Abstract: A filter apparatus for separating solids from a liquid in a slurry, is cleaned by a jet and a sludge removal device. The filter is generally flat and has an inflow side on which the solids are deposited and an outflow side supported by a grid. The grid subdivides the outflow side into a plurality of separate injection chambers and defines a plurality of separate small regions of the filter material. The jet directs a stream of liquid through one of the injection chambers and against one of the small regions of the filter defined by the injection chamber. A cover plate is provided on the jet for engaging the grid to close one injection chamber opposite the filter material. The sludge removal device is located on the inflow side of the filter and is aligned with the jet to receive solids dislodged from the filter. The jet and sludge removal device more simultaneously and in alignment with each other to close selectively and to direct a stream of liquid through each of the injection chambers.

Abstract: In a system for separating solids from a liquid in a slurry, a filter apparatus is cleaned by a jet and a removal device. The filter is generally flat and has an inflow side on which the solids are deposited and an outflow side supported by a grid. The grid subdivides the outflow side into a plurality of separate injection chambers and defines a plurality of separate small regions of the filter. The jet directs a stream of liquid through one of the injection chambers and against one of the small regions of the filter defined by the injection chamber. A cover plate is provided on the jet for engaging the grid to close one injection chamber opposite the filter. The removal device is located on the inflow side of the filter and is aligned with the jet to receive solids dislodged from the filter. The jet and removal device move simultaneously and in alignment to close selectively and to direct a stream of liquid through each of the injection chambers.

Abstract: A sludge settling basin in which a platform is movable over the basin and supports a siphon tube having a first portion extending to adjacent the floor of the basin, a second portion extending over the basin and a third portion extending downwardly into the channel of the side wall of the basin, the material in the channel being removed by a pump with a sufficient rate for the level of liquid in the channel always to be below the level of liquid in the settling basin, so that the sludge is siphoned from the basin into the channel and is removed by the pump.