Abstract: Apparatus and methods for continuous sedimentation-type separation of solids from liquids of a feed slurry in a thickener-clarifier-type tank operated by overflow removal of clarified liquid and underflow removal of a concentrated underflow slurry by using a flocculant in a zone of intense mechanical agitation provided by a rotatable impeller rotated at tip speeds of between approximately 300 to 600 feet per minute to produce relatively small, bead-like floccules directly above the concentrated underflow slurry.

Abstract: A complete filter system mounted on a support platform that can be supported on a flat bed truck and transported over a highway including a vacuum receiver having a plurality of flat wall portions so that each cross-sectional configuration thereof is generally rectangular in shape.

Abstract: A rotary disc filter machine having a rigid scraper blade member supported on radially innermost and outermost circumferentially extending side surfaces of a filter disc unit by cake scraping and blade supporting shoe devices mounted on the radially innermost and outermost end portions of the scraper blade member, the radially innermost end portion of the scraper blade member having a pivotal connection relative to the tank means to enable axial movement of the blade member with the filter disc unit caused by wobble of the filter disc unit while being mounted in a fixed rigid adjusted position relative to the filter disc unit by mounting bracket devices enabling various radial, circumferential, and axial adjustments of the scraper blade position and gap relative to the filter disc unit which is axially confined at the radially outermost portion thereof by guide and abutment devices mounted on the side wall plates of the cake removal slots.

Abstract: A method and system for use with rotary vacuum filters having a plurality of circumferentially spaced filter segments, for selectively applying blower air to the filter segments at predetermined rotational positions at which relatively unrestricted openings to the valve ports are provided to thereby blow the filter segments, and for bypassing the stream of blower air to the atmosphere when the filter segments are not blown. The apparatus for practicing the invention may also include a blow-back trap for trapping excessive amounts of residual blow-back filtrate during blowing of the filter segments.

Abstract: An automatic control is disclosed to keep rotary vacuum filter slurry feed below an upper overflow level and above a lower prime level in a continuous operation in closed circuit with at least one rotary separation stage comprising the slurry feed supply and into which excess filtrate is returned to maintain a predetermined slurry level at filtration. An operator regulates speed of separator rotation in accordance with measurement of level to provide selected speed of rotation for longest dry time for lowest cake moisture.

Abstract: Disc filter assembly in which a plurality of filter discs are mounted on common shaft for rotation to selectively dispose disc surfaces under vacuum in a confined body of slurry through a portion of said rotation and to discharge formed cake from said surfaces by "blow" action through another portion of rotation. Each disc has plurality of sectors in sequential arrangement circumferentially of shaft mounted on a hollow center shaft and communicating with passage-defining means controlled by a valve at the end of the shaft. A connector having a curved passage establishes communication between a disc sector and the passage-defining means which it connects by externally applied welding.

Abstract: In mechanical filters, structure is provided for mounting a string-like member in closely spaced relation to its moving filter medium. At least one pick mounted on a rotating shaft is provided for periodically plucking the string-like member so that the string-like member vibrates against the filter medium. A rod mounted perpendicular to the path of movement of the filter medium past the string-like member acts as a guide to prevent the pick from catching the string-like member and controls the vibration of the string-like member in a plane substantially perpendicular to the path of movement of the filter medium thereby to obtain the most effect of the impact. The vibration or slapping of the string-like member against the filter medium causes filter cake formed thereon to be detached therefrom or to be compacted. In a belt-type of drum filter, the string-like member is preferably located between the breaker and discharge rolls.