve arrangement 89 is open (as shown) it allows the solids suspended in a liquid to be discharged from the portable container 81, into a suspension discharge container 91 that houses a non-leaching absorbent material 93 through which the solids suspended in a liquid can be passed for further treatment, before being collected from the suspension discharge container 91, by a suitable means, such as a suction pump (not shown) that can be attached to the surface of the suspension discharge container 94 or a vehicle with a tank for holding liquid (not shown) . The portable container 81 also comprises an access door 95 and ladders 97, either of which enable human operators (not shown) or machinery (not shown) to conveniently access the portable container 81 or other elements of the portable tank system 83. A tank drainage channel 37, is located on the base of the portable container 41, and it runs underneath the first partition for retaining solids 29 and underneath the second partition for retaining solids 29. A permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 can be inserted into the tank drainage channel 37 in order to prevent solids from bypassing the first partition for retaining solids 29 and or the second partition for retaining solids 29 (arrangement not shown) . A beam 99 further supports the second partition for retaining solids 29. Chemicals such as flocculants can be added to the portable container 81 via a chemical dousing device 101 and or manually by hand (not shown) . A fuel powered generator 103 provides power to the portable container 81, power to a lighting system 105 and power to a chemical dousing device 101, employed by the portable tank system 83. Both the portable container 81 and the suspension receiving container 69 have a set of lifting eyes 45 to enable a crane or similar lifting device to lift the portable container 81 and or suspension receiving container 69 onto a suitable vehicle and or move either to a new location.

Turning to Figure 15, an access ramp 65 with a safety fence 67 provides convenient access to a suspension receiving container 69, into which vehicles and or human operators carrying solids suspended in a liquid can discharge solids suspended in a liquid. The suspension receiving container 69 is a skip in this example. The portable container 81 is raised off the ground level 73 by supporting legs 75 located at the same end as the suspension receiving container 69 in order to lift the portable container 81 at one end, and thus place the portable container 81 on a downward sloping gradient in order to assist solids suspended in a liquid to be conveyed from the raised end of the portable container 81, through to the lower end of the portable container 81, from which they exit. Solids suspended in a liquid are pumped from the suspension receiving container 69 by an electric pump 107, using a liquid flow pipe system 109, powered by a fuel powered generator 103 that delivers said solids suspended in a liquid into a front chamber 85 of the portable tank system 83. From the front chamber 85 the solids suspended in a liquid then pass through the first partition for retaining solids 29, and flow into a settling chamber 87, from where the solids suspended in a liquid then pass through a second partition for retaining solids 29 into a second settling chamber 87, from where the solids suspended in a liquid then pass into an outflow pipe system 55 comprising a release valve arrangement 89. When the release valve arrangement 89 is closed (as shown) , it allows the solids suspended in a liquid to be held back from being discharged from the portable container 81. A suspension discharge container 91 that houses a non-leaching absorbent material 93, through which the solids suspended in a liquid can be passed for further treatment, is positioned ready to receive solids suspended in a liquid before they are then collected from said suspension discharge container 91, by a suitable means, such as by a suction pump (not shown) . The portable container 81 also comprises an access door 95 in the front chamber 85, the first settling chamber 87 and the second settling chamber 87, any of which enable human operators (not shown) or machinery (not shown) to conveniently access the portable container 81 or other elements of the portable tank system 83. A tank drainage hatch 111 is located on the base of the portable container 41 in the front chamber 85, in the first settling chamber 87 and in the second settling chamber 87. The tank drainage hatch 111 can be opened to allow liquid to drain from the portable tank system 83 when the portable tank system 83 is not in use or can be sealedly closed when the portable tank system 83 is in use. A beam 99 of which there are two, further support the second partition for retaining solids 29. Chemicals such as flocculants can be added to the portable container 81 via a chemical dousing device 101 and or manually by hand (not shown) . The fuel powered generator 103 provides power to the electric pump 107, the portable container 81 and to a lighting system 105 employed by the portable tank system 83. The portable container 81 has wheels 113 with axels 115, said wheels 113 may be of different sizes (as shown) in order to further assist in achieving a downward sloping gradient of the portable container 81. The portable container 81 has a tow bar 117 for attachment to a vehicle (not shown) , so as to enable towing of the portable container 81. Both the portable container 81 and suspension receiving container 69 have a set of lifting eyes 45 to enable a crane or similar lifting device to lift the portable container 81 and or suspension receiving container 69 onto a suitable vehicle and or move either to a new location.

Turning to Figure 16, the H-shaped bracket arrangement 35 employed in Figure 11, Figure 12, Figure 13, Figure 14 and Figure 15, is used to join together more than one permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 being used as part of a partition for retaining solids 29. The nut and bolt fasteners 119 and a sealant substance 25 provide extra strength to secure the H-shaped bracket arrangement 35 with more than one permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11.

Turning to Figure 17, the T-shaped bracket arrangement 33 employed in Figure 11, Figure 12, Figure 13, Figure 14 and Figure 15, is used to join together more than one permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 being used as part of a partition for retaining solids 29. The nut and bolt fasteners 119, a sealant substance 25 and washer rings 121, provide extra strength to secure the T-shaped bracket arrangement 33 with more than one permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11.

Turning to Figure 18, the L-shaped bracket arrangement 31 employed in Figure 11, is used to join together more than one permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 being used as part of a partition for retaining solids 29. The nut and bolt fasteners 119, sealant substance 25 and washer rings 121, also provide sealed attachment between the L-shaped bracket arrangement 31, more than one permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 and the surface of a tank system 19. Turning to Figure 19, the L-shaped bracket arrangement 31 employed in Figure 12, Figure 14 and Figure 15, is used to join together more than one permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 being used as part of a partition for retaining solids 29. The nut and bolt fasteners 119, sealant substance 25 and washer rings 121, also provide sealed attachment between the L-shaped bracket arrangement 31, more than one permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 and the surface of a portable tank system 21.

Turning to Figure 20, the L-shaped bracket arrangement 31 employed in Figure 13, is used to join together more than one permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 being used as part of a partition for retaining solids 29. The nut and bolt fasteners 119, sealant substance 25 and washer rings 121 also provide sealed attachment between the L-shaped bracket arrangement 31, more than one permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 and the surface of a compartment for holding solids 28 that is used as part of said partition for retaining solids 29 that can be employed in a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83.

Preferable or optional features and elements of aspects of Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure 7, Figure 8, Figure 9, Figure 10, Figure 11, Figure 12, Figure 13, Figure 14, Figure

15, Figure 16, Figure 17, Figure 18, Figure 19 and Figure 20, will now be described.

Preferably a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 is between 45mm and 90mm and greater in thickness, or is not less than 15mm in thickness. Preferably a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 is comprised of a single permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11, used as part of a partition for retaining solids 29.

Optionally a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 is comprised of two or more permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 joined together or sealedly joined together end to end and or back to back and or overlapping, that are used as part of a partition for retaining solids 29.

Optionally more than one type of permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 may be used as part of a partition for retaining solids 29, each type of permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 having a different thickness and or having different characteristic pore channel widths. Optionally more than one partition for retaining solids 29 is employed in a tank system 49 or a portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or compartment for holding solids 43 and or suspension discharge container 91.

Optionally a partition for retaining solids 29 has one or more outside edges provided by a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11.

Optionally a partition for retaining solids 29 is a rectangular shape but it may optionally be other shapes that are suitable for the tank system 49 or a portable tank system 83 and or a suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91, into which it is employed.

Optionally a partition for retaining solids 29 holds a lid, flap or guard on top of its highest elevated outside edge to guard against liquid from spilling over the top of said highest elevated outside edge.

Optionally a partition for retaining solids 29 uses vibration to encourage solids to shake loose from its surfaces.

Optionally a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 may be joined to or sealedly joined to one or more permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11, end to end and or back to back and or overlapping by the use of bracket arrangements, joist arrangements, rail arrangements, flange arrangements, groove arrangements, permanent or temporary frames, air and or nitrogen pressure that inflates a flexible device, hydraulic devices, fastening devices, devices that provide tightening, clips, clamps or a combination of the aforementioned, used as part of said partition for retaining solids 29.

Optionally as an alternative to using a sealant substance 25 and or bracket arrangements, other securing arrangements can be employed to sealedly attach a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 to the surface of a tank system 19 or the surface of a portable tank system 21 and or the surface of a compartment for holding solids 28 and or the surface of a suspension receiving container 78 and or the surface of a suspension discharge container 94 and or the surface of a component used in a partition for retaining solids 23. Other securing arrangements include but are not limited to collars, masonry, rubber or flexible plastic joins, joist arrangements, rail arrangements, flange

arrangements, groove arrangements, permanent or temporary frames, air and or nitrogen pressure that inflates a flexible device, hydraulic devices, fastening devices, devices that provide tightening, clips, clamps or a combination of the aforementioned.

Optionally as an alternative to using a sealant substance 25 and or bracket arrangements, other securing arrangements can be employed to sealedly attach a partition for retaining solids 29 comprising of at least one permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 to the surface of a tank system 19 or the surface of a portable tank system 21 and or the surface of a compartment for holding solids 28 and or the surface of a suspension receiving container 78 and or the surface of a suspension discharge container 94 and or the surface of a component used in a partition for retaining solids 23. Other securing arrangements include but are not limited to collars, masonry, rubber or flexible plastic joins, joist arrangements, rail arrangements, flange arrangements, groove arrangements, permanent or temporary frames, air and or nitrogen pressure that inflates a flexible device, hydraulic devices, fastening devices, devices that provide tightening, clips, clamps or a combination of the aforementioned .

Optionally a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 and or a partition for retaining solids 29 are detachable and reattachable to one another, and or to the surface of a tank system 19 or the surface of a portable tank system 21 and or the surface of a suspension receiving container 78 and or the surface of a suspension discharge container 94 and or the surface of a component used in a partition for retaining solids 23 and or the surface of the compartment for holding solids 28, furthermore where it is required, the means of achieving this can employ a watertight seal between any joins created by attachment or

reattachment .

Optionally a sealant substance 25 is an adhesive sealant substance, adhesive, resin, gum, glue, silicone, bonding agent, cement, concrete, expanding foam, tape, plastic weld, other similar sealants or combination of the aforementioned, any of which may also be weather resistant and or water resistant.

Optionally a beam 99 or a number of beams can be used to support a partition for retaining solids 29, in particular to strengthen a partition for retaining solids 29 from collapsing under the weight of a volume of liquid pushing against its surfaces and or against joins between any of its surfaces and or sides, this support may also be achieved by further arrangements including but not limited to pillars, struts, frames and or similar supporting members. Said beam 99 may also be used in catch pits or similar chambers to sealedly lock a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 or a number of permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 into place on the open end of an inflow pipe system 51 and or outflow pipe system 55 that are within the catch pit or in close proximity to it . The benefit of locking a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 or a number of permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 into place, particularly on the outflow pipe system 55 of a catch pit or similar chamber is that it will allow less solids carried in liquid to leave the catch pit and subsequently block the liquid flow pipe system 109.

Optionally a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 or a number of permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 that are may also be used in a catch pit or similar chamber, in which instance the permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 or a number of permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 may optionally be cut to size and or joined together and or sealedly joined together and or fitted into elements of the catch pit such as the open end of an inflow pipe system 51 and or outflow pipe system 55 that are within the catch pit or in close proximity to it .

Optionally a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 or a number of permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 joined together or sealedly joined together, used in a catch pit or similar chamber, comprise of a means of assisting the removal of said permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 arrangements, this may include but is not limited to handles, lifting hooks and or lifting eyes 45 and or lifting straps and or ISO corner fittings and or similar lifting devices attached, in order that said permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 arrangements can be lowered and or lifted and or moved by way of a hand, crane, forklift or similar heavy load bearing lifting equipment or machinery including but not limited to winches and or pulleys and or boom arms .

Optionally a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 is used in combination with filtration material, as part of a tank system 49 or a portable tank system 83 and or a suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or a partition for retaining solids 29 and or a compartment for holding solids 43. Filtration material may include but is not limited to perforated sheets, grids, grills, walls, meshes, textiles or similar filter materials. Optionally a tank system 49 is comprised of a single tank or multiple tanks either of the same type or different types including but not limited to tanks, cement tanks, catch pits, concrete tanks, containers, suspension receiving containers, suspension discharge containers, portable tanks, shipping containers, waste skips, roll on roll off skips, trailers, mobile chambers, moveable chambers, settling ponds, settling pools or other similar storage mediums, any of which are used to separate solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid.

Optionally a portable tank system 83 is comprised of a single portable tank or multiple portable tanks either of the same type or different types including but not limited to containers, suspension receiving containers, catch pits, suspension discharge containers, shipping containers, waste skips, roll on roll off skips, trailers, vessels and or other similar mobile or moveable chambers, any of which are used to separate solids from a suspension of the solids in a liquid.

Optionally one or more suspension receiving container 69 and or

suspension discharge container 91 can be used to receive, hold and or convey solids suspended in a liquid as they enter into or exit out of a tank system 49 or a portable tank system 83. A suspension receiving container 69 or suspension discharge container 91 can include but is not limited to a skip and or roll on roll off skip and or low sided trailer, and or trough, and or cement tank and or vessel and or box and or cage and any other types of chambers that are suitable to receive, hold and or convey solids in a suspension of a liquid.

Optionally one or more compartment for holding solids 43 can be employed as a component of a partition for retaining solids 29, and can be used to receive, hold and or convey solids suspended in a liquid as they enter into or exit out of a tank system 49 or a portable tank system 83. A compartment for holding solids 43 may include but is not limited to a box and or cartridge and or cage and or container arrangement and or a combination of compartment types.

Optionally a compartment for holding solids 43, and or a tank system 49 an or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or partition for retaining solids 29, may have more than one side wall, and each side wall may be comprised of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11, each

permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 may be joined together and or sealedly joined together. Optionally the floor of a compartment for holding solids 43, and or a tank system 49 an or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or partition for retaining solids 29 may be provided almost entirely by a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 or a number of permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 that may be joined together and or sealedly joined together.

Optionally the main structure of a compartment for holding solids 43, and or a tank system 49 an or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or partition for retaining solids 29 may be made up almost entirely or entirely of a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 or a number of permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 that may be joined together and or sealedly joined together.

Optionally a tank system 49 is permanently located in an area, and has foundations and or is built into the ground.

Optionally a portable tank system 83 is temporarily located in an area, and can be transported and or moved to a new location.

Optionally a suspension receiving container 69 is permanently located in an area, and has foundations and or is built into the ground.

Optionally a suspension receiving container 69 is a temporarily located in an area, and can be transported and or moved to a new location.

Optionally a suspension discharge container 91 is permanently located in an area, and has foundations and or is built into the ground.

Optionally a suspension discharge container 91 is a temporarily located in an area, and can be transported and or moved to a new location.

Optionally a tank system 49 or a portable tank system 83 and or a suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or a compartment for holding solids 43, can be widened and or narrowed where liquid and or solids enter into it and or exit it, in order to enable vehicles to discharge and or collect liquid and or solids with easier access.

Optionally a suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or a compartment for holding solids 43 and or partition for holding solids 29 is hinged and or is sliding and or is retractable and or is hydraulic and or can be opened out and then closed to be watertight and or is detachable and or is reattachable, any of the aforementioned arrangements can be employed by tank system 49 or a portable tank system 83.

Optionally a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or a

suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or the compartment for holding solids 43, employs the use of cushioning pads and or a rubber bumper attached where liquid and or solids enter into it and or exit it, in order to protect vehicles while they discharge and or collect liquid and or solids .

Optionally said cushioning and or a rubber bumper also provides a temporary seal to enhance the discharge and or collection of a liquid and or solids into and or out of a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or a suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or the compartment for holding solids 43.

Optionally a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or compartment for holding solids 43 is used for settling solids suspended in a liquid.

Optionally a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or a

suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or compartment for holding solids 43 and or a partition for retaining solids 29 has lifting hooks and or lifting eyes 45 and or lifting straps and or ISO corner fittings and or similar lifting devices attached, in order that it can be lowered and or lifted and or moved by way of a crane, forklift or similar heavy load bearing lifting equipment or machinery including but not limited to winches and or pulleys and or boom arms . Optionally solids suspended in a liquid are conveyed into and or through and or out of a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or a suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or a compartment for holding solids 43, by way of vehicles and or by way of liquid flow pipe system 109 and or by way of an inflow pipe system 51 and or by way of an outflow pipe system 55 and or by way of a tank draining pipe system 57 and or by way of powered pumps and or this is achieved manually by human operators. Optionally an inflow pipe system 51 and or an outflow pipe system 55 and or liquid flow pipe system 109 and or tank draining system 57 are connected to an electric pump 107 and or fuel powered water pump 31 and or other suitable pump systems, and this arrangement is used to convey solids suspended in a liquid into and or through and or out of a tank system 49 or a portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91, furthermore gravity or other natural forces may be used to achieve, and this can also be in combination with powered devices. Optionally an inflow pipe system 51 and or outflow pipe system 55 and or liquid flow pipe system 109 and or tank draining system 57, has a release valve arrangement 89 that can be opened and closed to control the flow of liquid and or solids into and or out of a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or a compartment for holding solids 43.

Optionally a tank system 49 or a portable tank system 83 and or

suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91, can sit securely upon on a manmade fabricated surface or natural ground level 73 surface that may have sloping gradient or that may also have been made level.

Optionally a tank system 49 or a portable tank system 83 and or

suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91, can sit securely lowered into a manmade pit that is dug out of the ground level 73 or is a naturally occurring pit in the ground. Optionally a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 has supporting legs 75 and or wheels 113 and or supports on its base that are used to securely hold the tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or the suspension receiving container 69, off the ground level 73. Optionally the supporting legs 75 and or wheels 113 and or supports are adjustable in length and or are hydraulic.

Optionally a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91, has an access ramp 65 leading up to it. Optionally the access ramp 65 is a structure suitably strong for vehicles to use it, including heavy vehicles. Optionally the access ramp 65 is constructed from earth and or fabricated from suitably strong materials.

Optionally the access ramp 65 is a temporary fixture. Optionally the access ramp 65 is a permanent fixture.

Optionally the access ramp 65 is a combination of temporary and permanent fixtures .

Optionally a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or access ramp 65 have an accompanying safety fence 67 and or security fence and or set of safety railings, and optionally there is more than one access ramp 65 and or more than one accompanying safety fence 67 and or security fence and or set of safety railings.

Optionally a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or a

suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or a compartment for holding solids 43 have structures and or arrangements attached to them or within suitably close proximity to them, in order to make accessing a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or a suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or a compartment for holding solids 43 easier, including but not limited to stairs and or ladders 97 and or scaffolding and or similar fabricated framework, furthermore any of which can be either be temporary or permanent or a combination of temporary and permanent.

Optionally the base of the tank 39 and or the base of a portable container 41 and or base of a suspension receiving container 69 and or base of a suspension discharge container 91 and or compartment for holding solids 43, has a designated draining area for draining solids and or liquid. Said designated draining area may be covered almost entirely or entirely by a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 or a number of permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 that may be joined together and or sealedly joined together.

Optionally said draining area is located within close proximity of a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or compartment for holding solids 43. Optionally a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container and or suspension discharge container 69 has a tow bar 117 or similar attachment suitable for attaching a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91, to a vehicle for towing.

Optionally a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or compartment for holding solids 43 has one or more inspection hatch 79 and or access door 95 that can be used for emptying and or cleaning and or maintenance purposes, and that can be sliding and or hinged and or locking and or hydraulic, and where necessary can be watertight when closed shut.

Optionally a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or compartment for holding solids 43 can have openings 59, said openings 59 can also be closed to be watertight with a cap, cover, guard or flap, in the instance that an inflow pipe system 51 and or outflow pipe system 55 and or a tank draining pipe system 57 and or liquid flow pipe system 109 is not inserted into said openings 59. Said openings 59 can be opened and or sealedly closed, and any inflow pipe system 51 and or outflow pipe system 55 and or liquid flow pipe system 109 and or tank draining pipe system 57 or similar arrangements can be sealedly connected into them and or disconnected from them, in order to empty and or discharge solids and or liquid.

An inflow pipe system 51 and or outflow pipe system 31 and or liquid flow pipe system 109 and or tank draining pipe system 57 may be powered by a pump, sump and or similar powered devices used to convey liquid, however they do not necessarily have to use powered devices, and can also use naturally occurring forces e.g. gravity to convey solids suspended in a liquid. Powered devices and natural forces may also be used in

combination to convey liquid.

Optionally a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or compartment for holding solids 43 is connected to a power source, furthermore said power source can be provided by mains electric and or a fuel powered generator 103 and or a battery and or other suitable power sources, and or a combination of suitable power sources including renewable power sources such as solar and or wind. Optionally a power source can be connected to a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or compartment for holding solids 43, and can provide power to components attached to them, including but not limited to a lighting system 105 and or computer systems and or operating systems and or control systems and or water pumps and or water sumps and or other powered components of a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or

compartment for holding solids 43, that require a power supply to function .

Optionally a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or compartment for holding solids 43, comprise of static parts to assist in the process of separating solids from a suspension of solids in a liquid including but not limited to hoppers and or baffles and or plates and or walls and or chambers and or platforms and or panels and or chutes and or screens and or hoppers and or sorters and or lamella plates and or baffle plates and or weir plates and or inclined plates. These elements may also be fabricated from a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 or a number of permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 that may be joined together and or sealedly joined together.

Optionally a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or compartment for holding solids 43, comprise of moving and or mechanical parts to assist in the process of separating solids from a suspension of solids in a liquid including but not limited to vibrating plates and or prime movers and or water pumps and or water sumps and or suction pumps and or hydro cyclones and or trommels and or moving sorters and or motors and or engines. These elements may also be fabricated from a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 or a number of permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 that may be joined together and or sealedly joined together.

Optionally a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or compartment for holding solids 43, comprise of compartments and or tanks and or chambers for introducing chemicals. Such chemicals that can be introduced include but not limited to pH neutralisers , flocculants, coagulants and or other chemical reagents to enhance sedimentation of solids and or treat liquid and or treat solids . Said compartments and or tanks and or chambers may also be fabricated from a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 or a number of permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 that may be joined together and or sealedly joined together.

Optionally a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or compartment for holding solids 43 and or partition for retaining solids 29, house and or have attached to them a non-leaching absorbent material 93, including but not limited to absorbent sponges and or absorbent pellets with selective molecular structures to soak up and or retain heavy metals, and or dissolved heavy metals and or hydrocarbons and or bacteria and or pathogens and or other contaminants from liquid that enter into and or pass through and or exit a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or

compartment for holding solids 43 and or partition for retaining solids 29. Optionally said non-leaching absorbent materials are housed and or attached to a suspension discharge container 91 or more than one suspension discharge container 91.

Optionally a permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11, or more than one permeable copolymer plastic nodule sheet 11 can be used to provide a protective layer that captures solids suspended in liquid before they reach components employed in a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or compartment for holding solids 43 and or partition for retaining solids 29, this may include but is not limited to providing a protective layer for filtration material, electric pump 107 or fuel powered water pumps, motors, openings 59 and or a liquid flow pipe system 109.

Optionally any materials used as part of a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or compartment for holding solids 43 and or partition for retaining solids 29 and or securing arrangements and or other structural elements or components that they employ, may be suitably strong materials, and may include but are not limited to reinforced materials, weather resistant materials, materials resistant to corrosion, materials resistant to oxidation, coated materials, painted materials, materials resistant to other undesirable effects caused by liquid and or any combination of the aforementioned materials, for example materials including but not limited to metal, galvanised steel, aluminium, treated wood, fibreglass and or plastics. Optionally any paints and or similar coating techniques used with said materials may include but are not limited to applying water resistant substances, weather resistant substances, linings or similar protective layers, any of which prolong the life of materials used as part of a tank system 49 or portable tank system 83 and or suspension receiving container 69 and or suspension discharge container 91 and or compartment for holding solids 43 and or partition for retaining solids 29 and or securing arrangements and or other structural elements or components that they employ, and in particular they may help to prevent the effect of deterioration of said materials that may be caused by weather and or liquid and or oxidation and or corrosion.

While copolymer plastic nodules 15 are a type of plastic utilised by the present invention, it should be noted that polymer plastic nodules including but limited to those created from single polymer plastics are within the ambit of the present invention as described herein, provided that said polymer plastic nodules can be utilised as a permeable sheet, in the same way as the copolymer plastic nodules in the present

invention, as described herein, and this may include high density polyethylene .

While a twin-plate agglomerator may be used to create copolymer plastic nodules 15 or polymer plastic nodules, it should be noted that other forms of agglomeration, plastics densifiers, plastics extrusion

processes, plastics injection processes, plastics moulding processes, similar plastics forming processes and or combinations of the

aforementioned well known plastics processes, any of which impart heat into plastics and subsequently convert plastics into copolymer plastic nodules 15 or polymer plastic nodules, including any slicing, chopping, and or shredding that may be used in such processes to achieve the conversion of plastics into copolymer plastic nodules 15 or polymer plastic nodules, are within the ambit of the present invention, provided that said copolymer plastic nodules 15 and or polymer plastic nodules can be utilised as a permeable sheet, in the same way as the copolymer plastic nodules in the present invention, as described herein.

Said other forms of agglomeration, plastics densifiers, plastics extrusion processes, plastics injection processes, plastics moulding processes, similar plastics forming processes and or combinations of the aforementioned well known plastics processes, may also enable heat to be imparted into plastics with more precision and or with more accurate control of temperature than a twin-plate agglomerator, thus said processes may subsequently enable more efficient conversion of plastics into copolymer plastic nodules 15 or polymer plastic nodules, this more efficient conversion of plastics into copolymer plastic nodules 15 or polymer plastic nodules is within the ambit of the present invention, provided that said copolymer plastic nodules 15 and or polymer plastic nodules can be utilised as a permeable sheet, in the same way as the copolymer plastic nodules in the present invention, as described herein.

Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such

equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents . It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable,

advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims.