Abstract: A method of removing sediment from the bottom of a settling collects the sediment from the compressed Zone IV layer of sediment adjacent the floor of the settling tank. The process utilizes a fabricated metal sludge collection system having a central truck and a pair of triangularly shaped header wings extending laterally to each side of the central truck. The header wings have an open throat that allows the passage of the Zone IV sediment layer into the header wing, while the diagonally oriented, rearwardly extending side edges of the header wing have elastomeric sweeps attached to prevent the sediment from passing out of the header wing. The sweeps accumulate the sediment at the rearwardly trailing apex of the header wing where a pump extracts the accumulated sediment remotely from the settling tank. A T-connector is formed with a baffle to improve the discharge of sediment from the header wings.

Abstract: A sludge collection system operates in a submerged state at the bottom of a settling tank to remove sediment therefrom. The cable-driven sludge collection system utilizes a fabricated metal header wing formed in a triangular shape and connected to a central truck by a pivot pin. The header wings are supported on the floor of the settling tank by wheels to support the weight of the header wings. The front edge is open and unrestricted to allow the passage of the Zone IV sediment layer into the header wing, while the rearward, diagonally-oriented side edges of the header wings have elastomeric sweeps attached to prevent the sediment from passing out of the header wing and cause an accumulation of sediment at the rearward apex. The central truck includes pre-tensioned, spring-loaded connection plates for attachment to a cable drive mechanism for powering the movement of the truck and header wings.

Abstract: A sludge collection system is mounted on the floor of a settling tank to remove sediment therefrom. The sludge collection system includes a pair of triangularly shaped header wings oriented with the apex at the rear. The front edge of the header wings are open to collect the sludge from the compressed zone along the floor of the settling tank while the rearward edges leading to the apex are provided with elastomeric sweeps to help move the collected sludge into the apex for removal therefrom. The header wings operate to consolidate the collected sludge into the apex where a pump extracts the sludge for discharge through flexible hoses. The connector combining the two hoses from the pumps incorporates an internal baffle to separate to two inlet ports through to the discharge port. The sludge collection system is moved along the floor of the settling tank by a cable drive mechanism.