Abstract: A launder cover system for reducing or eliminating sunlight exposure so as to prevent algae growth in a tank such as a clarifier tank. The launder cover system generally includes a plurality of support members and a plurality of launder covers which are each independently pivotably connected to a tank wall of a tank, such as by using a mount. The support members are each pivotably connected to the tank wall by a pivot connector and the launder covers are each pivotably connected to the tank wall by a hinge connector. Each support member is positioned between a pair of launder covers, and each launder cover is positioned between a pair of support members. The support members function to support the launder covers in a raised or lowered position. A launder support may be connected to the channel wall to support the launder covers in their lowered positions.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for a wastewater plant skimmer arm is provided. The device includes a member. A pair of attaching members are each connected to the member via a hinge. The pair of attaching members are parallel from each other. A skimming member is connected to the pair of attaching members, and parallel to the member. A clamp with a pin is mounted to the member. A flat bar is connected to the clamp and pivots about the pin. The flat bar includes a hook and a plurality of notches. A U-bolt placed on the skimming member includes a rod, that may engage with the hook or a notch of the plurality of notches on the flat bar. The hook may lift the skimming member by engaging with the rod. The desired position of the skimming member may be secured by engaging with a notch of the plurality of notches.

Abstract: An improved clarifier tank having a rake arm assembly with one or more rake arms, a rake arm driveshaft operatively connected to the rake arms and a rake arm drive, and a sump scraper driveshaft, operatively connected to a plurality of sump scrapers and a sump scraper drive.

Abstract: A launder cover system for reducing or eliminating sunlight exposure so as to prevent algae growth in a tank such as a clarifier tank. The launder cover system generally includes a plurality of support members and a plurality of launder covers which are each independently pivotably connected to a tank wall of a tank, such as by using a mount. The support members are each pivotably connected to the tank wall by a pivot connector and the launder covers are each pivotably connected to the tank wall by a hinge connector. Each support member is positioned between a pair of launder covers, and each launder cover is positioned between a pair of support members. The support members function to support the launder covers in a raised or lowered position. A launder support may be connected to the channel wall to support the launder covers in their lowered positions.

Abstract: Rapid removal of settled solids in secondary clarifiers is critical in sewage treatment plants having nutrient removal permits, especially phosphorus, to prevent solids from surfacing after going aerobic and releasing phosphorus. Release of phosphorus could impact the plant's permit limit. This is addressed by the described design of rake blade flights and squeegees that quickly move solids on the clarifier floor to the sludge pickup tubes, usually in one revolution. In a preferred form the blade flights are curved and may be spiral in shape, causing gathered sludge to advance outwardly toward the pickup tube at each flight, usually in one revolution. Previous blade flights included angled linear sections that progressively move the sludge in incremental movements with each revolution of the clarifier mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for clarifying a sludge-containing effluent, comprising a clarification basin (2), at least one arm (7) able to move over the upper surface of the liquid in the basin; at least one trough (8) supported by the arm so that it can be immersed over part of its height in the liquid of the basin, suction tubes (T1, T2) held relative to the trough, each tube comprising at the top a vertically adjustable sleeve (B1, B2) opening into the trough, and a means of removing sludge from the trough; the sleeve (B1, B2) of at least one suction tube (T1, T2) is free to slide vertically relative to the mobile arm (7) supporting the trough, and to the tube (T1, T2) and a reserve of buoyancy necessary and sufficient for keeping the overspill end (E1, E2) of the sleeve in the trough (8) continuously out of the water is installed on the sleeve (B1, B2) so that the overspill level of the sleeve adjusts automatically in relation to the level (16) of liquid and sludge in the trough.

Abstract: In a wastewater treatment system, a suction duct clarifier is converted to a suction pipe clarifier without penetrating existing concrete at the base of the tank. An elevated sludge collection box is added, positioned on the center column to rotate with rake arms, and a series of sludge riser pipes extend from the rake arms up into the sludge collection box for sludge delivery by hydraulic pressure differential. A sludge discharge downpipe is provided within the center/influent column for delivery of sludge from the collection box, and at the bottom of this pipe, above the tank floor, the discharge pipe exits through an opening in the center/influent column. At the outside of this opening is a sludge transfer box that receives sludge exiting the discharge pipe and conveys it down through the existing floor opening and to the existing under-floor RAS return pipe.

Abstract: A pivoting center hanger for a grain stirring machine has a top plate connected to a vertical member. A pair of braces are connected to and extend between the top plate and the vertical member. Pivotally connected to the vertical member is a base member that permits a gear motor shaft and a cross tube shaft to stay in alignment when the cross tube shaft bows downwardly.

Abstract: In a wastewater treatment plant a clarifier is fitted with piping and a pump to withdraw settled sludge from the bottom of the tank upwardly through the tank's center column and radially out from the clarifier via an exit pipe above the liquid level. The exit pipe can be supported on a fixed walkway. At the bottom end of the central tower is a manifold device for collecting settled sludge, including an annular preferably cylindrical wall, a central pipe hub and at least one pipe branch extending from an opening in the cylindrical wall radially inwardly to the central hub. Sludge is drawn up through a vertical sludge return pipe by a pump located preferably above the tank's liquid level, drawing sludge into pipe branches of the manifold device and through the hub to the sludge return pipe, then out through the exit pipe.

Abstract: A separation process and system for extracting hydrocarbons from a mixture. In some embodiments, a process for separating a bitumen froth stream containing bitumen froth, water and fine solids into a bitumen enriched froth stream and a water and fine solids stream, comprises: (a) receiving the bitumen froth stream in a concentrator vessel, (b) distributing the bitumen froth stream in the concentrator vessel as a substantially uniform and generally horizontal flow of the bitumen froth stream at a first flow velocity, (c) slowing the bitumen froth stream to a second flow velocity, slower than the first flow velocity, in a separation region of the concentrator vessel to promote separation of the bitumen froth from the water and fine solids, and then (d) collecting a bitumen enriched froth stream and (e) collecting a separate water and fine solids stream. Related embodiments of systems and apparatus may also be provided.

Abstract: A grit removal system for tanks with a need to remove settled solids (e.g., anaerobic digester tank) is described. The system is especially suitable for a large tank, preferably having a flat floor, and it works well while submerged under a liquid. Specifically, a periphery-driven rack & pinion mechanism drives a shaft to rotate about a center pivot, and scrapes settled solids towards tank periphery, where the solids fall into a pit on the tank floor. A drainage opening inside the pit, when opened by a valve, is used to flush out the solids through a standpipe into a settlement tank for final dewatering and solid disposal. The system is compatible for continuous tank operation, and is useful for stirring tanks requiring periodic sediment removal.

Abstract: An extraction system and process for extracting bitumen from a slurry containing bitumen, solids and water. The system comprises a cyclone separation facility for separating the slurry into a solids component stream and a bitumen froth stream with the bitumen froth stream including water and fine solids. The bitumen froth stream is then delivered to a froth concentration facility for separating the bitumen froth stream into a final bitumen enriched froth stream, and a water and fine solids stream. The final bitumen enriched froth stream is suitable for further processing. The system of the present invention is preferably mobile so that the cyclone extraction facility and the froth concentration facility can move with the mine face at an oil sands mining site, however, it is also contemplated that the system can be retrofitted to existing fixed treatment facilities to improve the operational efficiency of such fixed facilities.

Abstract: A system for sludge removal in a circular settling tank having a side wall (106) comprises a rotatable drive ring (130) adapted to be interconnected to a scraper arm provided with scraper blades, wherein the drive ring having a plurality of engagement surfaces (134) A traction assembly (140) is fixedly attached to the side wall and comprises a drive wheel (142). By providing a drive wheel with a plurality of engagement rolls (148) adapted to engage the engagement surfaces of the drive ring during rotation of the drive wheel, the drive ring can be rotated essentially without exerting any radial forces on the drive ring.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method (20) of separating pulp from a feed material within a tank (1), the method comprising the steps of (23) introducing the feed material (22) into the tank (1); (24) allowing the feed material (22) to settle in the tank (1); (25) allowing the pulp (21) to form into aggregates (13); (26) allowing the pulp aggregates (13) to settle towards the bottom of the tank (1) and form a networked layer (2) of pulp; and (27) causing a disturbance substantially uniformly across a disturbance zone (16) in an upper region of the networked layer (2), so as to disrupt the networked pulp in the disturbance zone within a predetermined period of time; thereby releasing entrained liquid from the networked pulp in the disturbance zone (16) and increasing the relative density of the pulp below the disturbance zone. The invention also provides a separation device (40) for separating pulp (21) from a feed material (22).

Abstract: A separator system for separating the solids debris from a slurry flowing over a spillway from a storage pit includes a horizontal conveyor horizontally disposed across a flowpath of the slurry below the spillway and including a channel defined by a pair of opposed side members extending upward from a bottom plate having a pattern of perforations formed therein. A plurality of spaced apart paddles oriented in a direction parallel to the channel are fixed to continuous conveyor drive running along the bottom of the trough. A conveyor has a pickup end disposed below the downstream end of the trough and is positioned to catch solid debris that has been carried along by the paddles and convey the solid debris out of the slurry stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grit chamber, wherein the chamber body of the grit chamber is in the shape of a hollow cylinder with a cone-shaped bottom; a grit channel is installed below the center of the cone-shaped bottom; a grit removing device is installed in the grit channel; a wall mixer, a plurality of vertical mixers and a spiral grit remover are installed in the chamber body; the wall mixer is installed on the wall of the hollow cylinder; the spiral grit remover is installed in the center of the cylinder, and is provided with a grit-removing blade for removing the grit on the cone-shaped bottom; and the vertical mixers are installed at the position close to the cone-shaped bottom and are vertical to the wall. The invention also provides a grit removing system containing a grit chamber and a grit removing method.

Abstract: A system for cleaning and maintaining a vault includes a vault that may have equipment submerged in water. The vault includes a floor, at least one wall, and a cover that collectively define a vault interior. In some versions there is contaminated water in the vault that is at least one foot above the lowest point on the vault floor. In some versions, the water may be 12 to 14 feet above the lowest point on the floor. A portion of the floor may slope toward a vacuum head that is indirectly coupled with a source of suction. In some versions, at least the vault floor is lined with a liner that has a low coefficient of friction and is corrosive resistant. The source of suction may be a vacuum hose of a vacuum truck.

Abstract: A baffle system for use in a clarifier tank, having a tank bottom and a periphery and a substantially vertical peripheral wall bounding the interior of the tank, has a plurality of baffles mounted on the peripheral wall of the clarifier tank. each baffle has an upper baffle surface with a lower end and an upper end. The upper end of the upper baffle portion is coupled to the side wall of the clarifier tank wall. The lower end of the upper baffle portion is disposed. at a substantially 60° angle away from the side wall of the clarifier tank such that the upper baffle surface slopes downwardly and away from the side wall.

Abstract: The circular clarifier cleaning system includes a mainframe to which all various components are attached for the prevention of growth and accumulation of the algae and debris. The components within the system include gravity-driven, horizontal and vertical sweeping chains. The outer trough wall, V-notch weirs, baffle plate wall, and inner baffle plate wall are all cleaned utilizing a rotating chain system device. Two main drag chains are used to clean the effluent trough and the overflow in the overflow wall after the V-notch weirs. An individual chain is utilized as a “garland” to clean the V-notch weirs at the overflow. The circular clarifier cleaning system is driven by an existing skimmer arm found on all secondary clarifiers.

Abstract: An extraction system and process for extracting bitumen from a slurry containing bitumen, solids and water. The system comprises a cyclone separation facility for separating the slurry into a solids component stream and a bitumen froth stream with the bitumen froth stream including water and fine solids. The bitumen froth stream is then delivered to a froth concentration facility for separating the bitumen froth stream into a final bitumen enriched froth stream, and a water and fine solids stream. The final bitumen enriched froth stream is suitable for further processing. The system of the present invention is preferably mobile so that the cyclone extraction facility and the froth concentration facility can move with the mine face at an oil sands mining site, however, it is also contemplated that the system can be retrofitted to existing fixed treatment facilities to improve the operational efficiency of such fixed facilities.

Abstract: The circular clarifier cleaning system includes a mainframe to which all various components are attached for the prevention of growth and accumulation of the algae and debris. The components within the system include gravity-driven, horizontal and vertical sweeping chains. The outer trough wall, V-notch weirs, baffle plate wall, and inner baffle plate wall are all cleaned utilizing a rotating chain system device. Two main drag chains are used to clean the effluent trough and the overflow in the overflow wall after the V-notch weirs. An individual chain is utilized as a “garland” to clean to the V-notch weirs at the overflow. The circular clarifier cleaning system is driven by an existing skimmer arm found on all secondary clarifiers.

Abstract: A baffle system for a clarifier tank where the tank has a tank bottom, a periphery and a substantially vertical peripheral wall bounding the interior of the tank, said tank having an effluent channel. The baffle system includes a plurality of baffles mounted on the clarifier tank, each baffle having a baffle surface with a lower end and an upper end. The upper end of the baffle surface is coupled to a wall of the clarifier tank, the lower end of the baffle surface is disposed at a substantially 60° angle away from the side wall of the clarifier tank such that the baffle surface slopes downwardly and away from the side wall.

Abstract: An extraction system and process for extracting bitumen from a slurry containing bitumen, solids and water. The system comprises a cyclone separation facility for separating the slurry into a solids component stream and a bitumen froth stream with the bitumen froth stream including water and fine solids. The bitumen froth stream is then delivered to a froth concentration facility for separating the bitumen froth stream into a final bitumen enriched froth stream, and a water and fine solids stream. The final bitumen enriched froth stream is suitable for further processing. The system of the present invention is preferably mobile so that the cyclone extraction facility and the froth concentration facility can move with the mine face at an oil sands mining site, however, it is also contemplated that the system can be retrofitted to existing fixed treatment facilities to improve the operational efficiency of such fixed facilities.

Abstract: A density current baffle for use in a clarifier tank has a first baffle portion having a lower end, an upper end and an intermediate central portion. The lower end of the baffle portion is coupled to a side wall of the clarifier tank, the upper end of the baffle portion is disposed, at a predefined angle, away from the side wall of the clarifier tank such that the first baffle portion slopes upwardly and away from the side wall. The upper end is configured to receive a mounting bracket having a first end coupled to the end flange and a second end coupled to the side wall of the tank wall. The mounting bracket is a downwardly sloping panel member which together with the first baffle portion form a substantially closed baffle, so that solid materials may be prevented from building up behind the upwardly sloping central baffle portion.

Abstract: A baffle system in a clarifier tank having a tank bottom, a periphery, a substantially vertical peripheral wall bounding the interior of the tank and an effluent channel includes a plurality of baffles mounted on the clarifier tank. Each baffle has a baffle surface with a lower end and an upper end. The upper end is coupled to a wall of the clarifier tank and the lower end is disposed at a substantially 60° angle away from the side wall of the clarifier tank such that the baffle surface slopes downwardly and away from the side wall.

Abstract: A baffle system for use in a clarifier tank, having a tank bottom and a periphery and a substantially vertical peripheral wall bounding the interior of the tank, has a plurality of baffles mounted on the peripheral wall of the clarifier tank, each baffle has an upper baffle surface with a lower end and an upper end. The upper end of the upper baffle portion is coupled to the side wall of the clarifier tank wall. The lower end of the upper baffle portion is disposed at a substantially 60° angle away from the side wall of the clarifier tank such that the upper baffle surface slopes downwardly and away from the side wall.

Abstract: A density current baffle for use in a clarifier tank maintains a first baffle portion having a lower end, an upper end and an intermediate central portion. The lower end of the baffle portion is coupled to a side wall of the clarifier tank and the upper end of the baffle portion is disposed, at a predefined angle, away from the side wall of the clarifier tank such that the first baffle portion slopes upwardly and away from the side wall.

Abstract: A gravitational separation device for purifying water includes a basin for receiving and holding the water. The basin includes an internal wall. At least one supply channel is provided to the periphery of the basin for providing water to the basin. A plurality of openings is provided in a bottom or floor portion of the supply channel. Disposed under the openings is a plurality of deflector plates. A skirt spaced from the internal wall of the basin is inclined towards the interior of the basin at an angle of approximately 5° to 80°. A discharge channel is provided for discharging liquid from the basin, and there is also provided a device for discharging suspended particles.

Abstract: The improved circular secondary clarifier of the present invention requires less surface area and low HRT and provides efficient solids-liquid separation. The improved clarifier has better SS and BOD reduction and provides high under flow solids concentrations, as compared to conventional secondary clarifiers. The improved clarifier is even capable of treating wastewaters containing low MLSS concentration. One of the biggest advantages of improved clarifier is that it does not require a separate sump cum pump house as it removes the settled sludge using suction mechanism thereby reduces capital and recurring cost. Further, it provides natural flocculation, which is essential for agglomeration of solids and increases particle size referred to as ‘floc’ and eliminates provision for a separate flocculation facility thereby reduces capital and recurring costs.

Abstract: A grit chamber for a wastewater treatment plant. A vertical floodgate is installed on a partitioning wall and is driven in a vertical direction to be opened downwardly from a top toward a bottom. A floodgate driving motor is coupled to one end of the vertical floodgate to directly drive the vertical floodgate. An inflow amount measurement sensor functions to stepwisely measure a flow amount of wastewater which passes through a wastewater tank. A control section is connected to the floodgate driving motor and the inflow amount measurement sensor to control the floodgate driving motor in response to a measurement result of the inflow amount measurement sensor. A wastewater level is adjusted within a predetermined range through operation of the vertical floodgate to maintain a constant flow velocity of wastewater which passes through a sand sedimentation zone, thereby preventing organic material which is contained in the wastewater and is other than sand, from sedimenting.

Abstract: The invention provides an extraction device (1) for liquid suspensions and pulps and is designed for use in the field of mineral processing. The extraction device includes two adjacent upstream and downstream concentric chambers (2) and (3) defining a feedwell (4). The feedwell is centrally located upstream of a third chamber in the form of a thickening tank (5). All three chambers are in sequential unidirectional fluid flow relationship such that feed liquid flows firstly from chamber (2) to chamber (3) and then to the tank (5).

Abstract: A cover system for a clarifier tank having a combined effluent and influent trough separated by a dividing wall. The cover system includes a mounting bracket attached to an inboard wall of the influent trough and at least one openable cover panel attached to the mounting bracket. An opposite support bracket is located on the dividing wall between the influent and the effluent troughs, where the cover panel covers the effluent channel and is openable for cleaning of the effluent channel.

Abstract: A density current baffle for use in a clarifier tank has a first baffle portion having a lower end, an upper end and an intermediate central portion. The lower end of the baffle portion is coupled to a side wall of the clarifier tank. The upper end of the baffle portion being disposed away from the side wall of the clarifier tank. The intermediate central portion between the lower end and the upper end, the baffle portion is curved such that the upper end curves inward towards the center of the tank.

Abstract: A fluid inlet for waste water treatment equipment adapted to dissipate energy of a fluid that flows through the fluid inlet. The fluid inlet includes a bottom wall, a side wall and a plurality of spaced apart ports. The ports are in fluid communication with a chamber formed by the bottom wall and the side wall. Directional deflectors are respectively associated with each port. The directional deflectors of adjacent pairs of ports direct respective flows of fluid from the adjacent pair of ports toward one another such that the respective fluid flows from adjacent pairs of ports impinge upon one another and thereby dissipate energy.

Abstract: A feedwell assembly for a thickener/clarifier including a feedwell body, at least one feed channel connected at a downstream end to the body, and a plate member disposed in the feed channel for separating froth from an incoming slurry stream to where the separated froth may be dissipated by a liquid spray directed onto the plate member. The plate member may include a planar upstream portion inclined upwardly from an upstream end of the plate member and may further include a planar downstream portion inclined downwardly from a downstream end of the upstream portion. At least one spray nozzle may be disposed above an elevated portion of the plate member so as to direct a liquid spray onto the plate member in a region about the joint, for further dissipating froth guided onto the plate member.

Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for treating drilling fluid by passing the fluid through a separator including a clarifying zone and a thickening zone, the clarifying zone having inclined plates and the thickening zone having at least one wall with an angle of less than about 60°. The separator may optionally include an agglomeration zone and a removal zone.

Abstract: A cover system for a clarifier tank having a combined effluent and influent trough separated by a dividing wall. The cover system includes a mounting bracket attached to an inboard wall of the influent trough and at least one openable cover panel attached to the mounting bracket. An opposite support bracket is located on the dividing wall between the influent and the effluent troughs, where the cover panel covers the effluent channel and is openable for cleaning of the effluent channel.

Abstract: A cover arrangement for an inboard launder channel includes at least one cover panel positioned over the inboard launder channel, having a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion. A first cover support bracket is coupled to a first upper side wall of the inboard launder channel and a second cover support bracket is coupled to a second upper side wall of the inboard launder channel. The first attachment portion is coupled at a first end to the first cover support bracket and at a second upper end is angled, inward towards the center of the inboard launder channel. The second attachment portion is coupled at a first end to the second cover support bracket and at a second upper end is angled, inward towards the center of the inboard launder channel. This allows a user to open the cover panel upward and away from one of the side walls of the inboard launder channel so as to clean the inside of the channel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating components of slurries by gravity settling thereby forming a thickened slurry and a clarified liquid. The apparatus comprises a vessel for decanting a volume of slurry, the vessel having a top and an interior formed by a side wall and a bottom wall for holding the slurry, a slurry inlet means, an outlet for the clarified liquid near the top of the vessel, and a slurry withdrawal apparatus for removal of the thickened slurry from the vessel at or near the bottom wall thereof. The slurry withdrawal apparatus physically engages a portion of the slurry within the vessel interior and transports it through a vessel outlet.

Abstract: A cover arrangement for an inboard launder channel includes at least one cover panel positioned over the inboard launder channel, having a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion. A first cover support bracket is coupled to a first upper side wall of the inboard launder channel and a second cover support bracket is coupled to a second upper side wall of the inboard launder channel. The first attachment portion is coupled at a first end to the first cover support bracket and at a second upper end is angled, inward towards the center of the inboard launder channel. The second attachment portion is coupled at a first end to the second cover support bracket and at a second upper end is angled, inward towards the center of the inboard launder channel. This allows a user to open the cover panel upward and away from one of the side walls of the inboard launder channel so as to clean the inside of the channel.

Abstract: A tank assembly comprises a plurality of tank sections. Each tank section is capable of being connected to at least one other tank section. Each tank section is dimensioned to enable the section to be accommodated at or within a predetermined width limit for transportation by public road. A dimension of the tank directed across the sections when the tank is assembled exceeds the predetermined width limit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water purification and treatment apparatus using a combination of sedimentation, filtration, and bio-contact aeration processes, which comprises at least one rapid water purification filter having a hopper base for settled sludge and a filtering tank; at least one cylindrical settling basin for sedimentation and filtration; and at least one aeration basin having an under water and an over water bio-film contact parts, for rapidly filtering raw water or wastewater contacted with bio-contact aeration, and performing water purification and treatment.

Abstract: A density baffle assembly for use in a water treatment system is disclosed. The density baffle assembly includes a plurality of density baffles where each density baffle comprises a corrugated panel member having an upper edge, a lower edge, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side, with a corrugated pattern running across the corrugated panel member. Each density baffle also comprises a support flange integrally connected to the upper edge of the corrugated panel member. The support flange may be affixed to a wall of the water treatment system using a fastening means. Adjacent corrugated panel members may be nested together at their lateral sides and secured to each other using a fastening means.

Abstract: The Multilayer Energy Dissipating Inlet Column (MEDIC) in a center-feed clarifier consists of a plurality of perforated and concentric columns and a circular cover, which closes the bottom of the multilayer column. In the wall of each perforated column many flow inlet ports are mounted. The layout of the flow inlet ports between any two adjacent perforated columns is staggered to create a puzzled flow path and flow impingement among the layers of MEDIC. The strong influent jet due to the small inifluent area in a center-feed clarifier continuously impinges with the multilayer perforated columns one after another one. The resistance created by the multiple perforated columns slows down the influent jet and evenly distributes it among all of the inlet ports in the wall of the most outside column. The ability of MEDIC to confine the turbulence entering into clarifiers effectively lowers the dispersed sludge blanket in clarifiers and increases their capacity.

Abstract: A lift station for raising the level of an open channel flow of liquid by sweeping blades mounted to a rotated wheel into the liquid flow after entering a housing to sweep the liquid up and back along a housing interior wall and over a weir edge located well above the level of the open channel flow stream. The flow stream is caused to descend as it enters the housing through a drop to increase the flow velocity to a degree sufficient to offset the impeding effect on upstream flow of the encounter of the flow with the rotating blades. Roller bearings are mounted to the inside of the housing to side walls to support the bladed wheel and are packed with a solid lubricant to insure a long service life despite being exposed to the liquid and debris entrained therein. A reverse rotation device positively prevents a backwards rotation of the wheel to prevent damage to the blades. The wheel is driven by a motor mounted in a housing tray affixed to one side wall driving a drive shaft penetrating the side wall.

Abstract: A tank assembly is disclosed having a plurality of tank sections each capable of being connected to at least one other tank section, wherein each tank section has a dimension that enables the section to be accommodated at or within a predetermined width limit for transportation by public road, and wherein a dimension of the tank directly across the sections when the tank is assembled exceeds said predetermined width limit.

Abstract: A clarifier is provided with an improved inlet structure which receives influent from influent column ports and discharges the influent uniformly around the entire circumference of the inlet structure. The influent column ports may be baffled. Angled guide vanes on the inlet structure reduce the flow energy and effect a tangential flow into a feedwell in the basin. The feedwell may be conical to further reduce the velocities and create an outward flow to counteract inward flows in the basin.

Abstract: The invention provides a flotation device including a thickening tank (1) having right cylindrical sidewalls and a downwardly sloping frusto-conical floor. A drive shaft (2) is centrally rotatably mounted within the tank. Each one of a plurality of rake arms (3) is fixedly connected to the drive shaft and extends radially outwardly, substantially parallel to the tank floor. Each arm supports an array of blades (4) extending axially into the tank. An array of baffles in the form of rectilinear baffle plates (5), fixed relative to the tank, extends axially into the tank in complementary alternate radially spaced relationship with the blades (4). The baffle plates are located within the swept volume of the blades to retard fluid rotation in response to the rotation of the rake. A diametrical service bridge (6) is fixedly connected to the tank for mounting the baffle plates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of clarifying and/or thickening a solution containing solids i.e. a slurry, and the apparatus for accomplishing this. Using the method and apparatus of the present invention, the flocculant to be fed into the clarification and thickening equipment is mixed evenly and with a small shear force into the slurry in the feedwell of the apparatus. The feedwell is equipped with a mixing device. The slurry is taken onwards from the feedwell evenly into the clarification tank inside the underflow layer, which enables the separation of a clear overflow solution.

Abstract: A method of treating liquid including mixing coagulant with the liquid, introducing mixed coagulant and liquid into a primary reaction zone, containing an agitator, of a reactor which is substantially concentrically positioned with respect to a secondary reaction zone of the reactor, introducing flocculant into the primary reaction zone at a location between the agitator and where the mixed coagulant and liquid are introduced into the primary reaction zone, mixing the mixed coagulant and liquid with the flocculant and causing the resulting mixture to flow into the secondary reaction zone, introducing an encapsulating agent into the secondary reaction zone, recirculating the liquid and encapsulated flocs through the primary and secondary reaction zone, and passing the liquid and encapsulated flocs outwardly of the reactor, and an apparatus for treating liquids including a reactor, a draft tube substantially concentrically positioned within the reactor and being positioned such that the liquids may flow inwardl