Abstract: An upflow liquid clarifier for treating a liquid that contains dissolved or suspended solids has a lower chamber with two curved ends connected by a straight section, a centrally-disposed dividing wall extending upwardly from that lower chamber, and an outer wall that extends upwardly and outwardly from the lower chamber. Inlets in communication with the lower chamber provide entry for liquid, which rises in a helical motion through the clarifier. Motion of the water establishes a sludge blanket, through which clarified water rises and can be removed from near the top of the clarifier. A sludge removal structure allows the continuous or periodic removal of sludge.

Abstract: An upflow water clarifier for treating a liquid that contains dissolved or suspended solids has a central pier disposed in the center of a conical section angled at an angle of about 40 degrees to about 60 degrees with respect to the horizontal. Water enters the clarifier at the bottom and is removed at the top. The central pier bears at least part of the weight of an observation deck and includes a mechanism for discharging sludge from the clarifier. The pier can also house both a sludge discharge line and an effluent withdrawal line, and as a support for a radial trough used to collect the effluent. The pier may also serve as an aid during construction.

Abstract: An upflow liquid clarifier for treating a liquid that contains dissolved or suspended solids has a lower chamber with an annular shape, an inner wall extending upwardly and inwardly from that lower chamber, and an outer wall that extends upwardly and outwardly from the lower chamber. Inlets in communication with the lower chamber provide entry for liquid, which rises in a helical motion through the clarifier. Motion of the water establishes a sludge blanket, through which clarified water rises and can be removed from near the top of the clarifier. A sludge removal structure allows the continuous or periodic removal of sludge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which provide enhanced solids-contacting vessel performance in which untreated liquid is injected into a lower portion of the vessel so as to flow in substantially helical and upward directions, solids separating from the untreated liquid into a suspended and rotating sludge blanket. The apparatus includes devices for withdrawing effluent from the vessel from a variety of locations depending upon the flow characteristics of the liquid in the vessel. The apparatus may include a radial weir trough that can be moved vertically within the vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which provide enhanced solids-contacting vessel performance in a vessel in which untreated liquid is injected into a lower portion of the vessel so as to flow in a substantially helical and upward direct to separate the solids from the liquid in a suspended, rotating sludge blanket. The vessel is equipped with an adjustable weir extending substantially radially form the vessel center to its peripheral wall for withdrawing effluent from the vessel from a variety of locations depending upon the flow velocity characteristics of the liquid in the vessel.