Patent ID: 8641909
Filing Date: 2014-02-04
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
1. A method of separating pulp from a feed material within a tank, the method comprising the steps of: introducing the feed material into the tank; allowing the feed material to settle in the tank, allowing the pulp to form into aggregates; allowing the pulp aggregates to settle towards the bottom of the tank and form a networked layer of pulp; and applying shear substantially uniformly across a disturbance zone in an upper region of the networked layer by rotating within the disturbance zone a shearing device having a plurality of shearing elements spaced at uneven intervals with respect to each other so as to disrupt the networked pulp in the disturbance zone; thereby releasing entrained liquid from the networked pulp in the disturbance zone and increasing the relative density of the pulp below the disturbance zone.