Liquid purification or separation – Gravitational separator – Material supply distributor
Patent
1995-08-28
1997-08-19
Upton, Christopher
Liquid purification or separation
Gravitational separator
Material supply distributor
210521, 210525, 210540, B01D 2100
Patent
active
056584610
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The invention relates to sedimentation apparatus, particularly to such apparatus including a lamella separator.
It will be understood that the expression lamella separator used herein refers to a pack, set, cassette or the like of spaced plates of undulating configuration, adjacent plates being joined at the crests of the undulations to provide channels through which a liquid can flow, the flow being generally laminar. Such separators are usually arranged so that the channels are inclined to the vertical, and a liquid usually containing solids in suspension is passed through channels from the lower end to the upper end (as considered in use) so that solids separate from the liquid and fall back under gravity down the channels to the lower end of the lamella separator, which lower end thus also provides an outlet for separated solids as well as an inlet for liquid containing solids. The upper end of the separator then forms an outlet for liquid from which solids have been substantially removed by passage through the separator.
There may be more than one separator in a sedimentation apparatus and the or each separator may be removed bodily from the apparatus.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,973,866 and EP-A-0245140 relate to lamella separators which generally seek to act on sewage, but do not provide an efficient means for separating solid contents thereof.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided sedimentation apparatus for separating solids from a liquid containing same, characterised by at least one lamella separator the flow channels of which are at an angle to the direction of flow `S` of liquid containing solids towards the inlet to the separator, characterised by distribution means comprising a channel for receiving incoming liquid containing solids and directing it downwardly through the apparatus to the inlet to the separator, by means for passing liquid containing solids to one end of the channel, and by inlet means along the channel adapted for passing said liquid from the channel towards the inlet to the separator.
The angle may be at substantially 90.degree. to said flow direction. This provides for extension of the apparatus in a modular fashion, longitudinally and/or laterally.
There may be two sets of lamella separators in the apparatus, the channel being substantially centrally situated therebetween. This provides for an efficient construction and operation.
There may be five spaced nozzles in a base of the channel. This provides for optimum distribution.
There may be means to maintain grease, fat and the like suspended in the liquid in the channel. This assists in prevention of clogging, particularly where the means may comprise a gas distribution means extending along the channel.
The distribution means may comprise a pipe in the channel with spaced air outlets. This is a relatively simple distribution means.
The pipe may be along one side of the channel, or alternatively, there may be two pipes, which may extend along both sides of the channel. Either construction provides for efficient flotation.
There may be means to remove scum from liquid in the channel. This assists in maintaining the separator clean.
The scum removal means may comprise a weir, suitably a normally submerged weir at an end of the channel opposite an inlet for the liquid. This provides for a *shearing of scum from the liquid surface.
The weir may lead to a scum receiver having a normally closed valve means which may be openable to lower the level of scum and/or liquid in the receiver, whereby the weir acts to remove the scum.
There may be separated solids receiver means of the apparatus, suitably comprising a plurality of hoppers at one end of the apparatus and means to direct the solids to the hoppers.
The means to direct the solids may comprise a scraper device. This provides for relatively efficient sludge removal.
The scraper device may comprise a frame with transverse scraper blades and means for reciprocating the scraper device.
The scraper device may be operated intermittently. This is energy-conserving.
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Thames Water Utilities Limited
Upton Christopher
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