Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing growth of precipitates in systems requiring separation of undesirable contaminants. Cane sugar juice, as exemplary, is introduced at an elevated temperature into an apparatus having means for separately introducing chemical treating agents, such as milk of lime and coagulants. The juice flows through a treating zone where the agents are introduced, into a holding zone and over a dispersion cone before being withdrawn from the holding zone by a siphoning means. The dispersion cone and holding zone bottom permit rapid growth of the insoluble particles while simultaneously diverting the flow direction gently so as to prevent breakup of the particles. The flow down through the treating zone, over the dispersion cone, down the conical holding zone bottom, and back up the siphoning means permits sufficient residence time for rapid growth of the insoluble particles so that coagulants need not be added in the subsequent clarification process.