Abstract: Apparatus for concentrating solids from a solids/liquid mixture, particularly sludge from a waste stream/flocculating polymer mixture, includes a frusto-conically shaped drum. A solids/liquid mixture is introduced through a conduit into a large end of the rotary driven conical drum. A maximum amount of the free liquid in the mixture is released from the drum through its screen side wall near the large entrance end of the drum. The solids in the drum, after initial release of the liquid therefrom, are moved during their travel to the smaller exit end of the drum where the surface movement of the drum is slower. The resulting thickened or dewatered solids are removed from the smaller end of the drum as a formed cake or in the form of thickened sludge.

Abstract: A mixer comprising a rotary driven conical drum into a large end of which sludge and flocculating polymer are introduced, constitutes a contact chamber, and is equipped with baffles and weirs. The sludge and polymer are supplied to a large end of the drum and mixing is accomplished in the large end of the drum where the surface area of the drum is moving most rapidly. Thereafter the mixing action is slowed down by travel of the mixture to the smaller end of the drum, where the surface area of the drum is moving more slowly, to build up the flocs. The sludge/polymer mixture produced in the contact chamber is then discharged through a conduit into any of various types of dewatering devices such as sludge bags, sludge strainers, sludge presses, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in drying various kinds of finely divided materials utilizing microwave heating means for heating a rotating drum through which the material to be dried is drawn by suction. The apparatus includes means for separating the dried material from the air in which it is entrained during its travel through the drum.

Abstract: A rotary driven conical drum into a large end of which sludge and a flocculating polymer are discharged, constitutes a contact chamber, and is equipped with baffles and weirs. The polymer is supplied to a large end of the drum and mixing is accomplished in the large end of the drum where the surface area of the drum is moving most rapidly. Thereafter the mixing action is slowed down by travel of the mixture to the smaller end of the drum, where the surface area of the drum is moving more slowly, to build up the flocs. The sludge/polymer mixture produced in the contact drum is then discharged through a conduit into the large end of a rotary driven conical concentrator drum. A maximum amount of the free water in the mixture is released from the concentrator drum through its screen side wall at the large end of said drum. The flocs remaining in the screen drum, after initial release of the water therefrom, are protected by their travel to the smaller end of the drum where the surface movement is slower.