Abstract: An installation for crystallizing a liquid from a solution, for example for freeze-concentrating effluent, having a nucleation zone, a ripening zone and a separator where the nucleation zone is constructed as a vacuum crystalline, such that the installation is of relatively simple and inexpensive construction, can easily be scaled up and is suitable for concentrating liquids containing undissolved particles, such as, for example, precipitated salts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crystallization apparatus and to a method for crystallizing a liquid from a solution, a mixture of liquids or a suspension. The apparatus comprises a growth zone in a vertically positioned tank, which growth zone is positioned below a nucleation zone. Via a delivery line the seed crystals are fed from the nucleation zone to the bottom end of the growth zone. In the growth zone the ice slurry slowly moves in a vertical direction at such a low velocity that heavier particles are able to precipitate and to be discharged at the bottom end. Preferentially, the nucleation zone comprises a vacuum apparatus for effecting a reduction in pressure in the nucleation zone to between 10−4 and 7·10−3 bar. Using the apparatus according to the present invention it is possible for waste water and effluent to be concentrated in a simple manner, clogging of, for example, filters owing to the settling of solid particles being prevented.

Abstract: An installation for separating and purifying solids from a suspension and/or for leaching out solid particles has a cylinder and a piston movable therein. A sealing part of the piston is in contact with the interior wall of the cylinder. A filter is positioned some distance away from the sealing part of the piston. A discharge chamber is located between the filter and the sealing part of the piston. A pump chamber is formed below the sealing part of the piston and a washing column chamber containing a packed bed of solid particles is formed above the filter. During a downward pump stroke of the piston, suspension is forced, via at least one connecting channel between the pump chamber and the washing column chamber, to the washing column chamber. During a compression stroke, liquid is brought via the filter to the discharge chamber and discharged via a discharge line. Solid particles, such as crystals, remain behind on the filter and are compressed against the packed bed.