Patent ID: 9434631
Filing Date: 2016-09-06
CPC Classification: B01D,C02F

Claim Text:
1. An apparatus for removing sludge from a reservoir of liquid having a reservoir floor comprising: an elongated and downwardly opening enclosure having length with a first end and a second end and forming a cavity with an edge portion extending along the length of said enclosure, said enclosure having opposite edge portions, said enclosure further having a cavity downwardly facing surface, said flow direction device having an upwardly facing surface opposed to said cavity surface defining a channel through which liquid and sludge from said inlets flow; means on said enclosure and said edge portion forming inlets between said enclosure and said floor for sludge and liquid in said reservoir to flow into said cavity; gas emitters extending along the length of said edge portion operable to emit gas into said cavity of said enclosure drawing liquid and sludge via said inlets into said cavity; an outlet leading from said cavity for liquid and sludge to flow out of said enclosure; and, a liquid pump connected to said outlet to move said liquid and sludge from said cavity; and a flow direction device positioned within said cavity between said edge portions directing the liquid and sludge upwardly within said cavity; and, a booster gas emitter mounted to and extending atop and along the length of said flow direction device emitting gas to assist flow of liquid and sludge toward said second end and said outlet.