Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the density from a reclamation slurry tank or silo includes apparatus for adding slurry to the tank, an overflow from the tank which communicates with a sump, and reclamation apparatus mounted toward the bottom of the tank. The reclamation apparatus essentially comprises a bell mouthed pipe directed downwardly and exiting horizontally from the tank. The pipe is connected to a pump for removing slurry accumulating at the bottom of the tank. The pipe also includes apparatus for measuring the density and/or flow through the pipe. The density from the tank is controlled by a fluid inlet mounted between the bell mouth and the pump which forces fluid into the pipe in accordance with the measured flow or density as compared to a predetermined flow or density. To facilitate the operation, various fluidizing jets are included around the bell mouth and around the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: A sump for the deposit and removal of particulate material mixed with a fluid, comprises a first and second reservoir formed in the surface of the earth. The first and second reservoirs each have a top at the surface of the earth and extend from the surface to a predetermined depth in the earth to form a bottom. The reservoirs have a common wall portion between them from the surface of the earth to a location intermediate the surface and the predetermined depth where the common wall terminates forming an opening between the first and second reservoirs. Particulate material is deposited in one of the reservoirs so that said material is free to fill the reservoir and move through the opening to the second reservoir. Pumping apparatus is mounted in the remaining reservoir at a depth between the terminus of the common wall and the bottom.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting a slurry containing solids and entrapped air in a fluid carrier into a tank filled with fluid by injecting the slurry into a chamber in a manner to form a vortex so that the solids and fluids are centrifugally forced to the outside of the chamber and the air is centripetally forced to the center axis of the chamber and exhaust out the top. The liquid and solids remaining in the slurry are then transferred to a second location by gravity where the rotation is reduced and the slurry is then dropped out an opening into the fluid filled tank.