Patent ID: 7527726
Filing Date: 2009-05-05
Classification: B01D,E21B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for treating fluid comprising solids and liquids to produce clarified fluid, comprising: (a) an agglomeration zone having an inlet for receiving the fluid and at least one fluid outlet, the agglomeration zone comprising an energy displacement sub-zone including a flow path obstacle disposed therein in substantially facing relation to the fluid inlet and having two ends, operative to turbulently mix an agglomerant with the fluid to agglomerate a portion of the solids therein while dissipating the energy of the fluid said at least one fluid outlet disposed proximately perpendicular to at least one of said ends; (b) a clarification zone in fluid communication with the outlet of the agglomeration zone, the clarification zone comprising a plurality of spaced apart clarifying plates to promote the settling of the solids from the clarification zone to produce clarified fluid; and (c) a thickening zone disposed below and in fluid communication with the clarification zone for receiving the settling solids and comprising at least one wall defining a downwardly diminishing cross-sectional area; wherein the outlet of the agglomeration zone directs the fluid to exit the agglomeration zone towards the plurality of clarifying plates.