Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removal of suspended solids from water, waste water and other effluents is disclosed. The raw fluid being extracted is placed in a pressurized equalization chamber by a pumping apparatus. The fluid might be ground in advance to reduce the size of solid particles suspended therein to a manageable size. Solids can settle from the fluid before pumping into a second chamber for further setting. Chemicals are injected between the first and second chambers. The sludge recovered from from the base of the chambers can be sterilized using conventional methods, and the separated fluid discharged from the clarification chamber is further cleaned, also using conventional methods. The method and apparatus of the present replaces or supplements conventional mainframe biological treatments.

Abstract: A system for treating effluents such a sewage includes a mixing chamber and a separation chamber. In the mixing chamber various chemical additives are introduced in to the effluent and thoroughly mixed to act as a flocculent to extract the solid materials in the separating chamber. In the separating chamber the mixed materials are caused to flow longitudinally in a laminar flow condition to allow stratification of the liquid from the solid materials. In the mixing chamber there is provided a plurality of transverse baffles spaced longitudinally and rotated angularly relatively to a longitudinal axis of the tube. Each baffle has tapered holes to act as a venturi to mix the materials. In the separation chamber there is provided an auger flight rotating slowly which has holes through the flight thus generating a laminar flow to provide improved separation of the solid and the liquid components.