Abstract The removal of organic and other solids from a dilute aqueous suspension, such as the secondary effluent from a sewage treatment plant, is accomplished by passing the effluent through a rotating fabric in a chamber, which results in depositing solids on the fabric that serves as a filter. Located within the chamber and disposed immediately adjacent the filter are ultrasonic transducers that function to remove the solids from the filter by setting up vibrations. The solids so removed are directed through a solids discharge pipe positioned adjacent the transducers. The transducer can be located in a number of positions within the chamber outside the drum, such as (1) below the level of the contaminated stream, but above the level of the clarified liquid and (2) below the liquid level of the clarified stream, or inside the drum. In the latter two positions, clarified liquid may move outwardly to assist in carrying away the solids removed from the screen.
Apparatus for removing solids from an aqueous suspension of the same in a tank having an inlet for said aqueous suspension and an outlet for clarified aqueous medium, means for maintaining a difference in level between the aqueous suspension and the clarified medium, a rotatably driven drum in said tank, screen means mounted about said drum in said tank between the inlet and outlet and positioned to filter out solids as the suspension flows therebetween, ultrasonic means disposed adjacent the screen in said tank adjacent the lower region of the drum for removing solids disposed thereon, means disposed immediately adjacent said ultrasonic means for directing the solids loosened from the screen outwardly from the tank and means for providing a seal between said screen and the means for directing the solids loosened from this screen outwardly from said tank to more accurately control the amount of aqueous suspension used for directing the solids away from the screen.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
123 words
Apparatus for removing solids from an aqueous suspension of the same in a tank having an inlet for said aqueous suspension and an outlet for clarified aqueous medium, movable screen means mounted in said tank between the inlet and outlet and positioned to filter out solids as the suspension flows therebetween, ultrasonic means disposed adjacent the screen in said tank for removing solids disposed thereon and means disposed adjacent said ultrasonic means for directing the solids loosened from said screen outwardly from said tank including a discharge pipe which has an adjustable portion that can be positioned to regulate the spacing between the pipe and the screen means to control the amount of aqueous suspension that will flow out of the discharge pipe.