Abstract A method and an apparatus for supplying and controlling the flow of a liquid suspension through a laminar apparatus having separate parallel sedimentation spaces formed by plate means inclined relative to the horizontal plane, wherein the suspension is supplied to the sedimentation spaces and the sediment in each of these spaces sinks downward and flows past the lower edge of the plate means down into a trough while the clarified liquid flows upwards and out through outlets provided in the upper part of the plate means. The entering suspension is distributed over all sedimentation spaces over a wide area to prevent clogging, and the distribution of the suspension to and through each and all sedimentation spaces is controlled and maintained uniform by adjusted throttling of the outflow of clarified liquid through outlets from each sedimentation space.
The method as claimed in claim 1 including the step of collecting the discharged clarified liquid and maintaining it to a level in between said variable level and said throttling level, and removing said collected clarified liquid at said in-between level.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
162 words
Apparatus for continuously treating a liquid suspension to separate clarified liquid from sediment comprising a housing a plurality of inclined parallel plate means within said housing providing a plurality of parallel inclined passags for the suspension therebetween, inlet means for the suspension extending across all said passages transversely with respect to said plate means and delivering without restriction, said inlet means extending to a level intermediate the length of said passages and delivering the suspension to said passages at said intermediate level, collecting means for receiving clarified liquid discharged from said passages, means providing for substantially uniform distribution of the suspension flowing through each of said parallel passages, said uniform-flow-providing means including meansto individually throttle and control the flow of clarified liquid from each of said parallel passages into said collecting means, said collecting means further including means for maintaining the liquid therein at a level above said throttling means, and means to withdraw the sediment while the apparatus remains in operation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 in which said throttling means comprises a plurality of apertures from each parallel passage to said collecting means, to accomplish said throttling effect.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 having stiffening means connecting adjacent plate means and extending into the suspension below said inlet means so as to extend the points of inflow of said suspension further down into said sedimentation passages.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said inlet means comprises a bottomless distributing box.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the collecting means is provided with adjustable means to maintain the discharged liquid at different levels, all above said throttling means of the liquid in the housing.