Patent ID: 6536606
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A sludge collector for use with a circular clarifier including a tank having a bottom and a wall extending upwardly from the bottom, the tank being configured to contain a solution and allow sludge to settle from the solution to the bottom of the tank, the sludge collector comprising:a withdrawal manifold at the bottom of the tank; a scraper assembly extending from the withdrawal manifold toward the wall of the tank and for moving the settled sludge toward the withdrawal manifold; and an entrapment plate extending between the withdrawal manifold and the scraper assembly to trap sludge between the withdrawal manifold and the scraper assembly and funnel the trapped sludge into the withdrawal manifold, wherein the entrapment plate includes at least three sides and including a first side coupled to the withdrawal manifold, a second side coupled to the scraper assembly, and a third side connected to one of the first and second sides.