Abstract: A hindered-settling fluid classifier is adapted for processing material aggregate in a liquid medium. The fluid classifier includes a classifier tank defined by walls designed for holding the liquid medium, and comprising a sink fraction chamber and a float fraction chamber, and a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. An elongated rising current column is vertically mounted within the sink fraction chamber, and adapted for extending below a surface of the liquid medium held therein. The rising current column has open upper and lower ends, and defines an aggregate entry between its upper and lower ends for receiving material aggregate into the classifier tank. A float fraction reservoir is located above the sink fraction chamber, and communicates with the open upper end of the rising current column. An overflow passage communicates with the float fraction reservoir, and is adapted for directing the liquid medium outwardly from the reservoir and into the float fraction chamber.

Abstract: A hindered-settling fluid classifier is adapted for processing material aggregate in a liquid medium. The fluid classifier includes a classifier tank defined by walls designed for holding the liquid medium, and comprising a sink fraction chamber and a float fraction chamber, and a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. An elongated rising current column is vertically mounted within the sink fraction chamber, and adapted for extending below a surface of the liquid medium held therein. The rising current column has open upper and lower ends, and defines an aggregate entry between its upper and lower ends for receiving material aggregate into the classifier tank. A float fraction reservoir is located above the sink fraction chamber, and communicates with the open upper end of the rising current column. An overflow passage communicates with the float fraction reservoir, and is adapted for directing the liquid medium outwardly from the reservoir and into the float fraction chamber.

Abstract: A hindered-settling fluid classifier is adapted for processing aggregate entrained in a flowing slurry. The classifier includes a classifier tank defined by walls, and having an inlet at its upstream end and an outlet at its downstream end. A slurry feed pipe is connected to the tank inlet for introducing the aggregate slurry into the classifier tank for processing. A plurality of laterally-extending flow control doors are spaced apart along a length of the classifier tank, and are adapted for interrupting flow of the aggregate slurry downstream from the tank inlet to the tank outlet. The doors define respective material settling zones each located a progressively greater distance downstream from the tank inlet. At least one water line is provided for generating an upwardly rising current in each of the material settling zones to control the settling velocity of aggregate floating downwardly towards a base of the classifier tank.