Abstract: A tube settler improves separation performance by dividing flow path of a fluid to be treated into a multiplicity of tubular passages to achieve fluid stream commutation and to reduce the distance which a suspended particle has to fall increasing a settling area. A critical upward-flow rate for avoiding obstructions to precipitation of the suspended particle without turbulence depends on the cross-sectional configuration of the tubular passage. A tubular passage of triangular, circular, hexagonal or rhombic configuration is disadvantageous because the height or distance from top to bottom differs from part to part across the vertical section of the passage.This invention provides a tube settler or multitube separator having a tube-nest assembly for passing the fluid to be treated therethrough. And, inclined tubular passages of the tube settler are an approximate boomerang cross-section.

Abstract: A tube settler improves separation performance by dividing flow path of a fluid to be treated into a multiplicity of tubular passages to achieve fluid stream commutation and to reduce the distance which a suspended particle has to fall increasing a settling area. A critical upward-flow rate for avoiding obstructions to precipitation of the suspended particle without turbulence depends on the cross-sectional configuration of the tubular passage. A tubular passage of triangular, circular, hexagonal or rhombic configulation is disadvantageous because the height or distance from top to bottom differs from part to part across the vertical section of the passage.This invention provides a tube settler or multitube separator having a tube-nest assembly for passing the fluid to be treated therethrough. And, inclined tubular passages of the tube settler are an approximate boomerang cross-section.