Abstract: Apparatus for clarifying the liquid portion of a slurry such as preflocculated sugar juice is disclosed. A tank is provided, and a downwardly opening conical tray is located within the tank to divide the tank into upper and lower portions. The outer periphery of the tray is spaced from the interior of the tank to provide an annular passageway therebetween. A vertical pipe is centrally located within the upper portion of the tank, and has an open bottom above the tray. Slurry to be clarified is supplied inside the vertical pipe. The slurry flows out through the open bottom of the vertical pipe to the upper portion of the tank outside the vertical pipe. At least some of the liquid portion of the slurry rises through the sedimented mud of the slurry and collects in the upper portion of the tank outside the vertical pipe above the level of the tank outside the vertical pipe above the level of the mud.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating wastewater includes a settling tank, a sludge digester and a holding tank. Solids from the settling tank are delivered uniformly throughout the seed sludge in the digester and combustible gas is drawn off the top. Sludge from the digester is delivered to the holding tank where further combustible gas evolves and is removed for other uses. The sludge from the holding tank is recycled through the digester or discharged from the system for drying and/or subsequent use.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the settling out of suspended solids in a liquor are described. A diffuser of a particular type is used to introduce a liquor containing a flocculant suspension into a sedimentation tank with low turbulence. The diffuser is so shaped that the liquor velocity can be reduced in a controlled manner. Liquid shear conditions are made so low inside the diffuser that excessive break-up of flocs does not occur. The diffuser has a flare angle and a discharge opening to throat dimensional ratio whereby these conditions of low turbulence and formation can be established. Several embodiments of sedimentation apparatus employing such diffuser are described.

Abstract: Settling clarifier for liquids carrying suspended solids, having a two-slope bottom section, with central stilling well for feed, rake system, clear overflow exit means, and sludge underflow means.

Abstract: An apparatus for clarifying liquid waste having a tank with a center column mounted in its center and suction pipes to remove sludge which has settled to the floor of the tank. The center column is provided with an influent trough to introduce liquid waste into the tank, and ports are formed in the upper part of the column to introduce waste into the influent trough. The ports and the influent trough are located at about the level of the liquid in the tank so that the waste leaving the ports creates a radially outward current on the surface of the liquid in the tank to carry scum towards the periphery of the tank for collection.

Abstract: The specification discloses a settling tank system adapted for low-turbulence settling of solids from water, said system comprising a circular tank for retention of water during settling, a radial boom provided at the level of the surface of the water for rotation around a central hub, means for rotating the boom, said boom having a leading edge and a trailing edge, said leading edge having a horizontal forwardly projecting shelf below the level of the water, said trailing edge having a horizontal rearwardly projecting shelf also below the level of the water, said leading edge shelf, trailing edge shelf and boom bottom presenting a smooth continuous surface for non-turbulent passage through the water, said trailing edge having a means for uniform and non-turbulent supply of solids-containing water to the length of the shelf at a volume rate equal to the rate of horizontal displacement of the forwardly moving boom, said leading edge having a means for uniform and non-turbulent removal of cleared water from the

Abstract: A fixed center column supports axially a torque cage mounted to a first bearing on the column, and a second bearing is disposed between the torque cage and a supporting walkway or superstructure. A powered drive unit is mounted to the walkway and has a drive shaft that is connected to the torque cage for rotation thereof about the axis of the center column.

Abstract: Apparatus for clarifying waste water is disclosed in which the waste water being treated is moved through the apparatus with minimum turbulence so that the flotation rate of suspended particles is brought closely to a theoretical value. The apparatus includes a flotation tank unique in that its height is low compared to its area. Inlet pipes for waste water are supported by a carriage which moves around the flotation tank supported on the outer edge of the tank and a runway towards the center thereof. The clarified water is removed by pipes also supported by the carriage and so supported that advantage is taken of the movement of the carriage to effect a longer flotation path for the rising particles.