Abstract: A method and apparatus for liquid solid separation of liquid effluents or wastewater containing pollutant particles in a suspension. A vessel defining a reactor for receiving and containing a flow of the liquid effluent or wastewater has an inverted lower distribution cone defining a coagulation zone into which the flow is injected toward the apex of the cone at the bottom of the reactor to provoke an intense mixing of the polluted or contaminated liquid with a water-soluble chemical alkaline agent added to the injected flow externally of the reactor as required to control the pH of the injected liquid. The reactor has a wider volume above and contiguous with the lower coagulation zone and is dimensioned for effectively defining a flocculation zone, and an upper part of the reactor defines a turbulence-free volume above the flocculation zone and contiguous therewith for settling of flocculant comprising the coalesced contaminant particles and the separation of solids and liquids.

Abstract: The invention involves a process for the flocculation of matter suspended in water. According to the invention, the water is passed through a granular medium in a fluidized bed, without prior saturation of the granular medium in a fixed bed, and flocculated aggregates are collected downstream and subjected to settling or some other liquid/solid separation procedure, in order to obtain an effluent which is partially freed of its pollution.

Abstract: The invention involves a process for the flocculation of matter suspended in water.According to the invention, the water is passed through a granular medium in a fluidized bed, without prior saturation of the granular medium in a fixed bed, and flocculated aggregates are collected downstream and subjected to settling or some other liquid/solid separation procedure, in order to obtain an effluent which is partially freed of its pollution.

Abstract: According to the invention, the enclosure (1) contains a granular material (4) having a specific mass less, or respectively greater than that of the liquid to be treated. When the liquid is admitted through an upper inlet line (2), a granular bed is formed at the bottom of the enclosure (1) or at the upper part thereof and the colloidal particles form aggregates there. When the supply of liquid to be treated is interrupted, the granular material rises to the upper, respectively lower, part of the enclosure (1) and releases the aggregates formed, which can be recovered.

Abstract: Method for flocculating microscopic particles in suspension in a liquid and application to the collection of phytoplankton microalgae and of zooplankton and for the purification of used water.One passes a first liquid comprising microscopic particles in suspension through a fixed granular layer (2) up to partial or complete clogging of said granular material by said microscopic particles; one unclogs at least partially said granular material in a fixed layer by passing a second liquid therethrough, moving in the same direction as the first liquid, but at a higher speed than the first; and one recovers below said layer flocculated aggregates of said microscopic particles and a liquid outflow (6).