Abstract: A treatment system for a wastewater influent containing having a facultative tank with a vertically disposed lower anaerobic treatment zone, a middle microaerophilic treatment zone and an upper aerobic treatment zone. A baffle extends vertically in the tank in at least portions of said upper and middle zones to define a vertically extending influent section to receive the influent and an effluent section. The heavier biosolid components of the wastewater received in the influent section drop from the bottom thereof into the lower anaerobic zone for treatment and the lighter components exiting from the influent section flow into the effluent section to rise therein and be treated as they flow upwardly through said microaerophilic and aerobic zones. A lift tube for an inlet above the anaerobic zone and lifts liquid and lighter solid components into the air for aeration and flow back into the influent section. To improve efficiency, biosolids are added to the wastewater.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of creating circulation of a mixture containing solid waste and water such as sludge and separating these components. The apparatus includes a tank housing, in inverted funnel-like element within the housing for constricting upward flow of a gasborne mixture, a trapped gas pocket for degassing the gasborne mixture, a containment element interposed between an effluent weir and the inverted funnel for directing downward and outward flow of the degassed mixture, and a deflecting surface in the path of the downward flow to promote settling of the solids from the degassed mixture and for allowing clarified water to rise within the containment element and the tank housing to reach the effluent weir. For aerobic treatment, a diffuser is arranged within the inverted funnel to supply air or gas to create upward flow of the gasborne mixture.