Abstract: The apparatus herein provides a separation of suspended solids from a liquid containing such suspended solids. The apparatus comprises a base which supports a pan having a bottom wall, a spaced-apart pair of sidewalls extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom wall and a spaced-apart pair of end walls extending upwardly and outwardly between the sidewalls and from the bottom wall to form an open top container. A perforated plate is secured within the pan to the sidewalls and end walls of the pan above the bottom wall to define a chamber between the bottom wall, an undersurface of the perforated plate, and the surrounding side and end walls. At least one outlet on the bottom wall of the pan is provided for introducing a vacuum to the chamber and for removing liquid from the chamber. A continuous liquid-absorbing medium transfer support extends around the pan and lies within the pan in contact with the perforated plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting the method is provided for separating suspended solids such as, nickel, chromium, zinc, copper, iron, etc., from a liquid containing such solids. The method comprises contacting such a liquid containing suspended solids with a liquid-absorbing medium. The liquid-absorbing medium selectively absorbs the liquid to the substantial exclusion of absorbing the suspended solids. After some liquid is absorbed, absorbed liquid is removed from the medium to refresh the medium and allow for the absorption of additional liquid concomitantly with the removal of liquid. The liquid removed from the liquid-absorbing medium is effectively separated from the solids. The apparatus comprises a solids-liquid separation unit which includes a perforated base having a dish-shaped upper portion. A liquid-absorbing medium is placed across the top of the base to form a seal over the perforations therein. A liquid-receiving chamber is provided below the perforated base.